Saving Energy On Lighting – Six Top Tips

As we move towards autumn and energy prices remain high, we know customers are looking for ways to make savings on their utility bills. With that in mind, we thought we’d share our top six ways to save energy on lighting.

 

1. Save up to 90% electricity by making the switch to LED bulbs throughout your home. There are LED light bulbs available for the majority of light fixtures today, including decorative filament styles that enhance the look of your light fitting. Making savings and improving an already great light? Win-win.

 

 

2. Replace light fittings with those with integrated LEDs. With so many designers incorporating them into new LED lighting styles, and many styles having an expected life span of over 20 years, you’ll be saving energy for years to come, as well as getting a great look.

 

 

3. Pick solar powered garden lights which allow you to light up your garden without any power at all. Our range of solar garden lights is extensive, and even include security lighting.

 

 

4. Choose rechargeable battery powered lights – either for garden lights, or picture lights to save on buying expensive disposable batteries.

 

 

5. Find lights with sensors so they are only on when you need them. Look for passive infrared (PIR) sensors, motion detectors, and dusk to dawn sensors when you’re buying new lighting. Check out our security lights section to view all outdoor sensor lights.

 

 

6.  Make use of technology. Smart homes present opportunities to make savings on your energy usage. Smart bulbs, smart plugs, and smart speakers all connect to Wi-Fi networks and allow you to set up your lights to be on or off wherever you are through manufacturer apps. If you’re not a lover of smart technology, then look for plug-in timers that will help you reduce the amount of electricity your lights use.

 

If you’ve made the switch and are sharing your findings on Instagram, don’t forget to tag us @lighting_direct.

All you need to know about Garden Lighting

After a long winter, these first few spring-like days have got us all dreaming about the glorious days of summer – and how fantastic it will be when we’re able to spend all that time in the garden. Although the days are getting longer as we write this post, the longest day is actually in June – which means there are likely to be plenty of nights that we need garden lighting if we’re to make the most of our outdoor space.

 

The right type of garden lighting for you will depend on the size of your space, the access that you have to electricity, the safety of the area that you live, and your personal preference. There is a lot to consider when you’re choosing garden lighting, but in this post, we’ll guide you through the options available, so that you can make the best decision.

 

 

What Types Of Garden Lighting Are There?

You’ve probably already got security lighting in place to help you and your family access your home safely – most of us do. That is one type of outdoor lighting, but there’s a big difference between a functional floodlight or porch lights by the entry to your home, and some stylish garden lights that add ambience to your garden throughout those balmy spring and summer evenings.

 

In your garden, just as in your home, you’ll need to think about the function of each type of lighting, and make sure that you have enough of each in the space. There is some crossover in the categories, so don’t get too worried about having enough of each type – just be certain your garden lighting looks great and works well enough for your needs.

 

Ambient lights provide a lot of light – perhaps not quite as much as daylight, but certainly enough to see family and friends with. These will include lanterns, lamp posts, wall lights, as well as festoons and fairy lights, depending on how they are used. Task lighting is used for a specific purpose – so this might be in an outdoor kitchen or above a patio dining area, or to light up paths. Wall lights, festoons, stake lights, in-ground lighting, and outdoor pendants are all useful for task lighting in the garden. Accent lighting is the fun bit in gardens – since it can be used to highlight certain elements of the space. Festoons and fairy lights, stake floodlights, and in-ground lights are all perfect to accentuate areas of the garden that we adore and want to draw attention to during the evenings.

 

Festoon Lights And Fairy Lights

Summer parties that linger on into the evening need lighting up – and what better way to create a festive, carnival atmosphere than strings of fairy lights, or festoons? You might prefer all-white lights, or you might want the celebratory feel that strings of coloured lights bring. Maybe, you want to add both! Whatever type of string light you want for your garden, there are loads of different options to choose from.

Many types of string lights are now made with LEDs – and as we’ve already mentioned, they don’t require a lot of power to emit bright light. That means you can make the most of solar powered string lights – wherever, and however you want to install them.

This filament battery operated chandelier looks gorgeous under parasols, but there is a huge array of festoons available – whether you choose these heavy duty ones, or these multicoloured solar LED festoon lights.

 

 

When it comes to fairy lights, there are even more options available to you. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you making use of the fairy lights from Christmas, but there are even more summery styles that can light up your garden during the warmer months. We love these white curtain string lights, that look beautiful on the edge of a pergola, or to help mark out a space.

To really draw attention to different trees and bushes, fairy lights on a net can be used for even more drama – this battery operated option works well – or you can find purely decorative styles, such as this style which has clusters of LED fairy lights.

 

 

Stake Lights

When you’re lighting the way to your patio, fire pit area, or simply want to cast a bit more light on your garden path, stake lights are one of the options you’ll almost certainly be looking at. The best thing about stake lights is how easy they are to install. They simply push into the ground, and although there are some models that need to be plugged in, many are solar powered, so once you’ve placed them where you want them, you simply have to wait for the sun to charge the battery for them to start lighting up at dusk.

This pack of four solar LEDs in stainless steel finish are perfect for marking edges of paths and flower borders, and these colour changing ones are great for parties – and are multifunctional, since the tops can be removed to be used as pretty table decorations too.

Stake lights can be used for decoration as well as practical lighting – this industrial lantern is a good option for areas that you want to light up without the need for installing wiring, as it uses solar powered LEDs. Another perfect addition is these industrial lanterns that are solar powered and can be placed anywhere in the sunshine, to provide up to six hours of light.

If you’ve got a certain area of your garden that you want to cast light on – a particular tree, or maybe a water feature – then a stake spotlight is a great option. Typically these have quite a modern look to them – such as this Edit Porto Garden Spotlight – but you can find styles with different metals, and rustic styles such as this rust brown model that would look perfectly at home in a cottage style garden.

 

 

In-Ground Lights

If you’re looking to permanently light up pathways, edges of patios, decks, and driveways, you’ll almost certainly be looking at deck and ground lights. They’re a great way to help prevent slips, trips, and falls, but once they are installed they also look incredibly pretty – and can add to the atmosphere in your summer garden, even though they’re designed to be functional in nature.

The majority of in-ground lights make use of LEDs, so they provide a lot of brightness without needing a huge amount of power. There’s a lot of options when it comes to in-ground lights, and some also have pretty finishes, like this puddle ground light.

While there are many types of in-ground lights that need to be installed properly, if you don’t fancy sorting out the wiring, you still have options. These ground lights are solar powered, and have a small stake to keep them in place – and they’re available in a convenient pack of four.

 

 

Table Lamps

Whether you’re dining al fresco during summer evenings, or you’re on the veranda with a great book and a drink, a little extra light on the table is always helpful, and can create a fun ambience too. Our Lucide Little Joe Outdoor Lamp is dimmable and has rechargeable batteries, while the Tiber Battery Operated Outdoor Table Lamp in White is also rechargeable, and is a sophisticated choice for conservatories.

The great thing about these types of table lamps is how flexible they can be – they might be used in the conservatory most of the year, but then on particular nights of the year, they can be safely brought outside for use during garden parties or outdoor dinners.

 

 

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights, in the garden? It doesn’t sound like a logical pairing, but if you have a covered veranda, a pergola, a conservatory, or even a temporary gazebo, then an outdoor pendant light should definitely be on your list of garden lighting to consider. Garden pendant lights are ideal above outdoor dining areas and seating areas, and can provide large amounts of ambient light for dinners and drinks.

As with ceiling pendants for indoor spaces, there are loads of different styles to choose from – from traditional lantern styles to modern outdoor chandeliers. We particularly love how some of the outdoor pendants are made from rattan, giving a real holiday vibe that, alongside a few coloured fairy lights, creates the perfect atmosphere for a few summer cocktails. This Spiral style, and this Filament style are both ideal for summer parties, and are battery operated.

 

 

Lanterns And Lamp Posts

If there is a more classic garden lighting option than a great lamp post, or wall lamp, we haven’t heard about it yet – and we’re experts! Lamp posts are great for casting light over a wider area, while wall lanterns are perfect for lighting certain areas around the sides of the house. Although wall lanterns and lamp posts generally are traditionally styled options, there are modern designs to be found too – so be certain to check out the options available in our range.

 

How Can I Power My Garden Lighting?

Getting your garden lit up involves electricity – until technology evolves, there are no two ways around that. But although mains power is one option, it isn’t the only one, and both solar and battery powered garden lights are realistic options now, since LEDs don’t require a lot of power to create a really bright light. There are advantages to each type of garden lighting, and there are loads of factors that may influence your decision about the right type of power for your garden lights.

 

Mains Powered Garden Lights

For lighting that is to be installed permanently, connecting to mains power is the most reliable method of powering your garden lights. The advantage to using mains power is that as long as you have power to your home, you’ll be able to power the lights in your garden. It is a dependable, safe way of powering the lights in your garden, and is ideal for larger lights such as lamp posts, and for security lighting.

 

Connecting garden lights to mains electricity isn’t always possible, especially in areas that are far from the house, or where the property is rented and permanent changes aren’t permitted. In those scenarios, solar lights and battery powered garden lights are preferable.

 

12v Garden Lights

If you have an outside plug socket, then 12v garden lights are an incredibly simple way to light your outdoor space. Simply place them where you want them, then plug them into your outdoor socket, and switch them on. You don’t need to bury any cables, and they are easy to move too.

Easyfit garden lights are exactly as they sound – easy to fit! There are loads of extra lights that can be added to the circuit without requiring an electrician, so you can get a bespoke look for your garden, at relatively low cost, and without any hassle. Whether you buy a kit, or each component separately, they’re simple to get started with. Consider bamboo style garden posts, golf ball festoons, or garden spotlights – they’re all perfect additions to your garden.

