Lighting can be an afterthought when choosing décor, but it’s actually a key part of any design. It helps to draw the eye, makes areas come to life and transforms the colours in a room. Lighting is crucial for our safety and comfort, and has a direct impact on our mood, too. Now the nights are drawing in, it’s the ideal time to show your home some love and enhance it with the best lighting. Follow these tips for flawless ways to light up your home: 1. Layer your lighting To use light effectively in a room, variety is key. Rather than relying on a single overhead light, use different light sources across different levels. Not only is this more flattering for the room and the people in it, layered lighting creates interest, gives the space a more balanced look and gives you the option to enhance certain areas. 2. Consider scale When you’re choosing lighting fixtures, keep in mind the size of your room. The fixtures need to be in proportion to the furniture, and different types of lighting will enhance your room's size and shape in different ways. Uplighting, say from a tall floor lamp, makes a room feel larger. Low-slung pendant lights create the illusion of height, while clusters of lighting will make a big space feel more cosy. 3. Invest in task lighting When choosing where to position lighting, think purpose as well as style. What tasks do you undertake in each room, and how can lighting help you? Different tasks need different kinds of lighting: focussed downlighting is best for a kitchen, while adjustable lamps are best for reading or a home office environment. Dimmers are a great energy-efficient solution for a space that will shift in function and atmosphere throughout the day. 4. Choose lightbulbs carefully You might take care to find light fixtures to match your décor, but did you know the type of bulb is just as important? If your walls are in cooler colours, you might want to use an amber or yellow bulb to cast a warm glow. Cool-toned bulbs like white or blue can be stark but they brighten a space very effectively, so they’re a good option to liven up dark walls. Take a look at John Lewis’ range for a selection of bulbs in different tones and styles. 5. Use light to enhance your favourite pieces Lighting is a great way to draw attention to your favourite décor elements, like a gallery wall, an architectural element or a key piece of furniture. For maximum impact, add light in unexpected places, like illuminated built-in shelving to show off a display of treasured objects. 6. Make a statement Lighting fixtures can be important décor elements in their own right. Sleek, simple fixtures convey a modern look, while ornate decorative pieces tend to have a vintage feel. A statement lamp or pendant fixture in an otherwise simple room is a great way to add interest to the space. For a selection of modern lighting fixtures to suit every taste, take a look at Made.com, while LightInTheBox has a great range of vintage styles. |