Lighting Guide

Lighting is one area of interior design that is very often overlooked, yet when done well, can transform a space from the ordinary to the spectacular. With advances in technology, particularly LED, there are more choices today than ever before. Traditional conventions have largely gone, and customers are now making emotional decisions that combine both design and practicality.

Our knowledgeable staff are in store or on the phone ready to help if you need detailed advice.

A successful lighting scheme is built around layering. Ceiling lights, wall lights, portable lamps, and accent lighting all work together. By switching between layers, you can control mood and ambience depending on how the space is being used.

Living Rooms

As the heart of the home, the living room needs to feel comfortable and inviting. From a relaxing evening on the sofa to hosting a party, living room lighting should cover a variety of functions.

• Statement ceiling pieces – For higher ceilings, consider a chandelier or large pendant. Even if used less frequently, they provide a decorative centrepiece and conversation starter.
• Flush and semi-flush fittings – Lower ceilings work well with these options, available in styles from period traditional to ultra-modern LED.
• Table and floor lamps – Create a cosier ambience when relaxing, offering flexibility in placement and mood.
• Accent lighting – Picture lights and wall lights draw subtle attention to specific room elements and add visual interest.
• Layered approach – Combine multiple lighting types to switch between practical and dramatic control over mood and ambience depending on how the space is being used.

Hall, Stairs and Landing

Hallways are commonly the main thoroughfares of the home connecting one area to the other. Consider these options based on your ceiling height:

• Lower ceilings – Choose a flush style fitting that fits close to the ceiling to allow suitable clearance. Alternatively, many customers choose recessed spotlights or wall lights in place of conventional ceiling lights with great success.
• Higher ceilings – Modern pendants or traditional hallway lanterns can be installed for dramatic effect.
• Open galleried stairwells – An opportunity to create a real statement exists with the wide variety of dramatic spiral and cascading pendants that light the entire length of the staircase.

Kitchen

The modern kitchen often acts as the hub of the home where lighting needs to be both functional and decorative. Here's how to light your kitchen effectively:

• Under cupboard lighting – Address cupboards over work surfaces first. This layer of lighting provides good illumination for food preparation and prevents shadows being cast on to the work surface.
• Overhead lighting – Recessed down lighters are a popular choice due to their ability to deliver light across the whole ceiling surface area. Where recessed lighting isn't possible, consider directional fittings to get light where it's needed.
• LED alternatives – Modern stylish LED alternatives to conventional fluorescent tubes offer more uniform light distribution for those who prefer it.
• Kitchen island pendants – A common feature of modern kitchen design, the island is where you can introduce real style. Install pendants in twos, threes or fours, hung much lower than standard fittings to create drama and accentuate the feature. If multiple cable feeds aren't possible, many ranges offer multiple pendants in a row requiring just one feed.

Dining Room

Dining tables offer the perfect opportunity to add drama without sacrificing practicality. Whether in a self-contained room or part of a kitchen diner space, consider these lighting solutions:

• Feature light positioning – Hang fittings lower over the dining table than in conventional spaces where people pass underneath. This creates real visual impact and gets the light exactly where it's needed.
• Adjustable height fittings – Some modern LED light fittings allow for height adjustment on the fly. Raise them out of harm's way when moving the table, then lower them again when it returns to its normal position.
• Off-centre wiring solutions – We offer solutions where the wiring point for a ceiling light is not centrally located over the table.
• Dimmer switches – Almost essential for the dining table. Dim the lights for intimate dinner parties, then raise brightness for paperwork or other tasks. Remember that not all light fittings are dimmable, so check the technical information before making your choice.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are rarely single purpose rooms, so your lighting scheme needs to balance ambient relaxation with practical functionality. Here's how to achieve both:

• Ceiling lighting – Many opt for simple flush style centre lights or recessed down lighters. For the more adventurous, consider chandeliers or modern LED fixtures. Some even feature integrated Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to stream music or audiobooks whilst relaxing in the bath.
• Sink area lighting – This is where you perform personal grooming tasks, so light must be even and shadow-free. Bathroom wall lights either side of a mirror work well, or choose an integrated illuminated mirror for the best results.
• Dual-purpose wall lights – When overhead lights are switched off, wall lights double up as gentle background ambient lighting for a relaxing bath.
• Safety ratings – Bathroom lighting must be stylish and practical, but above all safe. Most installations require a minimum IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 44. Higher IP ratings may be needed for fixtures very close to the bath tub or shower cubicle.

Outdoors

Lighting outdoor spaces is as varied in choice as lighting interiors. Consider these key options:

• Wall lights – Classical coach style lanterns through to cutting edge LED products that produce spectacular lighting effects over the walls.
• Security lighting – PIR security lights activate as they are approached, ideal for the security conscious homeowner.
• Pathway and patio lighting – We supply an array of products dedicated to lighting these spaces safely and stylishly.
• Garden feature lighting – Simple mains voltage adjustable spike lights are perfect for highlighting garden features and architectural plants in flower beds and raised borders.

The difference between a well and poorly lit outdoor space is literally night and day. You will always be pleased that you spent that extra bit of effort getting it right.