 

Solar Garden Lights

Solar powered garden lighting technology has come on a long way in previous years, and today solar garden lights are a great way to get light into your garden if you don’t have access to mains electricity, or don’t want to add to your electricity bills.

 

Most types of garden lights are now available with solar power, meaning that you don’t have to compromise on function or form if you want a certain style. The main thing you need to remember is that unless the solar panel gets enough sun during the day, you won’t get the brightness that you’re looking for. If you’re aiming to light up an area that is in the shade for most of the day, then consider battery powered garden lights instead – a USB rechargeable model is likely to be more dependable in those areas.

 

 

Battery Powered Garden Lights

When you need some light in your garden but don’t want to install a light permanently – such as on patios and outdoor dining areas – then battery power is the way to go. If you’re already thinking twice about buying a battery powered garden light because of the need to have multiple packs of AA batteries on hand, you might not need to worry about that as much as you might think. Of course, you have the option of buying rechargeable batteries for your garden lighting, but many battery powered garden lights are now USB rechargeable – so all you need is the cable that is supplied with most models, and are often interchangeable.

 

Which Type Of Garden Lighting Is Right For My Garden?

There are way too many options to consider for us to give a one-size fits all answer, but as we mentioned at the start of this post, the first thing to consider is whether you want to tie yourself to just one type of garden lighting. As with indoor lights, when you’re dressing your garden for the spring and summer, layering your lighting will mean that you can get the right effect for whatever type of event is happening in your space.

 

Secondly, you’ll need to decide which type of power is best for you to make use of. If you’re in a home that isn’t yours forever (perhaps you’re renting, or have a five year plan!) then solar or battery powered might be a better option – but if you’re able to install permanently, mains power could be for you.

 

Garden Lighting And Safety

 

It might go without saying, but when you’re lighting up your garden, you can’t just bring indoor lighting outside and hope for the best. The weather during the great British summer is generally not as dependable as we’d like it to be, and there’s always a chance of an unexpected rain shower, or windy period, and if indoor lighting gets wet, there’s the risk of shock – or that it will simply be ruined.

 

With that in mind, be certain to look for lighting that is designed specifically for use outdoors, with a safety rating of IP44 and above, to keep you and your family safe, and so that your garden lighting can be used for years to come without any risk.

 

If you’re installing pond lighting, to create even more ambience around your water feature, you’ll need to be looking at either IP64 or IP68, which can be submerged.

 

Our Final Thoughts

Lazy evenings with sunset drinks that turn into a summer night party need the right type of lighting – and when there are so many options to choose from, there’s really no reason to keep those parties going. Whatever type of lighting that is right for your space, you’ll find a huge selection for all requirements and budgets in our range, and of course, if the garden lighting you choose doesn’t suit your needs perfectly, our returns policy means that we can help you get the right model for you.

 

When you’ve got your garden all set up for summer, don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram, and tag us @lighting_direct – we love to see your purchases in their new homes!

Interior Design Trends for 2022

Decorating our homes is a matter of personal style and taste, but most of us want our homes to look stylish and modern too. Taking a look at the interior design trends before we start choosing new décor for our homes means that we can pick and choose from the trends that we love, while putting our own personal twist on the look. With that in mind, in this post we’ll be taking a look at what is going to be on-trend for decorating our homes this year, and which trends are fading away.

 

Trending colours for 2022

 

Before getting started with interior design trends, it is always well worth knowing the trending colours of the year – especially if you’re planning to do a quick update to your home with a colour refresh. There are several places that we can find the colours that are likely to trend this year, starting with colour experts, Pantone.

• Pantone chose Very Peri for 2022 – a deep blue with red undertones.
• Paint powerhouse Dulux chose Bright Skies for 2022 – an airy shade of blue that is reminiscent of spring skies
• US paint favourite Benjamin Moore chose October Mist, a pale silvery-green
• Vogue claims that shades of brown will be the colour to watch for interior design in 2022
Shutterstock suggests four colours will dominate this year: Calming Coral, Velvet Violet, Pacific Pink and almost all shades of green

When we look to colour psychology, natural colours – and all of these are – are soothing, and help us to feel grounded. After the difficulties that the last couple of years have presented us all with, there’s little wonder that these types of colours are trending, so essentially, the more calming the colours, the more on-trend you’ll be. Choose from a soothing palette of blues, greens, and browns, and you can’t go wrong.

 

@mummydoesdiy

 

Trends for 2022

 

There are a number of trends that were popular in previous years that are still ongoing, and we’ll talk about those in a moment – for now, these are the most popular of the newer interior design trends for 2022.

Japandi

If you know anything about interior design, you’ll be well aware of the Scandinavian interior design trend that has been ongoing for ages. While the minimalist Scandi style remains popular, there’s demand for something a little different – and how better to create a different look than by creating a fusion of styles? Japandi is a perfect blend of Japanese interior design and Scandinavian style.

Scandi style is full of light, natural timbers, with natural and outdoorsy accessories – and where colour is used, lighter, and muted shades are preferred. Japanese interior design tends to feature minimalist features, with darker timbers, and natural materials such as bamboo. It is the emphasis on natural materials is what makes the two styles work so well together, to create the Japandi style.

For lighting the Japandi trend, look for pine-effects, sleek white, or black. When you’re choosing lighting for the bedroom, keep surfaces clear and fit wall lights in place of bedside tables – this Edit Dove Wall Light is perfect.

 

 

Multifunctional spaces

We’re all maximising the use of our space in our homes as we continue to work from home – whether that is full time, or just part of the time. Rather than shoving a desk in the corner of a room, we’re expecting to see much more thoughtful use of spaces in the home this year. Perhaps we’re creating a space that acts as an office, workout space, and spare bedroom, or a space for a hobby as well as a yoga studio. Whatever you need that space to do for you, getting the space organised, looking great, and with the best furniture and accessories is high priority this year. In multifunction spaces, you need to choose lighting carefully – a pendant or chandelier isn’t likely to be best if you’re working out underneath it! Instead, find unobtrusive downlights for the ceiling, and add floor, desk, or table lamps that can be easily moved and add style to the space. This natural wood table lamp works well on a desk, or can be repurposed easily as an occasional bedside table lamp next to a sofa bed for guests.

 

Outdoor rooms

In the same way as we’re making the best use of rooms inside the home, we’re also focusing this year on how to make the best use of the space we have outside our homes, and making our gardens work harder for us. Creating outdoor spaces that can be used throughout the summer months mean that we’re able to enjoy our time at home more, whether they’re in the shape of summer houses, pergolas, patio areas, or outdoor kitchens. Festoons are the perfect way to light up an outdoor space whilst also creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Access to electricity isn’t the challenge that it once was, either – our range of solar lights are as effective (if situated with enough access to the sun) as mains-powered ones, and look great too. We love this Lucide outdoor light in anthracite – it suits gardens of all styles.

 

 

Peaceful spaces

Our homes have always been our sanctuaries, but after the past couple of years, there’s a massive interior design trend to make spaces even more peaceful than ever. To get on board with this trend, you’ll be looking for soothing hues of off-white, blues, greens, and washed-out pastel shades for décor, with plenty of lighting options, to allow you to create the perfect tranquil lighting setting, no matter what you’re using the room for. This small & simple floor lamp creates a subtle glow against a wall – perfect for moments of zen.

 

Colour drenching

What the heck is colour drenching, you might be asking – and while there are some pretty complex terms to understand in design, colour drenching is one of the simpler ones. It simply means using the colour you’ve chosen for the room from top to bottom – from the ceiling to the floor – so the room is drenched in colour. Painting the ceiling a colour other than white has been a concept that designers have played with on and off for years, but this year, we’re expecting it to be huge. You can really go all out with this, choosing furniture and lighting options in the same shade – simply filter our catalogue to find the lights with shades in your chosen colour. Or pick a light you can paint – our plaster and ceramic wall lights are white, or can be painted to match your wall colour.

 

Statement lighting

You won’t be surprised to hear that we’re huge fans of this trend! In many cases, choosing lighting is left until last when decorating a space, but this year, designers are starting at the top and working down. Choosing a fabulous statement lighting piece first means that you can choose your décor accordingly – whether you pick a gorgeous chandelier, a bold pendant, or you choose a light based on the interior design style you want your room to have. This cascade ceiling pendant is simply gorgeous for entryways and halls with high ceilings, and this fern chandelier in gold would be a perfect statement piece in a conservatory dining area.

 

 

Bold patterns

Minimalist design – although it can look stunning – is being put on the backburner this year in favour of bringing bold patterns and bright colours to our homes. And it isn’t necessarily a single feature wall – designers are using patterned wallpaper, rugs, and soft furnishings, as well as art prints and textured lighting to make a huge visual impact. Of course, if clashing patterns is a bit too much for your taste, pick one or two options, such as a light and a rug, to gently bring the trend into your home. For example, you might bring in the wild with a cactus print pendant shade, and a floral print rug.

 

Classic style

If you want your home to look sophisticated without needing to be updated any time soon, then classic style is most definitely the trend you need to be looking at. Using classic décor styles means that your home will always look great,

What’s great about the classic style trend is that it can be a really sustainable option – because you can choose investment pieces that will look great indefinitely. Solid wood furniture and Chesterfield-style sofas look great alongside classic chandeliers, floor, and wall lamps. We’d add this classic bankers lamp on our desk in the study to work whichever hours we choose.

Sustainability is at the forefront of most of our minds now, and buying investment pieces – whether new or previously loved – as well as those made from reclaimed or recycled materials is definitely a huge trend that goes hand-in-hand with classic style.

