Choosing festive lights for the Christmas season

As we get into November, many of us start thinking about decorating our homes for Christmas, and that means Christmas lights. Traditional fairy lights, candles, and lanterns are going to stand the test of time, but there are so many other options, including feature lights, for both inside your home and outside.

Christmas fairy lights

 

Is it even Christmas if there aren’t strings of pretty, twinkly lights everywhere? We don’t think so! Fairy lights are a must at this time of year, both indoors and outdoors.

Inside the home, there’s a huge amount of choice for fairy lights – different coloured and shaped bulbs, as well as designs you and your family will love. The Edit 1.2M Star Warm White LED Curtain String Lights are a gorgeous option, the Sirius Millie Glass Battery Operated LED String Lights have a vintage Christmas vibe, and the Konstsmide Warm White LED Star Curtain Lights light up windows and curtains perfectly.

KONSTSMIDE 1.4M WARM WHITE LED STAR CURTAIN LIGHTS - 120 LIGHTS EDIT 1.2M STAR WARM WHITE LED CURTAIN STRING LIGHTS SIRIUS MILLIE GLASS BATTERY OPERATED LED STRING LIGHTS - GREEN - 8 LIGHTS

Dressing the outside of your home with Christmas lights, you have an array of options. Light up beneath the eaves of your home with the Edit 15.4M Blue and White LED Snowing Icicle String Lights, brighten up your garden with the Edit 59.97M Decor Pastel LED Multi-Function String Lights, or go traditional with the Edit 74.92M Multi Colour LED Multi-Function String Lights.

EDIT 74.92M MULTI COLOUR LED MULTI-FUNCTION STRING LIGHTS - GREEN CABLE - 1000 LIGHTS EDIT 15.4M ICE BLUE & WHITE LED SNOWING ICICLE STRING LIGHTS - 720 LIGHTS EDIT 59.97M DECOR PASTEL LED MULTI-FUNCTION STRING LIGHTS- 2000 LIGHTS

Festoons

 

When fairy lights aren’t quite big enough – either indoors, or outdoors – festoons are a great option with a much bigger impact. You’ll find  and outside the home are perfect for lining pathways, and winding into taller trees. We love the Konstsmide 9.15M Amber LED Globe Festoon Lights, the Konstsmide Amber LED Shade Festoons Lights, and for something a festive but a little different, the Pastel Connectable Festoons.

20 PASTEL CONNECTABLE FESTOONS KONSTSMIDE AMBER LED SHADE FESTOONS LIGHTS - 10 LIGHT STARTER SET KONSTSMIDE 9.15M AMBER LED GLOBE FESTOON LIGHTS - 10 LIGHT STARTER SET

Christmas lanterns

 

Lanterns look great in and around the home year round, but they’re particularly festive when they’re included with your Christmas decorations. The great thing about the lanterns in our festive range? They’re battery powered, and use LEDs, so you’ll get a lot of brightness, without needing a socket available. For lanterns you can use year round, the Edit Bulb Battery Operated LED Lantern is chic, while the Konstsmide Large Battery Operated LED Bell Jar brings a hint of magic to your home. For a truly Christmassy lantern, the Konstsmide Christmas Tree Battery Operated LED Lantern contains a Christmas tree, as well as glittery snowfall – the perfect addition to your Christmas decorations.

EDIT BULB BATTERY OPERATED LED LANTERN KONSTSMIDE LARGE BATTERY OPERATED LED BELL JAR KONSTSMIDE CHRISTMAS TREE BATTERY OPERATED LED LANTERN

Battery operated Christmas lights

 

Mains powered Christmas lights aren’t always the most convenient option, especially if you want to add them to a space in your home where accessing a socket isn’t easy. Winding fairy lights around an indoor plant, or having a Christmas tree in a child’s bedroom is much easier with battery powered lighting, and with LED lights, batteries last for ages.

It isn’t only fairy lights that you’ll find in our range of battery operated lights – you’ll find perfectly festive feature lights such as the Edit Present 32 LED Feature Light, and the Edit Star LED Feature Light, as well as Christmas wreaths with LEDs, like the Sirius Anton Battery Operated LED Outdoor Christmas Wreath.

EDIT PRESENT 32 LED FEATURE LIGHT WITH REMOTE CONTROL SIRIUS ANTON BATTERY OPERATED LED OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS WREATH EDIT STAR LED FEATURE LIGHT WITH REMOTE CONTROL

Battery operated candles

 

Another twinkly light option, candles look gorgeous throughout the home. But when you have lots of family around (and maybe one too many Christmas tipples!) as well as pets, lit candles can pose a hazard that none of us want to risk. Whether your concern is them being knocked over, or being forgotten and not blown out at bed time, battery operated candles can give you the effect you want, without the worry.

