INSIDER INSIGHT

THE KEY STEPS TO ILLUMINATING YOUR LIVING SPACE

CONSIDER LIGHT TEMPERATURE The first rule is to use a consistent lighting temperature in fittings, says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. ‘We use 2700K warm white.’ Another favourite tool is thinking of how the lining of lampshades can impact the overall light temperature, as well as add a playful spin on the decor – not only can you use metallic card linings, you can also use patterned or coloured fabrics. ‘Don’t forget that it will impact the colour of the light it creates,’ adds Irene. ‘For instance, a green lining will provide a green light – not the greatest look!’

PLACING THE LIGHTS Consider how the light changes throughout the day when thinking about where to position lights to create the most impact. Think about flexible light sources for different situations: a floor light with a swivel arm is ideal as an evening reading lamp behind a sofa or chair, says Hollie Moreland, creative director of David Hunt Lighting. Remember that shade colours can affect the mood of a room, so for added ambience, choose darker tones which will feel moodier and cosier.

THINK LAYERING Start with the overhead lighting: pendants or chandeliers are a beautiful way to ‘crown’ the lighting, says Lucy Barlow, creative director of Barlow & Barlow. ‘Then look at art – picture lights are a great way to add the second layer. The next are decorative wall lights installed at head height as an eye-level light source.’ Finally, table lamps will light the lower section of the room. ‘If you’re able to do this you might not need a single downlighter which, in more traditional schemes, is a huge advantage.’

CHOOSING A PENDANT For any hanging light, the total drop available is a great starting point, says designer Chris Cox of Cox London. Ensure the design has space to breathe and can be hung reasonably low so that it relates to the furniture in a room and those using it. ‘In the 25 years I’ve been hanging chandeliers, people tend to plan a pendant too high and, in reality, it looks and feels a little better lower.’ You can always hang a pendant lower over a coffee or centre table as long as it doesn’t detract from an important view or artwork.

CONTROL THE LOOK Put floor lamps and table lamps on 5 amp sockets in a sitting room. Using lighting controls so that each effect can be individually controlled is the key to setting the mood. ‘At a minimum, add dimmer switches so you can manipulate the light levels,’ says Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting. She also recommends having sockets set into the floor at the centre of the room by sofas to avoid having trailing wires. ‘If you have a small alcove, adding two slim wall lights on either side can create an intimate place to sit and relax and read.’

“FOR LIGHTING AFICIONADOS, CONTRAST IS IMPORTANT – YOU NEED LOTS OF LIGHT AND SHADOW IN A SITTING ROOM” TOM BARTLETT, founder, Waldo Works