 

 

Art trends

Choosing art for your home really is incredibly personal – and since it is you that is looking at it each day, there’s little point in investing in trendy pieces unless you really, really love them. However, if you’re happy to be led by the trends, there are two main trends when picking art for the home this season: 3D art, and work from up-and-coming artists.

3D art is definitely something that we haven’t seen as popular as it is right now. Artwork that energises flat walls, perhaps even a piece that takes up all of one wall as a real point of visual interest, or that can be configured differently to keep the interest going – they’re the pieces to search for this year.

Buying pieces of artwork from young, or up-and-coming artists has always been a great way to invest in your art collection, and can return a great investment if you purchase before the artist becomes well-known. However, the current trend is to look for new, fresh perspectives on the world through art – and nowhere is that better than from up-and-comers, especially where the artist has a different world view. Supporting artists of colour, artists that are members of groups such as the LGBTQ+ community, and artists with disabilities is particularly popular at present.

Of course, art looks much better when it is properly lit, and so be certain to find the best picture light for your artwork – choose one with an adjustable head, like this lovely bronze one, which is also available in brass finish. Alternatively, to spare messy wiring and costly electricians, opt for a battery-operated picture light.

 

@av.home

 

Ongoing trends

Although these trends are exciting, many of the trends that were big in 2021 are continuing to be popular through 2022. If you’ve been loving these interior design trends on Instagram and wondering if you could still use them in your home, then the answer is definitely yes – go for it!

 

Cottagecore

The so-called ‘cottagecore’ trend – the comforting, rustic design came about as a response to the pandemic, and will continue to be popular this year too. Get the country cottage look with pretty colours, dainty prints, and natural wood furniture, but definitely don’t be matchy-matchy – this look is comfortable, lived-in, and works even better where different patterns and types of furniture are layered together. This three-light bar pendant would look fabulous above a rustic kitchen table, while this saloon wall light in antique chrome makes a perfect replacement for a bedside table lamp – and is also available in a copper finish.

 

@thatcotswoldclaire

 

Oceanic hues

As we’ve already mentioned, blues and greens are going to continue to feature heavily in homes for the foreseeable future, because as restful, peaceful shades that are strongly associated with nature, psychologically these colours are great for our mindsets. Our range of lighting has styles in these shades, but if you don’t want to find an exact colour match (which can be really hard to get right) then look at lights in silver, chrome, or gold finishes – these work perfectly with the hues and can reflect wall décor.

 

Use of textures

Bringing different textures in can create visual interest where the chosen colour palette is minimal, and designers have been doing this for ages. This is still an ongoing trend, and it weaves in well with some of the other trends we’ve mentioned here – so layer up those blankets, add textured shades to lamps with natural fabrics, metallic fixtures with basket effects, or textured glass. This ceiling pendant will cast lovely patterns, while the Possio wall lights have a concrete shade paired with a wooden backplate which creates a lovely mixture of materials and textures.

 

@little.home.me

 

Statement pieces

We’ve touched on how statement lighting is going to be a huge trend this year, but statement pieces on the whole will continue to dominate – although this year’s statement pieces are more functional. A classically styled living room can get a talking point with a stunning statement armchair, for example, or a bedroom might get a stunning headboard.

 

Fading trends

When you’re planning to redecorate your home, you don’t want to end up bringing in a trend that will look dated almost as soon as you’ve finished it. With that in mind, here’s a quick roundup of the trends for the home that we expect to become less popular this year.

 

Open floor plans

Let’s face it – since 2020, we’ve all realised how important being able to find a bit of our own space is to us. Where homes are being built from scratch, or they are being redesigned and remodelled, architects and interior designers are being much more careful about how to use the space. With homes in the UK tending to be on the smaller side, and the increase in people working from home, segmenting space so that there are quiet and private spaces is more important than ever. If you love an open floor plan, by all means go for it – you need to be happy in your home – but the trend is definitely fading.

 

All-white minimalist spaces

While all-white minimalism can look absolutely stunning, it is really high maintenance! Keeping homes clean is time-consuming enough, and the pandemic has taught us to savour the better things in life – and definitely that there are better things to do with your time than keeping all-white décor clean. With that in mind, designers are favouring rooms that are saturated in colour, so leave that tin of white emulsion where it is and get inspired.

 

Non-functional decorations

Although accessories that are beautiful for the sake of being beautiful, as we’re all making the most of our homes, function is important too. So there’s been a leaning towards clearing away sculptures and artwork that isn’t functional in favour of replacing those items with useful pieces like candlesticks and sculptural lamps that serve as art as well as having a purpose.

 

Final thoughts

We’re loving these new and ongoing interior design trends for 2022. With so many beautiful options to play with, you can choose the ones that suit your taste best, and mix and match. Remember, it is your home, so use these trends to inform your design choices rather than following them religiously, and you’ll create a home that you will love for years to come, and that your friends and family will adore visiting.

Everything you need to know about garden trends in 2021

outdoor garden office space

As most of us know, the Great British Summer is an unpredictable beast. Cloudy days and rainy nights are to be expected – but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to make the most of our gardens during the warmer months! Whether they are tiny balconies or small courtyard gardens, or you’re lucky enough to have an extended amount of space with patios and lawns, most of us relish the thought of getting out into our gardens for lazy summer days and dreamy summer nights.

As we write this post, we hope the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over in the UK, but it is still weighing heavily on our lives. There are still many restrictions in place, particularly when it comes to travel – and even for the countries that it is permitted, a significant percentage of the population are reluctant to travel as yet. While we’re lucky that things are getting better, many of us are looking to make the best of what we have while we’re staycationing – and so it makes sense that many of the garden trends for this summer are in response to this desire.

 

staycation garden trends for this summer

 

Escapism is key

Dealing with the constant challenges of lockdowns, paired with travel restrictions has us dreaming of escapes worldwide, and that is feeding garden trends right now. Whether you’re marking the days on the calendar until the staycation that you have got booked in the UK, or you’re dreaming of the day that you walk down the (aeroplane) aisle and jet off to foreign lands, you can use that wanderlust to inspire your garden design.

 

English country garden

Your garden might be in the suburbs, or even in the heart of the town, but that doesn’t mean you can’t walk out your back door and imagine you’re in the Cotswolds. Creating a country garden feel in your outdoor space means that you can dream of being in your own little cottage while you’re out there. Partly inspired by the ‘cottagecore’ interior design movement (sometimes known as farmcore and countrycore), there is little wonder that this trend is being applied liberally to gardens too.

There are so many ways that you might apply this trend to your garden, but we imagine gardens like this to include plenty of traditionally English plants, from climbing roses and honeysuckle, and lots of wildflowers, as we mentioned before. Furniture is likely to be more traditional in style too, so seek out wrought iron table and chairs – maybe given a pretty make-over in a pastel shade of pink or blue, rather than in black or white. If iron furniture isn’t your thing, find mismatched wooden furniture that is finished with the same treatment to unite the look.

 

rustic cottage style garden furniture

 

When you’re creating your rustic cottage-style garden, your lighting needs to be traditional – and it doesn’t get more traditional than lanterns and lamp posts. Our recommendations for this look? This Edit Traditional Lamp Post, which is inspired by Victorian street lighting. Simply add a warm white decorative filament bulb to set the look off perfectly.

If your garden is a little smaller, you can create a similar effect with wall lanterns or pedestals. This Edit Coastal Sennen Outdoor Lantern has a PIR sensor, so will only be switched on when it senses movement after dark. For something a little more intricate, this Lucide Tireno Outdoor Pedestal Light is the perfect option, and can be fitted where you need it.

 

Seaside vibes

Who doesn’t love a seaside break in the UK? Well, maybe some, but creating a seaside effect in your garden is absolutely on trend for 2021. Maybe it is the desire to get back to normality, with day trips to the beach, but creating a garden that takes inspiration from the British seaside is absolutely on trend right now. Find traditional stripey deck chairs, add beachy stones, jute rope, and use grassy plants to achieve this look. Bonus points if you can turn your shed into a tasteful beach hut.

Coloured festoon lighting is absolutely perfect to complete this look – these Suri Solar Multicolour LED filament festoons are not just reminiscent of fun fairs in the best possible way, but they’re also solar powered, meaning you can hang them absolutely anywhere that the solar panel will be in the sun during the day.

 

seaside vibes garden trends

 

Mediterranean space

If you’d normally be on a plane somewhere sunny in the Med around this time of the year, then take inspiration from your favourite destination for your garden. Add olive trees to patios, find furniture made from bleached woods, and add an outdoor pizza oven and strings of festoons to really amp up the Italian vibe.

Should you prefer the north African coast to inspire your garden, this Jumbo Damasque Outdoor Solar LED Lantern casts shadows that feel perfectly Moroccan.

 

Zen gardens

When you’re done with work, you need a place to retreat for rest and relaxation. Japanese style zen gardens are currently trending, with lots of greenery, stone, and water features. When looking for furniture for this type of garden, look for teak and other darker woods, or if that is out of your price.

If you’re looking for lighting for a more zen space, then look for simple designs, to allow the beauty of the garden to speak for itself. This Elstead York Pendant Porch Lantern would look wonderful in the middle of a simple pergola, and this Dar Arham LED Wall Light is beautifully simple, with opal panes that are reminiscent of traditional Japanese style interiors.

For something a little more decorative, this Elstead Kolne Outdoor Lantern has just a hint of Japanese styling to it, without being too obvious.

 

Using garden space

Since the pandemic started, we’ve needed every square inch of our homes to work for us even harder – particularly where there a lot of people in a small home – and in many cases, we’ve been using our gardens as extensions of our homes. Pre-COVID, we might have used our gardens in such a way, but since last year there has definitely been more of us using our outdoor space more creatively, allowing us to access just a bit more space.