In our range of LED candles, you’ll find tall taper candles, chunky flicker candles, candles in glass jars, and even tea lights, all of which are perfect for decorating your home this Christmas. Our favourites include the Edit Glow Battery Operated LED Glass Flame Candle, the Sirius Sara Wave Battery Operated LED Wax Taper Candle, and the Konstsmide Battery Operated LED Tealights.

EDIT GLOW BATTERY OPERATED LED GLASS FLAME CANDLE - 100MM KONSTSMIDE BATTERY OPERATED LED TEALIGHTS - SET OF 2 Sirius Sara wave battery operated LED wax taper flicker Candle

Solar powered Christmas lights

 

If you don’t want to be lumbered with a huge electricity bill after running outdoor lights throughout December, then solar powered lighting can be the answer. Solar powered Christmas lights might not seem like they are the greatest idea during the dreary days of December, but the advances in solar power technology, and LEDs means that they have vastly improved in recent years. Strings of festoons, wire fairy lights, and lanterns are all available in solar powered versions, so whether you want Christmas lights without the expense, or you want to decorate your garden without the hassle of connecting to mains power, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our range. The Suri Solar Multi-Coloured LED Festoon Lights, the Suri 12M Colour Changing Solar LED Multi-Function String Lights, and the 10M Solar Warm White LED Festoon Lights are all perfect for adding a splash of festive colour to your garden.

Suri Solar Multicolour LED Filament Festoon Lights SURI 12M COLOUR CHANGING SOLAR LED MULTI-FUNCTION STRING LIGHTS - 200 LIGHTS 10M SOLAR WARM WHITE LED FESTOON LIGHTS - 20 LIGHTS

Feature lights

 

Feature lights make a big impact on your Christmas decorations – and we have some incredible options in our range, whether you’re looking to add them inside your home, or outside your property. For inside your home, consider the Kolm Warm White LED Tree, the Konstsmide Battery Operated Warm White LED Snowflake Decoration, or the Konstsmide Velvet Star Ceiling Light.

LED Christmas tree KONSTSMIDE BATTERY OPERATED WARM WHITE LED SNOWFLAKE DECORATION Velvet Star

Feature lights outside your home have to make a big impact, and they have to make your home look both festive and welcoming. Alongside festoon lights or fairy lights in your garden, lighting up the entrance to your home is a great way to achieve that. The Edit Ultimate Christmas Battery Operated LED Decoration Set is a great way to get everything you need, while the Edit 1.5M Starry LED Feature Tree Lights come in a pack of two, so you can light up your front door steps. If you’re looking for something a little more fun, how about this Konstsmide Small LED Outdoor Reindeer?

KONSTSMIDE SMALL LED OUTDOOR REINDEER EDIT 1.5M STARRY LED FEATURE TREE LIGHT - SET OF 2 EDIT ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS BATTERY OPERATED LED DECORATION SET

Which Christmas lights will you choose? When you’ve put your Christmas lights up, don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram posts – we’re @lighting_direct.

 

Author Sarah-Nunn
Sarah Nunn

I’m Sarah, a writer and content creator with a big passion for interior design. Having recently bought my first home, the world of renovations and home décor has taken over my life in a way I never imagined. My house is full of mid-century furniture and colourful eccentricities – but my fascination with new season trends spans from Scandi minimalism to Art Deco extravagance.

It’s Time To Stop Settling For Boring Table Lamps

Table Lamp

We really believe that table lamps are a simple way to make a big impact in your home. They can be the star of the show, or a subtle nod to your overall design – but either way, they make the world of difference.

There are some people who think that table lamps only have one function: practicality. They’re often used specifically for task lighting, and they’re not always considered for their style or design. This can sadly result in the purchase of a boring table lamp – and we think that’s a real shame.

Here at Lighting Direct, the choice for table lamps is (pretty much) endless – whether you opt for a statement, industrial, or minimal style, there are plenty of options to suit your home décor – and there’s really no reason you should have to settle for anything boring.

It’s not always just about looking good, though. While enhancing the style of the room, well-designed table lamps also play a big part in setting the lighting ambiance in your home. In fact, there are some people in the world who frequently choose to forgo the use of The Big Light entirely, in favour of several well-positioned table lamps.

So, if you’re a fan of cosy evenings in front of the TV, romantic dinners with your partner, or casual get-togethers with wine, cheese and great music – we think you sound like a table lamp kind of person. If you still need a little convincing, we’ve hand-picked a few of our favourite pieces at Lighting Direct to help inspire you – and you can rest assured they’re anything but boring.

