When it comes to choosing lighting, choose carefully — and think about what you really need.
It's a lesson our interiors editor Giles Kime learned the hard way, advising people to 'seriously question the need for overheard lighting' in his article '10 things I wish I’d known about doing up old houses before I started'.
'The chances are you might not need any at all,' says Giles. 'In most cases, your money will be better invested in plenty of low-level light in the form of table lamps and floor lamps that are significantly easier on the eye and create a pleasing atmosphere.'
The examples below show a range of options, from lamps to uplighters — and a magnificent low-hanging pendant which shows that now and again, light that comes from above is still the best choice.
The Humbug lamp
A lamp that will brighten even the gloomiest of corners, thanks to its cheerful design. It costs £295 and is shown here with the Humbug Straight Empire paper shade, £195, both from the NIX collection.
Nicola Harding — www.nicolaharding.com
Hang time
Designed as a contemporary take on a candelabra, the Hanover pendant in Bronze, £625, features six tapered shades on an elegant frame.
Neptune — www.neptune.com
Global appeal
Around the globe Jamb’s collection of elegant globe lanterns includes the Mulberry Globe, £2,880, with its ‘shackle’ top.
Jamb — www.jamb.co.uk
Kooky Pooky
Light gently ripples through the alabaster panels of the Cyrus wall light, large, £224, and its Antiqued Brass frame finish adds a soft warmth to the design.
Pooky — www.pooky.com
Reading matters
Reading matter The Argo Flexi floor light in Antique Brass, £3,100, has a reeded rope column and flexible arm with shade, ideal for beside a reading chair. It is made in Hastings in East Sussex by Soane.
Soane Britain — www.soane.com
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