 

Zoning

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden that is big enough to be divided up into different areas, then you might already be on the case with this trend. Zoning has been popular with garden designers for a while now, to clearly show how different areas of the garden are to be used. Tall plants, bushes and even outdoor rugs are popular ways to separate sections and create privacy, but our favourite way – particularly through the evening – is to use lighting.

Fairy light curtains like these Edit ones can create a whimsical backdrop to a romantic dinner, while stake lights or ground lights can be used to mark out the edges of decking, or along paths.

 

Office space

So many of us are still working from home as we write this post, and many big businesses have taken the decision to allow employees to decide where they want to work in the future – whether that is office-based, remote, or a hybrid arrangement. With permanent returns to offices looking less likely, many of us are looking to create office spaces in our gardens, allowing us to work without interruptions. Small cabins, summer houses and garden office pods are in huge demand this year, and we expect to see even more popping up as home working continues.

Once the office space has been installed and electricity has been connected, in most cases, the office space can be decorated as an indoor home office would be. You’ll be shopping for a desk, book cases, appropriate office lighting and desk lamps and heaters, so that your new garden office space can be used year round.

 

outdoor garden office space

 

Cooking, dining and social space

Over the past few years, there has been a trend towards having cooking, dining and social space in your garden. Being able to go out for a quick drink, or for something to eat is much easier when the restaurant or bar is right outside your back door, and there is no need for taxis at the end of the evening! We love this trend, but at the same time, we don’t see a time when we won’t enjoy going out-out – whether that is to our local pub or to a great new restaurant. Nobody wants to have to do the dishes, after all! While the pandemic might have encouraged the trend, there is absolutely no doubt that there is a massive trend towards incorporating cooking and entertaining spaces in gardens throughout 2021 and beyond.

In bigger gardens, we’re seeing full outdoor kitchens that include barbecue grills, pizza ovens and sinks, while in smaller gardens just one of those elements are being installed, alongside al fresco dining areas and bar carts that allow for summer dinners to continue long into the evenings.

Outdoor cooking spaces need plenty of lighting, and we recommend strings of festoons for this purpose. That’s because they are flexible and can be arranged to provide optimum lighting where it is required, but they’re also pretty atmospheric, lending a celebratory, party atmosphere – which is just what you need when you have friends to visit!

Where dining spaces are arranged under pergolas and covers, there are some incredible lighting options. Festoons can be used of course, but we love outdoor pendant lights such as this Edit Vigo pendant porch lantern.

 

cooking dining and entertaining garden spaces under pergolas with pendant lights

 

Versatile space

If you have children in your home then your garden is almost certainly their domain – whether they’re outside kicking a ball around, playing at camping or they have sand and water play in their space.

But your garden isn’t just for children – and if you’re in a small house, then your garden may become your workout space, or chillout space, as well as your social space and the playground. If you need your space to be flexible, then add storage in the way of a small shed, or using garden storage boxes will ensure you can do what you want, when you want, and keep your workout stuff, toys for afternoon play dates, as well as tables, chairs, and cushions.

To create a really great amount of soft, ambient lighting, we absolutely adore this Edit Cloud 800 Outdoor Ground Feature Light – we can see it being fantastic for a movie night with the children on a picnic rug, while entertaining friends, or to provide just a little more lighting while doing a full moon yoga flow.

 

Sustainability

Many of us have become much more aware of the need to make more sustainable choices over the past few years, and in 2021, that means our gardens too. Eliminating plastic, changing the way we treat the soil and being careful to switch lights off when they are no longer needed are all not just on trend, they’re going to be essential for the survival of the planet. Choosing sustainable isn’t a trend all on its own – the perfect situation is where we can work with trends and be sustainable at the same time.

 

Furniture made from natural materials

Plastic furniture was once the cheap and cheerful option, with loungers, tables and chairs all being easy to find, but as we all become much more aware of the need to act sustainably, they’re becoming much less cool. Designers are sourcing natural materials that are much more robust for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Recently, wicker and rattan are becoming popular for garden furniture, as well as the use of reclaimed woods, and metals that will last much, much longer.

When it comes to adding lighting to your garden, it is possible to find fixtures that are made from natural materials, although of course, wiring still needs to use plastic to keep it watertight. In order to keep the impact on the environment down, buy from quality lighting specialists. Buying high quality means that you’re less likely to encounter your choice of lighting failing on you after just a few months, and reduce the need for you to replace them – and means fewer items ending up in landfill.

If you’re looking for table lighting, then this Alfresco LED Outdoor Table Lamp  or Lucide Fjara Lantern are great options, both supplied with a USB rechargeable battery.

 

Wildlife supporting plants & wildflowers

With insects such as bees at risk, many of us are choosing to plant more wildflowers, and plants that are known to support animals in the local ecosystems. Some gardeners are completely ‘rewilding’ sections of their gardens, but if that is a little to unkempt, or you prefer a more curated look, add wildflower seed to raised beds. Not only are they great for supporting the environment, they’re also incredibly pretty, and this idea works perfectly with the ‘English country garden’ trend that is popular at the moment too.

 

pretty English country garden

 

Growing food and medicinal plants

With so many people choosing to become vegan over the last few years and prices of food rising, the desire to experience garden fresh food has grown dramatically. That’s a great thing too, since home grown fruit and vegetables beat supermarket produce hands down in terms of flavour, and in terms of satisfaction too.

Growing herbs and small plants like tomatoes has been a summer job for many of us for a long time – and the good news is that you don’t need a huge amount of space to grow your own. Even if you have wall planters, patio containers or just a windowsill, you’ll still be able to make the most of growing. Beans, peas, salad vegetables and herbs grow well in small spaces, while if you’re really pushed for space, you can look at growing in hanging baskets.

Taking the trend another step, there has been a move towards growing plants that can be used for medicinal purposes too. Camomile and lavender are both well renowned for being great as a sleep aid, while growing mint and ginger in sheltered, sunny spots means you’ll always have them available for tea to relieve digestive discomfort when you need them.

 

Careful use of lighting

When choosing lighting options, sustainability means looking for solar powered outdoor lighting where possible, but also ensuring that you minimise the effects of your lighting on local wildlife. Adding timers to your lighting, or making use of PIR lights that are triggered to come on when movement is detected means that your garden lighting doesn’t create excessive amounts of light pollution, and won’t interrupt insect life cycles.

 

Final thoughts

While these are the trends that designers are working with at the moment, the most important thing to remember is that trends are temporary, and so while you might follow a particular trend to the letter, if you don’t love it, you will end up changing it sooner than you might prefer. Never forget that, while having a home that is on trend is great, having one that you absolutely love, and that you are comfortable in, will always be in style.

 

 

maxine clarke author bio

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

How to decorate a small garden – ideas and lighting tips

outdoor fairy lights

 

As the spring starts to warm up, many of us start to think about getting out in our gardens. If your garden is a small one, then there are plenty of ways to create a welcoming space that you’ll make use of throughout the summer. Regardless of whether you have a large budget, or you only have a small amount to spend, there are some fantastic ways to decorate a small garden.

 

Start with careful planning

Creating your dream small garden is much harder if you jump in and start buying without planning – you’re more likely to end up needing to return items that don’t fit, and the space won’t feel put together properly. Before you do anything, measure your garden, decide which plants you’re going to keep, and if there are any elements such as a shed that are already in place. Will you need to work around these features, or can they be resituated?

From there, think about how you want to use your garden – will you want to cook in the garden, by adding a barbecue set up or an outdoor pizza oven? Are you likely to have visitors to entertain? Do you need to think about keeping children safe? Will you spend time in the garden into the evening? If so, how will you add lighting to your design?

After you’ve done your planning, and you know your budget, if you’re only planning a small makeover then you can start shopping, potting, and planting. It may be a case of just a few pounds, with some new lighting and cushions to do the trick, and you can get out there and start enjoying the sunny days.

If you’re planning a garden makeover that will be a bigger project, then once you’ve established how you want your garden to work for you, you can sketch out your vision or use a garden planning app to try different layouts, and to ensure that everything you want fits in perfectly, before you get to work planting and rearranging.

 

patio space

 

Mark out your space

Even with only a small amount of space to work with, there may still be possibilities to create separate areas of your garden for different uses – depending on exactly how small your space actually is, of course.

Creating zones within your garden might feel counter-intuitive if you don’t have much space – but in practice, having clearly demarcated areas can help you to use the space more effectively. Use paint on floors and walls to help mark out your sections, add lighting to divide space, and add tall plants to create privacy and boundaries between sections.

If you’re going to be using your garden a lot into the evening, then strings of fairy lights (or net versions like this one) or festoon lamps, or strategically placed outdoor feature lighting such as the Edit Cloud 300 Outdoor Ground Feature Light can mark out the separate areas.

 

festoon fairy lights

 

For gardens that are simply too tiny to create different areas, you can still create an amazing space that you can use in different ways – you just have to get a bit more creative.

 

Small, flexible garden spaces

There isn’t any reason that you should have to commit to using your garden in just one way – especially if you want to use your garden for exercise, entertaining, and simply lounging at different times. It is easier than ever to create gardens that can be flexible, and used for different purposes.

Rather than having permanent planters or plant beds in the ground, consider having your plants in decorative pots that are on caddy trays with castor wheels. These can be found relatively inexpensively online, and mean that you can rearrange your garden easily – perfect if you end up needing a bit more space for guests, or you need a bit more room when you’re moving through a yoga flow or a skipping and bodyweight workout.

 

woman doing yoga in garden

 

In addition to being able to move your plants around, opting for folding furniture means you can change the usage of the space easily. Bistro style table and chairs are a great space-saving option, and can be found in a range of colours, but if there really isn’t space, then rather than having furniture, you might opt for an outdoor rug and lounge cushions for an informal, picnic style feel when you want to be out in the garden.