Statement Table Lamps
Vintage Table Lamps
Gold Table Lamps
Industrial Table Lamps
Novelty Table Lamps
Minimalist Table Lamps
Touch Table Lamps

 

The Statement Table Lamp

If you like to go bold in your home with bright colours and eclectic furniture choices, we think a statement table lamp could be right for you.

Much like a piece of jewellery, a statement table lamp is the ultimate accessory for your home. No room is quite finished without it, so let’s bring the wow factor up a notch.

For the eccentric side of you, consider this Edit Zebra Ceramic table lamp. With a warm orange finish, beautiful zebra design and brass hardware – this piece would work effortlessly in an atmospheric bedroom with dark charcoal walls.

 

Zebra Table Lamp

 

Pair the lamp with a jet black shade for added drama, and surround it with brass accessories, rust-toned cushions and vibrant house plants to finish off the look.

For a softer take on the statement trend, try our Lucide Maloto Glass Table Lamp in white. The ribbed glass shade creates a show-stopping piece for the living room. Keep the colours of the room neutral and place the lamp on a simple stand, letting it do all the talking.

 

green table lamp

 

If those aren’t really your style, try making the statement with the light pattern instead or the lamp itself, with our Lucide Paolo table lamp. This laser cut metal lamp with a white finish creates a beautiful pattern of light against the surfaces surrounding it.

 

LUCIDE PAOLO TABLE LAMP - WHITE

 

For the biggest impact, place the lamp near a dark wall in a particularly cosy corner – stand back and let the light scatter across the room.

 

The Vintage Table Lamp

If your home is inspired by times gone by, consider a vintage-style table lamp to add the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you prefer the flower power of the 1960s or the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, a well-chosen table lamp can help to bring your style together and ensure a completeness to the theme of your home décor.

This simple Sober table lamp is finished with a polished gold base and a smoked glass shade. With an art deco vibe, this piece is ideal for adding a soft glow to the dining room. The perfect accompaniment to an extravagant cocktail cart, this table lamp will see you through party season and beyond.

 

 

Another table lamp that would work in a 1920s-inspired home is this Endon Hiero Desk Lamp. The antique brass and unique shape make a strong statement, and would look beautiful with classic interior accessories & décor.

 

ENDON HIERO DESK LAMP - ANTIQUE BRASS

 

For a more masculine take, this Grimstad table lamp is the perfect vintage-inspired piece for your desk. With the dark brass finish, this lamp works best paired with dark furniture and atmospheric colours – a great way to add a touch of vintage to your office space.

 

GRIMSTAD TABLE LAMP - DARK BRASS

 

 

The Gold Table Lamp

Are you a bit of a magpie with a penchant for metallic? We think the gold home décor trend will be right up your street for 2020.

A gold table lamp could be the perfect way to nail the trend with ease – either adding a subtle hint of glimmer or a bold statement depending on your style.

For a pretty addition, try the Lucide Timon Table Lamp in gold. With its rounded opal glass diffuser and elegant gold finish, it’s a lovely piece for your sideboard. Combine it with soft colours and textures to create a mellow vibe, or pop it next to a metallic vase for a glimmering display.

 

gold table lamp

 

If you prefer to make more of a statement, have a look at our large Edit Sony Sloth Table Lamp. This extravagant piece is full of character, and a real show-stopper. We think this lamp looks great in living rooms – but place it on a side table with minimal distractions to let it do all the talking.

 

Edit Sony Sloth Table Lamp

 

Another great option is the Edit Milla Glass Table Lamp. With its shimmering gold finish and green glass sphere shade, it reminds us slightly of a fortune-teller’s crystal ball. Of course, we’ve already seen your future – and it definitely involves incorporating this table lamp into your home décor.

 

The Industrial Table Lamp

The industrial home décor trend has been on the rise for several years now. Popular everywhere from warehouse apartments and trendy loft spaces to your local coffee shops and hipster restaurants – there’s no doubt that the style isn’t going anywhere.

Give your home an industrial vibe with this Lucide Pukki Table Lamp with a black cable and gold finish lamp holder. Designed to show off decorative filament bulbs, this piece works perfectly against exposed brickwork and repurposed wooden furniture.

 

decorative filament gold lamp

 

Or, if your home is quite soft and cosy, this lamp can help give it that rough-and-ready feel synonymous with the trend.

Try the Lucide Mesh Table Lamp. With a black finish mesh and exposed decorative filament bulb, this lamp would look right at home alongside a vintage chesterfield sofa and some antique books or even add character to a room.

