• Lighting trends
• Types of lights
• Environmentally friendly lighting

Lighting is not only functional but can create ambiance and form a decorative element in your home. A dwelling usually combines a variety of lighting types, depending on the situation. Recessed lights for the kitchen, sconce lights for the hallway and a table lamps for the bedroom.

Carefully chosen lights and light fittings complete a room. Source: Lightstyle

Light up your life

So you’ve decided it’s time to update or change the lighting in your home. Don’t just head to the stores without an idea of what you want – research what suits your décor and the lights’ use. The range can be overwhelming and you want to get it right the first time.

The correct size of the lights you install is very important. Too large makes your room look small and your ceiling low. Too small and there isn’t enough light to illuminate the area.

Some people don’t place much importance on lighting and leave the task of selecting their lights until the end when their budget is exhausted. You can really lift a place with well positioned lighting.

If you are renovating to sell then get a good quality light that makes an impression when potential buyers enter your home. First impressions are very important and potential buyers will think you have used quality fittings throughout.

A few good lamps can really improve your décor and lift dark rooms. If you are renting and don’t want to go to the expense of having new lights installed, this is a good choice that you can simply pack up and take with you when you move.

Latest trends

Lamp shades and ceiling lights covered with wallpaper or fabric are very popular at the moment. These are great for making a statement or simply choosing the right patterns and colours to coordinate with your interior. Ceiling light shades can have contrasting designs or colours on the inside and outside for a contemporary look.

Rich reds, pinks and oranges really add warmth to a room. These strong colours can pick up subtle elements in cushions, rugs or curtains to really tie a room together.

Types of lights

Sconce lighting: these are lights that are attached to the wall with the light beam generally directed upwards. These are good for narrow areas of the house such as hallways and corridors.

Recessed lighting: as the name implies the lights are recessed into the ceiling creating clean lines and a more open feeling. Use these to highlight certain areas of a room or features.

Table/floor lamps: these are the easiest lights to install as all you have to do is plug them in and you’re away. Use lamps for softer lighting, for reading by or to light up dark corners of a house but make sure they are positioned in a spot where they won’t shine in people’s eyes.

Feature lights: chandeliers add the wow factor to a room but if you plan to install one make sure the rest of the room isn’t too busy with decoration. Pendant lights can be used as a single hanging light or add three or four in a row to a large room.

Kids’ lights: fun, cool and functional are the requirements for lighting a child’s room. A themed desk lamp for homework and a coloured nightlight for a safe subtle glow at night create a cosy kids room. Be aware of cords and electrical safety when choosing lights for younger kids.

Environmentally friendly lighting

The most obvious way of saving energy is to make the most of the natural lighting in your home, open the blind rather than turning on a light. At night lighting is essential but turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used.

For new and existing lights make sure you have energy efficient light bulbs in all of them. This will save money on your energy bill and shopping bill as they need replacing less frequently.