 

flower picnic garden

 

Don’t forget about shade either. Parasols and sail design shades are easily added to change the look and feel of the area, and can be taken down and stored quickly when the weather changes.

Lighting options can be flexible, and in many cases, don’t need to depend on electricity being available. Solar lights, or USB rechargeable LED lights are options that can be added to your space without needing to get permission from a landlord, or require you to have an electrician to come and do costly work. We love this 365 Industrial Lantern Solar LED Stake Light, which is a stylish choice that can be easily taken out when you move home, while these Easyfit 12V Squirrel Cage LED Festoon Lights can be added and removed as you need them.

 

squirrel cage festoons

 

Use lighting effectively

If sitting out in your garden into the evenings with dinners or drinks is part of your plans for the summer, then having lighting available is essential. There are plenty of options that can be used to great effect in small spaces.

As recommended with indoor lighting, having a range of lighting solutions available in your garden is a good idea, since it allows for the space to be used differently. If you’ve got children in the garden into the evenings, you’re likely to need the garden flooded with light to help avoid accidents, whereas if you’re enjoying an intimate, romantic evening with your significant other, then you’ll want more atmospheric lighting solutions.

Permanent solutions include wall lighting – and many types of wall lights are able to come on automatically with a sensor, so you don’t have to remember to flick the switch before you leave the house. They’re also space saving, as they can be fixed a little higher. Depending on what style you want your garden to take on, you might add high powered lights to completely fill your space with light, traditional lanterns (either hanging or upright), up and down lighting or more minimalist designs.

 

outdoor wall light

 

For party situations, there is absolutely nothing better than festoon lighting and fairy lights to create a festive atmosphere – and these are easily added. We love these Edit Pastel LED Green Micro Wire Fairy Lights for a colourful effect that doesn’t suggest you’ve raided the Christmas decorations, and if you have a garden table, this Filament Battery Operated LED Festoon Spiral Chandelier makes for a great talking point.

There are plenty of solar powered LED options that allow you to make the most of your space – since as long as the sensor sees the sun throughout the day, you’ll have light through the night, no matter how late your party goes on! We love the effect that these Edit Solar LED String Lights create.

 

outdoor fairy lights

 

If you’re using your garden as an extension of your home, with an area for lounging and eating, then you might want to make use of ‘indoor’ style lighting. If you have a pergola, or a permanent structure, you can add outdoor pendant lights, such as the Battery Operated LED Festoon Pendant. If not, there’s always the opportunity to add table style lamps such as the Alfresco Table Light to your space to make it feel even more like an outdoor-in situation.

Where it is possible to use different levels in your garden, adding low-level, or in-ground lighting can be a good option to create atmosphere too. Stake lights are a great option to light along a path edge or border – this set of five Flame Torch Solar LED Stake Lights that can be added and removed easily, and are low maintenance options that look great – while deck and ground lights can be fitted to increase safety.

If you’re really pushed for space, there are still options. Consider adding planters that have the lighting built in – this LED Plant Pot Light is a great example of how lighting can be added without the need for installing your lighting separately in the garden.

Don’t forget to use accent lighting to show off features of your garden that you’re particularly proud of – add an LED garden spotlight, so you can see it all through the night.

 

Use height to create the feel of spacehttps://www.lighting-direct.co.uk/edit-alfresco-led-outdoor-table-lamp-white.html

Your garden may be at ground level, but if there isn’t anything preventing you from using height, then there are plenty of ways to create the illusion of space. Lighting is one way, with up and down lights added to walls helping to add an airy feel to small spaces.

If you’re in need of space to accommodate plants and greenery and want to make the most of floor space for relaxing, then there are some great options that don’t take up much ground at all. Trellises have been popular in gardens for years, particularly for climbing plants, and living walls have broken through to become incredibly popular in recent years. There are plenty of different spins on the living wall, from creating beautiful displays of flowers to creating a vertical vegetable patch. They can be created pretty simply, with many versions being shared online being custom made by thrifty types using old pallet wood, leaving cash available for other garden accessories such as lighting.

It isn’t just trellises and living walls that can be used for planting. Less expensive, and more versatile options include using garden shelving, hooks and hanging baskets to get plants and flowers at different levels, while window boxes and fence planters allow for growing in space that wouldn’t otherwise be used.

 

floral wall

 

Use colour to create an impression

If your garden is really small, or it doesn’t get a huge amount of sunshine because it is north facing, then you might paint walls and fences as you would inside – white certainly brightens spaces up! But that isn’t your only option, and bright colours can be really invigorating, particularly when you consider what you’re planting. A bold shade allows foliage to really pop, and if you pick a colour you really love, the shade you choose can really help to boost your mood.

Mirrors have been used by interior to walls to create the illusion of space, and to bounce light around indoors for years – and it is possible to do the same in small gardens. There are plenty of options available online at varying price points, but scouring vintage stores can yield some incredible finds at low prices. Add solar powered fairy lights that come on automatically at dusk for a magical effect.

 

Choose furniture carefully

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the garden relaxing, then you might want to create an ‘indoor’ outside space. This might involve adding a garden rug, floor cushions (which are more comfortable for lounging than fold-away chairs), or if you have potential attachment points, add a hanging hammock, or a swing seat that is easy to fold away. If you’re adding raised flower beds, consider adding wide edges so that you can add cushions when you have guests – it makes for easy additional seating space, without taking up too much space.

 

hanging bench in garden

 

Where you’re planning to be hosting guests in your garden for drinks throughout the summer, then you can wall mount furniture such as fold-out cupboard to add as a bar cart, or mini bar. This makes entertaining easy, since you won’t need additional table space for glasses and drinks bottles, or need to keep popping in and out of the kitchen! Party lighting is of course optional, but definitely recommended – and we know that many of our customers have found that our Konstsmide Assisi LED Planter Feature Light in large size doubles up well as an ice bucket!

For particularly small gardens – such as in a starter home like a garden flat – then having an outdoor table set might not be a realistic possibility. But if you’re the only person that is likely to be in your garden, then adding a half-sized table to a wall, with a chair will give you an al fresco dining area – and maybe even occasionally even an outdoor desk, if you’re working from home still and your Wi-Fi reaches that far! Don’t forget to add suitable lighting above your table – we love this Edit Battersea Half Lantern Outdoor Wall Light in rust brown finish to create a rustic effect, or use an up and down wall light like this sleek Edit Fog style in dark grey.

 

porch lighting

 

If you’re short on storage for your garden accessories, even with a small garden, a shed may not be out of the question – particularly if you can use it for multiple purposes, such as a bar area in the summer, and for storing your furniture in the winter. There are some incredibly small designs that might be just big enough for keeping your tools, foldaway furniture, and your outdoor lighting through the winter months – just search ‘tiny shed’, and you’ll find plenty of designs.

 

When the budget is tight

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your garden, or you aren’t in your ‘forever home’, search thrift stores and charity shops for indoor furniture that you can upcycle by sanding down and treating. It won’t last as long as buying furniture that has been designed and built specifically for outdoor use, but it certainly gives you options on a budget – and even when you factor in the cost of the paint, you’re likely to save significantly on brand new furniture.

You don’t have to spend huge amounts of cash on your plants in the garden centre either – especially if you can plan ahead and buy seeds and plants at the end of the season. If you’re surrounded by people that have wonderful gardens or are particularly green fingered, you can ask for cuttings, or swap seeds for free. You just have to be a little patient – it doesn’t take long for plants to grow, and the feeling when it all looks exactly as you want it is incredibly satisfying.

Lighting your garden can be relatively inexpensive – strings of solar fairy lights start at less than £15, and packs of solar stake lights are very affordable too.

Whatever the size of your budget, we hope you have an incredible summer, with plenty of time spent out there well into the evenings, courtesy of your outdoor lighting, and that you continue to enjoy your small garden well into the autumn months. Ready to get started? Browse all of our outdoor lighting here.

 

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

Interior Design Ideas and Trends for 2021

kitchen shelves under cabinet lighting

When refreshing our homes, most of us want to create spaces that will feel modern for some time to come. Taking inspiration from interior design trends can ensure that our homes both reflect our personalities, and impress our guests when we are finally allowed to visit again post-lockdowns. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the design ideas and trends for 2021, and how to use lighting to complement those trends.

 

Cottagecore and country living

The ‘cottagecore’ trend emerged as a reaction to 2020 – the need to feel comforted at home, where it feels safe – is essential for our wellbeing. While there were a number of different takes on this trend, in many cases cottagecore meant using a range of chintzy fabrics, exposed beams and floorboards, and embroidery. Vintage items look great with this trend, but the look can be elevated (and to feel deliberate, rather than thrown together) by using gold accessories. When it comes to lighting, gold finishes are everywhere, and they can feel traditional, such as this Edgar floor lamp in antique gold or can feel less expected, like with this impressive Markslojd Soleil piece.

 

cottagecore country style

soleil rustic ceiling pendant

 

Glass pendants such as this Edit Tavern glass ceiling pendant light in chrome gives just the right amount of rustic, while still feeling modern in design.

 

Texture play

Using different materials to create both visual and textural effect is being used in homes extensively – particularly where there is a lot of flat, empty space. Vertical panelling, slats and wainscoting are all popular on walls to create interest, but the most impressive textural effects are created when they are layered. Using a range of different fabrics and materials creates depth and feels much more luxurious and warm. Choosing lighting to complement these layers of textures can be achieved with a range of different lighting solutions.

