BEHIND THE DESIGN Expert advice to help you choose a modern ceiling light
We speak to industry experts for their thoughts on what to consider when sourcing a modern ceiling light
‘MAKE sure the item you are buying is big enough for the space. People are often afraid of going bigger but a fixture with some scale is better than one that is too small, within reason. Be mindful of the space between the top of the light and the ceiling – nothing looks worse than a large fixture hanging off the ceiling with no space around it. Be careful of the height of the bottom of the fixture.’
EMMA FINCH, director at Hector Finch ‘CONSIDER the dimensions of the room you are placing your light fitting in, in order to ensure the size of the light suits the volume of your space. If it has vast high ceilings, then a small pendant will feel lost. However, if you have low ceilings and the room is small, choose a compact design.’
CANDY MURRAY, interior style manager, Soho Home ‘OVER recent years, there has been an emergence of lighting with integrated LEDS, mainly due to their energy- and cost-saving benefits. However, strips of LEDS can also be manipulated to create sculptural designs, doubling up as an eye-catching artwork.’ CLAIRE ANSTEY, lighting buyer at Heal’s
‘CLASSIC chandeliers are showstoppers known for adding a sense of grandeur to a room. When thinking modern, it’s more about the design details. While still
“LARGE PENDANT LIGHTS ARE THE STAR PIECES FOR ANY ROOM AND WE WOULD RECOMMEND BEING BRAVE AND SCALING UP. ALTHOUGH IMPACTFUL IN SIZE, A CHANDELIER SHOULDN’T
DOMINATE THE SPACE, IT SHOULD WORK IN HARMONY, LAYERED WITH THE OTHER LIGHTING AND FURNITURE”
LUCY VAUGHAN, co-founder of Vaughan
a statement piece, contemporary chandeliers are about understated class albeit with a strong presence. In terms of trends, it’s antique brass every time: it packs a punch without showing off and pairs perfectly with glass, brass and of course, our fabulous fabric shades.’ ROHAN BLACKER, Pooky founder ‘GOOD bulbs make a huge difference. Sometimes I’ll see an expensive designer chandelier with horrible cold fluorescent bulbs. Look for dimmable LED bulbs with a colour temperature of 2700K or less, a CRI of above 90 and low flicker. The bulbs we select for our lights are all considered in this way.’ WILL EARL, design director, J Adams & Co ‘WE often use modern pendants in projects, especially mixed within a classic interior. It adds the modern twist that we find interesting. It helps, too, when finishes and sizes can be customised to suit the space. For example, over dining tables you can hang lighting lower than in a grand entrance hall and having them on dimmers is always more flattering.’ PAOLO MOSCHINO, founder and director of
Nicholas Haslam &