Every October, we celebrate our annual Festival of Light, an illuminating and inspiring display of the best lighting brands in the business, from Frandsen and Tom Dixon to Tala and &Tradition – alongside plenty of our own creations. Better still, we’re offering 15% off all Lighting meaning you can switch up the look of your space for less this season.
To provide a guiding light, we asked Claire Anstey, our Senior Lighting Buyer, to show us how to layer your lighting like a pro – just in time for the dark autumn months ahead.
Why is layering your lighting important?
Claire says: “Layering your lighting is the easiest way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a space – just look around your favourite restaurants and hotels and you’ll notice they always have a layered scheme.”
When it comes to illuminating your home, it’s similar to how you layer colours, textures, fabrics and materials to create rooms full of depth and character. But layered lighting doesn’t only create ambience; it’s also key to creating a multi-functional space, whether you’re curling up with a good book, watching a movie, or engaging in deep-and-meaningful.
“Mixing-and-matching your lighting means your room will work both during the day and come evening,” adds Claire.
What types of lighting are there?
“There are three main types of lighting,” Claire reveals, “- ambient, task and accent.” In short, ambient is general lighting that illuminates a space in a functional way to avoid you knocking into things in the dark.
This can come in the form of pendants, wall lights and chandeliers – and doesn’t have to derive from a single source. Meanwhile, accent lighting is more for aesthetic purposes and enables you to create a mood - think warm and cosy table and floor lamps for a soft glow, or to highlight specific features like a period fireplace.
Finally, task lighting is the most functional of all by helping you with specific activities, from desk lamps to kitchen pendants and vanity lights. Claire says: “A combination of all three types will help you create a space that’s as atmospheric as it is practical.”
What tips are there for layering your light?
“Have at least three to four light sources in a room you want to create atmosphere in,” Claire advises, “or more if it’s a darker-hued room that’s painted or papered.”
She adds: “Choose table and floor lamps with shades for diffusing the lighting. And invest in dimmable lights to dial up and down the mood as required.”
“Portable lights are super flexible, perfect for spaces with no plug sockets, but not just for outside, as most of our portable lamps last for at least 8 hours, allowing you to recharge them at the weekend (or overnight).
Claire says: “Light the corners of a room to make it feel bigger. And create layers with a combination of ceiling, wall, floor and table lamps to add visual interest.”
Do you have any thoughts, ideas, or advice on whether bedroom light fixtures need to match?
“There has been a definite movement away from matching wall lamps, pendants, and table lamps, which can feel a little hotel-like. Rather than looking for uniform pieces, I would recommend co-ordinating lighting with the overall room décor to achieve a cohesive and considered look...
Functionality should be the main priority. For example, large, dramatic lamps next to the bed might look impressive, but if you have small bedside tables cluttered with essentials like books, a phone, and a glass of water, they can prove to be impractical. In such cases, understated wall lamps or pendants can be a stylish and space-saving alternative, allowing you to instead make a statement with the central ceiling fixture...
“If you enjoy winding down with a good book, instead consider directional light sources on either side of the bed. The goal is to create an intentional scheme that feels natural, rather than overly curated.”
Are there any rules to follow when approaching bedroom lighting?
“The bedroom should be your personal sanctuary. When it comes to lighting, the most important consideration should be to create a scheme that promotes relaxation while catering to your individual style and practical needs...
This can be easily achieved by layering different elements to achieve the perfect level of illumination from dawn to dusk. Focused task lighting can be ideal when reading before bed or getting ready in the morning, while accent lighting can gently highlight darker corners of the room as you wind down for sleep."
Can you give some general thoughts on the do's and don'ts of mixing and matching bedroom lights?
“While there are no strict rules, I would recommend coordinating your lighting through common elements like colour, texture, or material to maintain a harmonious feel. Mixing styles can create a wonderfully eclectic look, provided there is a unifying element tying them together...
Most importantly, choose lighting that resonates with your individual style and personality. After all, it will be among the last things you see at night, and the first thing you notice in the morning!”