Metallic lighting can add a completely different feel, and while metals can feel unyielding, they can feel warm with tones such as gold and copper. The Lucide Manuela ceiling light in green finish looks fabulous and feels reminiscent of netting – don’t forget to order a bulb with a decorative filament to show it off to the fullest.

 

filament bulb pendant

 

Natural materials like rattan, hessian, and cane can help to create a softly diffused light and complements the look and feel of spaces where nature is to be evoked and relaxation is to take place – in bedrooms, living areas and conservatories. This Lucide Magius flush wall light in rattan contrasts beautifully with the black metal back plate, for a slightly less rustic feel. For ceilings, the Iluzzia Nagua ceiling pendant light uses layers of bamboo shaded material to feel luxurious.

Fluted and ribbed glass lighting can also create depth in spaces where textures are being layered. This Markslojd Sober table lamp is versatile and works well in living rooms, casual use desks and bedrooms.

 

versatile table lamp

 

Statement pieces

Rather than depending on colours to create design effects, many are choosing to invest in statement lighting that they really love as a way of creating visual interest, or to update a room without needing to completely redecorate. Where statement lighting is in place, other decorative effects can be minimal – particularly where walls are plain, and drama is added in the accessories.

Statement pieces can be used throughout the home, in almost every room. In kitchens, multiple large pendants or sculptural pendant lights such as this Edit chart 6 arm ceiling pendant work perfectly over kitchen islands and dining tables.

 

6 arm ceiling pendant

 

In more formal dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms, chandeliers and ceiling pendants with unexpected materials such as agate can take centre stage, while in bedrooms, long arm wall lights on either side of the bed, or statement table lamps.

 

statement ceiling pendant

 

This Lucide Extravaganza coconut table lamp in green and gold hits on two trends at once, being a statement piece and with the green shade, which we’ll come to in our next trend, oceanic hues. This lamp works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms and conservatories as a talking point, and could easily be updated in the future by switching out the shade for a different colour.

Smoked glass lighting is very much a trend through 2021. This Lucide Yoni table lamp makes a statement wherever it is placed throughout the home. It reminds us – in the best possible way – of desk toys that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, while still feeling like modern art, and so would look fabulous in a home office.

 

Oceanic hues

The biggest selling shades of paint were in green and blue hues in 2020, and this is highly likely to continue right through 2021. No doubt many designers were taking their inspiration from Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year, which was ‘Classic Blue’ (19-4052). At the end of 2020, US paint specialists Benjamin Moore kept the blue trend going by choosing Aegean Teal (2136-40) as their colour of the year for 2021.

Since green is strongly associated with nature, it makes many people feel peaceful, calm and relaxed – which is why, when TV shows have guests, they are sent to relax in the ‘green room’ prior to their appearance. It is also sometimes considered an optimistic, or hopeful colour, since green is strongly associated with the promise of spring.

Blues are also heavily entwined with nature, with many people associating it with water and the sea. Like green, blues are calming, and can encourage us to think of the ideal situation or solution for a problem. Although blue can be a positive colour, when using blue in décor, care should be taken to ensure that it doesn’t feel too cold – unless that is the intention, of course.

 

blue oceanic hues interior design

 

Greens and blues can work wonderfully in almost every room in the home, blue is less often used in dining rooms. While it can create a lovely, calming atmosphere, blues aren’t usually associated with food, since blue is rarely seen in natural foods, apart from blueberries and plums, and so it can actually suppress the appetite.

When choosing lighting to complement rooms featuring green and blue – whether influenced by traditional, or mid-century design styles – there is a wide range of lighting that works well. Both clear glass and opal glass work well for shades, while brass, gold and white also look fantastic.

 

blue oceanic hues gold brass white shades

 

Grey and yellow

We’ve spoken about grey and yellow as trending colours for 2021 since the beginning of the year – but that’s the power of Pantone. When Pantone announces a colour for the year, everyone involved in design listens, and this year, they announced “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” as two separate shades that would encapsulate the feelings of hope and resilience that we need through 2021.

 

grey and yellow trend kitchen

 

Illuminating (we approve of the name!) is a vivid yellow shade that is optimistic and aspirational, while Ultimate Gray was being “emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation” to encourage and reassure – something that we’re all in need of after the challenges that 2020 presented us with.

Greys have long been favoured for use in the home as a calm, soothing shade. It pairs well with many different shades, since it balances brighter and more intense hues, while it also works well with other natural shades owing to it being the colour of many pebbles.

Yellows are often avoided in the home as they can sometimes feel too vibrant and wakening. Used carefully though – either alongside balancing neutrals, or as a contrasting colour – yellow can be used to great effect.

When choosing lighting for rooms with yellow or grey, keeping it simple is often the way forward. Clear glass, white, silver, textured fabrics, and marble effects can all work well, depending on the styling of the space.

 

www.lighting-direct.co.uk/edit-normandy-glass-ceiling-pendant-light-antique-silver.html

 

Lighting trends in different rooms

We’ve all used our homes even more extensively than usual this year. As we’ve spent more time at home and saved money on going out, many homeowners have been using the time to search for their dream lighting, and to upgrade lighting in different rooms.

 

Kitchen

When designing and remodelling kitchens, the trend for statement lighting continues, with a move away from bar pendants in favour of having multiple single pendant lighting. To make the most of this trend, we love the Edit Hammered Ceiling Pendant Light in Copper, and the Lucide Julius smoked glass pendant light. Both options look striking used in multiples above kitchen islands and dining tables, but there are a range of pendants to suit every style.

Lighting within kitchen furniture has been popular for a while, especially LEDs installed under higher cupboards to illuminate the counters, but this type of lighting can be used to create different effects. Adding lights above cupboards can help low ceilings feel higher, creating a more airy feel in the kitchen, while fitting LED strips under cupboards can create a floating effect. Since it highlights the floors, it also has the benefit of ensuring that cleaning is done promptly, and done well too – you might want to invest in a Swiffer mop for easy clean-ups if applying this trend!

 

kitchen lighting trends spice drawer image

kitchen shelves under cabinet lighting

 

Home office

2020 was undoubtedly the year that the home office was established as a permanent requirement. With more people working from home, it makes sense that there has been a trend towards more task lighting for home offices. Many people started out making use of cheap functional desk lamps as a temporary fix, but as working from home looks set to continue through 2021 and beyond, it is understandable that finding stylish desk lighting has become a priority.

Not only is it important to have desk lighting that illuminates our work space, but those Zoom calls are now non-optional – so having stylish desk lighting that both looks good, and makes us look good on camera is essential. Designers have seen this demand, and there are a huge range of desk lamps available to suit any aesthetic. There are classic styles, such as the Endon Hiero desk lamp in antique brass, starkly industrial styles like the Lucide Malcolm table lamp in black and gold, and the beautiful and modern styles, such as the Lucide Mirasol marble and brass table lamp.

 

home office desk lamp

 

Bedroom

We talked about bedroom lighting ideas in this post, but we can’t talk about lighting trends without discussing how statement pendants are having a moment in bedrooms. Sculptural shades are popular, as we mentioned in our previous post, but they can also be used to add texture – such as with this Lucide Maloto glass ceiling pendant light in amber, or this Lucide Magius ceiling pendant light in rattan.

Statement pendants aren’t just used in the centre of the room either. They can be a fantastic alternative to bedside lamps, helping to bedside tables clear of wires and clutter – and are especially ideal if there are accident-prone pets or children around!

Great all lighting is another option next to the bed and feels luxurious as well as functional. Having dimmer switches on wall plates can create further flexibility, and when turned down to the dimmest setting, should the light need to be switched on at night, it isn’t such a shock to the system. This DFTP Balance LED wall light with plug has a dimmer switch built in, and provides perfect illumination for bedtime reading.

 

bedroom wall lamp lighting

 

Tips for choosing great lighting

Having a range of lighting in each room allows spaces to be better utilised – although of course, it depends on what the room is going to be used for, as to what type of lighting is most important. The days of having just ‘the big light’ in the centre of the room as the only lighting option are now long past. We recommend that each room should have between five and seven lighting points, with at least one type of lighting from each category for every room. This allows for the perfect amount of flexibility for each space, and increases the number of activities that are possible in each room.

 

Categories of lighting

 

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is often provided by the main light on the ceiling (although this isn’t always the case – wall lighting can also contribute to ambient lighting) and should fill the room with light. It is functional and allows the room to be used in the same way as if it were natural daylight. But as we have seen, functional doesn’t need to be boring! There are plenty of choices of lighting fixtures that can contribute to ambient indoor lighting, including:

 ambient home lighting

 

Task lighting

This is the lighting within a room that is used for specific reasons. In a bedroom, this would be lamps on bedside tables, in the kitchen it might be under-counter lights that illuminate work surfaces, while in the study, it would be desk lighting. Task lighting can be provided by:

 

task lighting home interior

 

Accent lighting and spotlights

Interior designers use accent lighting as a way to highlight architectural features or items in the space such as artwork, a collection of objects, or a sculpture. Sometimes it is used to create a specific effect and can also create the feeling that the room is bigger than it actually is. Spotlights are frequently used to achieve this, while up and down lights or arm lights can also be used to draw the attention to a certain aspect of the room.

 

Lighting height

When you’re considering adding any kind of lighting, but particularly statement lighting from the ceiling – it is always sensible to check heights before ordering and installing. Sufficient clearance is essential to avoid injury or breakage (or both!), and so there should be a minimum of 2 metres between the floor and the lighting fixture – more if you have a particularly tall member of your household! When fitting lighting above dining tables, there should be a minimum of 65 cm between the table and the lighting fixture.