 

LUCIDE MESH TABLE LAMP - BLACK

 

Perhaps simplicity is more your style. If so, let the beautiful filament bulb do all the talking with the Nordux Galloway Table Lamp in black. This piece looks great on a lighter wood surface, and helps to bring an element of the industrial to any room.

 

NORDLUX GALLOWAY TABLE LAMP - BLACK

 

The Novelty Table Lamp

At Lighting Direct, we try not to take ourselves too seriously. We think the occasional addition of a novelty or quirky piece of lighting can really help to brighten up a home and make it a fun place to spend time.

Turn a somewhat lacklustre room into a fun and inspiring space again with the Lucide Cactus Table Lamp. A ceramic lamp shaped like a potted plant, this piece is sure to get your guests talking. It works in every room, but it’s especially fun as a desk accessory in your home office. It certainly helps to brighten up a dull day of reports – that’s for sure.

 

Green Plant Lamp

 

Alternatively, why not try one of our party lights? With fun shapes, colours and types available, they can make a great statement piece to wow your friends or create atmosphere for an indoor or outdoor event.

The neon `Let’s Dance’ Feature Light is a unique and impactful choice. Try it in the dining or living area as an interesting party piece, or consider adding it to your music set-up. Nothing says rock and roll like a record player, your favourite LPs and a touch of neon.

 

neon table light

 

For a slightly more sophisticated form of novelty – you could consider one of our statement animal lamps instead. Style the Lucide Extravaganza Coconut Table Lamp with fun and colourful lampshades for an interesting display, or keep the shade minimal and let the base speak for itself.

 

LUCIDE EXTRAVAGANZA COCONUT TABLE LAMP - BLACK

 

The Minimal Table Lamp

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a minimal home. White walls, muted tones, and natural materials can make for a really relaxing space. That’s why we’re big fans of the Scandinavian style home décor, and more recently the Japandi trend for 2020.

If you’re partial to a neutral colour palette and a clutter-free space as well, we have a selection of minimal table lamps to suit you.

This Lucide Len Table Lamp is a simple piece that adds a touch of interest to a minimal space. The grey metal base and white glass shade are a timeless combination, but the shape of the lamp makes it unique. It really suits a neutral aesthetic, and would look perfect next to light coloured wooden furniture and muted, natural soft furnishings.

 

touch table lamp

 

For a touch of luxury, the Uno Glass Table Lamp is a great option. The antique gold finish with spherical pink glass is simple but beautiful – making it a great addition to a minimal home. Pair it with ashy grey walls and a fluffy cream rug for the ultimate luxury minimalism.

 

uno glass table lamp

 

Our Deco Table Lamp is a slightly more elegant take on minimalism. A simple polished gold base paired with a spherical opal bulb – this lamp is truly stunning. We love it placed on a dark cabinet, styled with a few books against clean white walls.

 

deco table lamp

 

The Touch Table Lamp

Our final collection of table lamps is possibly the most practical of all – the touch table lamp. With the ability to generate a warm glow of light with just the touch of a finger, they certainly make it a little easier to switch on your lamp in the middle of the night, when you’re fumbling around for your phone.

Not only are they stylish and practical, but they’re so easy to use. Just touch the base of the lamps to turn them on or off for the perfect ambience in your room without having to leave the comfort of your bed or chair.

We’ve mentioned a couple already, but one of our favourite touch lamps includes this Dar Jot lamp in chrome. A compact lamp with a polished chrome base and an opal glass shade, we think it looks right at home in a more feminine designed bedroom. Pop one on each side of the bed, and finish off the room with soft blush pink and sage green bedding.

 

touch table lamp

 

For a more vintage look, the Dar Glouchester Touch Lamps are ideal. The antique brass finish with alabaster glass shades are elegant and stylish, bringing a warm diffused glow to your home when placed on a bedside or living room table.

 

touch table lamps set of 2

So, if you were one of those people who thought that table lamps were boring, practical objects used only for finding your glasses in the middle of the night – we hope we’ve managed to change your mind a little.

One of the great things about table lamps, is that they don’t require any technical installation knowledge. They’re an easy and efficient way of incorporating a new trend or adding a touch of style to your room with very little effort. Just plug in and you’re good to go.

There’s really nothing stopping you going out and finding your perfect table lamp style now. Whether you opt for a show-stopping piece or a subtle design – it’s time to stop settling for boring table lamps.

 

sarah nunn author bio

Sarah Nunn

I’m Sarah, a writer and content creator with a big passion for interior design. Having recently bought my first home, the world of renovations and home décor has taken over my life in a way I never imagined. My house is full of mid-century furniture and colourful eccentricities – but my fascination with new season trends spans from Scandi minimalism to Art Deco extravagance.