 

Light bulbs shouldn’t be an afterthought

Care should be taken to ensure the right type of bulbs are used in different types of lights. Functional task lighting in a study or kitchen requires white or blue-tinted bulbs, to provide brightness, while in bedside lamps, a softer and warmer feel is more appropriate to ensure that sleep isn’t interrupted.

As we mentioned earlier, where bulbs are exposed by their light fittings, bulbs are an essential part of the look – so choose appropriately – whether that is bulbs with decorative filaments, smaller sized bulbs, or candle bulbs.

 

light bulb choice decorative filament

 

The small details are important

When decorating your home and keeping everything on trend, don’t neglect the smaller details that make all the difference. Plain white, plastic switches and sockets will do the job perfectly, but they often aren’t beautiful, and won’t add to the feeling of comfort. Adding light switches that are intentionally chosen to complement your décor or choice of light fitting (in the same material and finish as the light fitting) can create a really professionally designed feel and elevate the room in a subtle, yet incredibly effective way.

Most importantly, ensure that you have the ability to control the brightness of your lighting. As designer Åsa Fjellstad says – not having a dimmer switch on your lighting is like having a loudspeaker with only one setting – so make sure you add dimmer switches to your shopping list when refreshing your space in 2021. Continue the theme by switching telephone sockets and power sockets to match (not forgetting to fit USB power, since so many of our devices run on them today) for a really luxurious look and feel.

 

Find more lighting ideas and solutions click here.

 

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

Best Home Office Ideas (How To Create Your Dream Home Office)

natural lighting office with desk and task lighting added

With more of us working from home on a permanent basis even as the pandemic eases, it makes sense that we’re investing in our home office spaces. Particularly for those of us that work from home full time, that’s a lot of hours spent in the same space – so making do with a desk shoved in the corner with a cheap desk lamp that was bought in a hurry just doesn’t cut it. While not all of us have the luxury of a whole room for a home office, and many of us will simply be using a corner of a bedroom for our workspace, there really isn’t any reason that your home office can’t be beautiful.

 

Office trends for 2021

There are as many ways in which a home office can be decorated as there are people in the world – but these are some of the trends that designers are using for home offices in 2021 (and that people are searching for!) that might serve as inspiration.

 

Modern tech

This trend is super sleek and simple, inspired by desirable tech equipment. Whether you have the latest devices or not, this trend incorporates furniture in bright whites and greys, and made from non-traditional materials such as plastic, glass and metal, with glossy finishes. With this look, lighting should be kept functional, minimalist, and unfussy, in similar materials to furniture. The Lucide Gipsy plaster ceiling pendant light provides a neat spotlight over desks, while the Kubik shelf light with plug and USB charging port – although designed with bedrooms in mind, is a great addition to home office spaces, since it can help keep distracting tech out of the way, and fully charged.

 

home office working laptop set up

 

Atelier styling

Those of us that prefer a less polished office space, perhaps with a more artisan feel, can appreciate why atelier styling is having a moment. Exposed metal frames and open shelving made from unfinished planks, and an eclectic mix of furniture means that this look can easily be put together at relatively low cost. That leaves more room in the budget to ensure you’ve got great lighting solutions, and accessories that you really love, like a great set of framed art prints.

When choosing lighting for an atelier style office, look for pieces with a more industrial feel to them. We can picture the Lucide Mesh Floor Lamp in the corner of an office in a loft space, while the satin brass shade of the Giada Floor Lamp provides a warm light but looks like it could be right at home in a design studio.

minimalist white work from home office space with white walls and red chair

 

Ceiling lighting fixtures can be minimalist too. Lighting should fit your space, and be adjustable to the perfect height when you install – either above your desk, or from the centre of the room. A really minimalist cable light bar can provide plenty of overhead light over your desk, but if that’s a bit stark, then warmth can be added by choosing light fittings made from different materials – try a light bar ceiling pendant in copper.

 

Bright colours

Even in the most progressive office buildings, there tends to be miles of white, grey, or beige paint and little colour. Your home office space doesn’t have to be dull – and if you’re not sharing with anyone, you can really let your personality fill the space. 2020 changed everything in terms of working from home, and backgrounds on Zoom calls are not expected to have the same feel as workplace offices – indeed, in many cases, an eye-catching piece in the background is a great way to break the ice on calls with new clients.

Absolutely no colours are off limits for home offices in 2021, though some colours will aid concentration a lot more than others. Colour can have a huge influence on your mood, so be sure to think carefully before you commit to a hue. No matter how on-trend a shade might be, if it makes you feel frustrated or annoyed, it isn’t worth it.

If you want to indulge in really playful colours (right up to and including Barbie pink, should you wish!) then you can do so while maintaining the professional nature of your space by using accessories like rugs, chairs, art, and lamps to provide the colour. This Edit Sahani floor lamp is a perfect example of how to use colour playfully, while the Lucide Siemon lamp in blue adds a lovely little pop of colour to desks.

 

turquoise simple home office set up dream home office with adjustable head lamp task lighting

 

Multipurpose space

It goes without saying that some of us simply don’t have enough space to sacrifice a whole room in our homes to our office. With that in mind, spare bedrooms can be converted to multiuse rooms with the addition of a great sofa bed, pull-out desks, and a neutral design with plenty of light, and storage to hide workstations away when they’re not in use.

 

Working from the living room sofa area during lockdown

 

Bedrooms aren’t the only places in the house that multipurpose office space is being set up – conservatories, dining rooms and even garages are getting converted into multipurpose space. Particularly while gyms are closed, we know there are hundreds of people working out in the space they’re doing their day job in. With that in mind, it is even more important to ensure that you’ve got the right lighting solutions for different activities. You don’t want to finish a workout with a migraine because the spotlight that is angled perfectly for your work has been right in your eyes while you’ve been on the mat.

 

Office lighting

Just as in other rooms, it is recommended to have a range of lighting solutions available so that you can have the optimal amount of lighting that you need while you work.

Ambient lighting should fill the room with light to the same sort of level as natural daylight – and can be provided by all types of lighting

Task lighting is used for particular reasons – in office space, it can be desk lamps or reading lights

Accent lighting is used to highlight certain aspects of a room – perhaps art, or architectural features

 

Ceiling lights

Your ceiling lighting should complement your office décor and styling, while completely illuminating the room and avoiding too much glare. Go for a stark and striking effect with this Edit Rod 15 Arm Ceiling Pendant Light in black, or for a simpler look this Lucide Talowe 45 Halo LED Flush Ceiling Light in black.

 

EDIT SOFT 90 LED BAR CEILING PENDANT LIGHT - WHITE

 

If you’re looking for a more corporate, or perhaps an industrial feel in your home office, then an LED bar pendant may be a good ceiling fixture. This Lucide Raya LED Bar Ceiling Pendant Light can be fitted to up to 1380mm from the ceiling, and provides warm white light.

 

Wall lights

Wall lights can be used to provide ambient light, adding to the main ceiling light, but if you’ve got space for a reading chair, or a nook away from your desk – perhaps in a little used corner – then wall lights can help make the most of that area. Keep it simple with this Edit LED light in brass, if you’re still a fan of reading books and papers the traditional way. If you’re mostly reading on an e-reader or tablet, make it even easier to use the space when your tablet is low on charge by choosing wall lights with USB charging built in. This Lucide Boxer wall light with LED reading light and USB charging port provides both ambient light and a directable beam, and is available in black and white.

 

Floor lamps

If you have the space, free-standing floor lamps can provide both light and character to an office space. The Lucide Ruben floor lamp, or the Joshua floor lamp are both striking, and look suitably industrious for an office, while a softer, more diffuse effect can be achieved by using lighting with different textures. We’ve featured the Lucide Goosy soft floor lamp on the blog before, but we love how it can provide a touch of warmth and softness to an office space.

 

Desk lamps

Desk lamps that have hinges, or swan necks are popular because they can easily be positioned exactly where the user needs the light. Desk lamps come in all shapes, sizes, and colours to suit your styling perfectly – and can provide a small pop colour. This Lucide Bastin desk lamp can be clamped just where you need it – and is available in a beautiful shade of rose pink, or a mid-blue.

For a more minimalist, and serene effect, this Edit Link Table Lamp in black provides a diffused light that works perfectly on uncluttered desks.

For a more traditional, or vintage look (even next to your laptop!) then this Edit Ornate Bankers Table Lamp in antique brass finish can provide the perfect , and is height adjustable, and tiltable.

 

olive green home office with sheer white curtains and natural decor

 

Tips for positioning lighting

As long as you follow the rule that you should have a number of different types of lighting available (so that your office space is flexible) there really isn’t any particular rule that you have to follow to the letter – you just need to find what works for you. Here are a few tips to help you get your lighting exactly right:

 

Cut out glare

There are few things that will trigger a headache quicker than lighting that is bouncing off a computer monitor. While you’ll need sufficient lighting in your office, you’ll also want to ensure that ambient light is filling the light with space, without causing glare or casting unnecessary shadow.

 

Task lighting is a priority

Desk lamps can be really beautiful – and there are styles that can suit every style, from traditional ‘banker’ style lamps to modern table lamps, and all different types of materials, finishes and colours. But just as important as the style of lamp you choose is how you position it.

When you’re working on something important, you need to be able to see clearly. Situate your desk lighting to the opposite side of your dominant hand, to avoid shadows being cast as you’re working – so, if you’re right handed, your task lighting should be situated to the left.

While we’re talking about desk lighting – it is totally fine to check your desk lighting is flattering for your face when you’re on those never-ending Zoom calls! Ring lights might give the most flattering light, but if they’re not practical in your space then look for lighting with both warm and cool tones available, or add a smart LED bulb that allows you to choose the best light for your skin tone, and can be changed when you come off your calls.

 

natural lighting office with desk and task lighting added

Make the most of natural light

While having great lighting is essential, the benefits of having access to natural daylight can’t be ignored – particularly through the winter months. Having natural daylight is beneficial since it can help to reduce eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. To make the most of the natural daylight without glare on screens, it is recommended to have natural light behind your screen, or to one side. By setting your workstation to face either north or south, you’ll be able to ensure that shadows are avoided throughout the day.

Should your office become too warm or bright during the summer months, you can help to reduce this issue by adding solar blinds or semi-sheer voile curtains to diffuse glare without compromising your enjoyment of the natural daylight.

If your office has very little natural light, then ensure you have plenty of lighting available, and you may want to consider adding a light box to your desk, to help reduce the chances of your experiencing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter.

 

Lightbulb colour is important

When it comes to the tone and colour of bulbs, it isn’t a case of any old bulb will do. Lighting of different hues can have a massive impact on the way in which our mood, energy levels and productivity is, not to mention our feelings of self-control – which could be really important when we’re in a heated Zoom call!

Getting the right shade of bulb is essential. Warm white bulbs can create a cosy feel, but they’re more likely to make you feel relaxed and perhaps even likely to fall asleep – which is definitely not helpful for your workday. Cool white bulbs, and daylight bulbs are more likely to help you feel alert and more likely to perform better. Browse our range here.

 

light bulb lighting

 

Use accent lights to make things interesting

Just because you’re in an office, doesn’t mean things should be boring – and lighting can help you to make the most of your space. A beautiful workspace is likely to inspire you, and so highlighting the features of your office that you love will attract the eye and help you to feel happy with your workspace. Accent lighting can be used to highlight your art, or interesting architectural features in your room.

 

Home office details

Once you’ve picked the theme for your space, it is all down to the details that can make all the difference to how much you love working in your home office.

 

Comfort is key

If you’re working from home, ensuring your surroundings are comfortable will help you to do your job without distractions. Getting an ergonomic chair, laptop stands to prevent ‘tech neck’ and ensuring you’re able to get the room to an optimal temperature are all essentials, even if your ‘office’ consists of just one wall of a room.

 

Flooring

Whether you decide to completely redo the flooring in your office or not, it is a good plan to have rugs, to help provide a feeling of warmth and to help divide the space up, but also to help protect flooring from chairs. Chairs on castor wheels can ruin carpet after a while, and can scratch even the highest quality laminate or wood finish.

 

Accessories

While you’re designing your office, take stock of the accessories that you need, and don’t have. If you’re using accessories such as rugs, lighting, and soft furnishings to add the colour to your office, search for office essentials such as staplers and hole punches in the same shade. They don’t cost a huge amount of money, but feel coordinated and organised, which mentally can help you to feel your work is more organised too.

Don’t forget the tiny electrical details either. If your desk lighting doesn’t have USB chargers built in, then swap out your electric outlets to include USB power.

 

rich green relaxed desk home office space

 

Clear the clutter

A tidy desk is the first step to a clear mind, and will help aid your concentration! If it isn’t possible for your work to be completely paperless, make use of aesthetically appealing storage boxes with a system so that you know where to find what you need, and keeps your desk clear for other tasks. Don’t forget to use cable tidies, or put wireless charging pads in drawers to keep things uncluttered.

 

Plants

Keeping your office feeling healthy is much easier when plants are added to the space. While all plants are great for our mental wellbeing, there are some foliage plants that are said help to remove toxins in the air. The Royal Horticultural Society has recommendations for plants that are easy to look after, and that can help to purify the air in your home as well as helping your space feel great.

 

natural lighting in home office space working from home tips

 

 

Find more home office lighting solutions here, here and here.

 

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

Best Patio Ideas for 2021 – Stylish Outdoor Patio Lighting Ideas and Photos

summer stylish patio outdoor space

With COVID-19 keeping us all at home since the start of last year, there is little wonder that we’re all thinking about ways that we can make the most of our homes. Although we’ve not quite reached summer, we’re definitely already dreaming about morning coffee on the patio, lazy summer days spent in the sunshine and of sociable evenings that stretch long into the night.

Considering the current uncertainty around the possibility of overseas travel this summer, many people are already planning ahead in order to make the most of our patios – and here are some of the most stylish ways to make the most of your space this year.

summer stylish patio outdoor space

What if I don’t have power to my patio?

There are lots of reasons that lighting with alternative power to mains electricity might be required for your patio. If you don’t have access to power, you don’t want to employ an electrician, or perhaps you’re in a rented property that you don’t want to invest cash in – they’re just three reasons to look at alternatives. But no power doesn’t mean that you can’t have great lighting solutions for your patio area – battery and solar powered lighting technology have come a long way, and can be just as effective as mains power.

While there are many battery powered options to choose from, using lots of batteries might not be as eco-friendly as you’d prefer your lighting to be – and if you’re using your patio all summer, those batteries quickly add up. Lighting manufacturers are now harnessing the flexibility of rechargeable USB powered LEDs, which just requires you to remember to charge them.

If you’d prefer to use the power of the sun, there are all kinds of solar powered lighting solutions available, whether you want them to create beautiful effects in your garden, have purely functional lighting, or both. Whether you prefer battery or solar power, there are so many options to get the lighting that you need. From traditional lanterns, decorative festoon lighting and delicate strings of fairy lights, right through to super bright floodlights with PIR sensors for security, having direct access to electricity is no longer a requirement to create the perfect atmosphere for your patio area.

atmospheric outdoor patio space in summer

Traditional lanterns

While it can hardly be called a trend, if you’re looking to invest in your space, a traditional lanterns will keep your patio area looking stylish for years to come. If you fancy a change, it is easy to create different looks each summer simply by switching out your patio accessories.

classic traditional LED wall lantern
Where patio areas have access to power, wall lanterns look fantastic and can illuminate your patio wonderfully. You can choose from lantern models with different types of bulbs, but we highly recommend our range of LED lanterns. LEDs mean that your lanterns will shine brightly, with a long, energy efficient lifespan – particularly if you’ve chosen a solar powered lantern.

Some lanterns (such as this Edit Coastal Half Lantern for the wall) also have PIR sensors, so that as soon as the sensor detects movement, the light is activated. While that’s great for security, it’s also great if you’re heading out onto the patio area for a quiet drink in the evening, since you don’t have to fumble for the switch or remember to turn it on as you leave the house.

A classic Victorian style lamp post can be just as suited to modern patio furniture as it is on the patio of Cotswold cottages.

traditional victoriana solar LED lamp post
Traditional style storm lanterns on patio and decking areas has never gone out of style – and we doubt they ever will. There is (of course) the ability to have traditional wall lanterns, but there is also the option of having them dotted around on tables and on the ground with candles rather than with bulbs. While traditional storm lanterns can look fabulous with candles flickering – which is why they’ve been popular for a number of years both indoors and outdoors, they’re not all that practical. If you have young children (or simply accident-prone people!) around, they can present a danger. If you’re using portable storm lanterns as part of your patio décor and lighting, you can get the look of having candles without the danger by using battery operated white wax candles. They’ll help to give you the effect you want, but without the risk of fire if they get knocked over.

A room outdoors

There’s a trend of creating an ‘outdoor room’ on patios, conservatories, and gazebo areas – and there’s little wonder, since it can create a really lovely cosy and comfortable space, and make smaller homes feel bigger. If you’re looking to create a room outdoors, we love this Lucide Justin LED table lamp that feels like it could be just at home on your bedside table than being used outdoors. While it can charge from the sun (and will stay lit for up to 6 hours once it has been fully charged), there’s a charger cable too, for those nights that go on longer than expected.

 

covered patio ideas
For a covered area on a patio – if you have a permanent fixture such as a pergola or gazebo – then overhead pendant lights that can hang over tables for well-lit dinners that turn into drinks and card games long into the night. This Edit jungle ceiling pendant light made from rattan makes a fabulous addition if your patio has access to electricity, or add battery operated table lamps to create a more intimate atmosphere.

intimate atmospheric patio light lamp

Light the way

Show the way to your patio by adding in-ground lighting along the path, or help guests to know where the edges of your space are by adding lighting in borders. These type of lights look fantastic, and they’re also perfect for keeping your family and guests safe. Tripping over or twisting an ankle doesn’t make for a good start (or end to!) a relaxing evening!

We have a huge range of deck and ground lights that provide the ideal amount of light, no matter how long the path or the availability of electricity. Whether you prefer stainless steel, brass, want to set your light into decking so they can be walked on, or your requirement is simply that they’re easy to fit and solar powered – we’ve got options that will suit your style.

decking light outdoor patio
If you don’t want anything permanent along your path or patio (such as if you’re in a rental property) solar powered stake lights look fantastic to line edges. Choose classic white, or create a pretty, festive feel with these 365 colour changing LED solar stake lights.

removable easy to install solar powered stake lights coloured

Party lighting

Festoon lights have been a staple for home design and for celebrations of all kinds for years for good reason. They’re simple but so effective – and anything that reminds us of fairy lights makes us giddy in the best possible way. In gardens and on patios they provide a wonderful festive atmosphere, providing more than enough light for impromptu barbecues and drinks into the evening.

Whether you choose from purely white bulbs, or strings of different colours for a party atmosphere, festoon and fairy lighting looks phenomenal in a variety of lengths, shapes, and shades. There are plenty of portable options, from solar powered fairy lights to this beautiful battery powered spiral festoon chandelier.

festoon outdoor party lighting
If you’re having a garden party, recreate the celebratory feel of midsummer fireworks without the effort (or bothering local pets) add these 365 solar LED stake lights throughout your garden. With no installation required, and just daily exposure to sunlight to charge, they switch on at dusk and stay lit for up to six hours after charging.

 

Your own private beach

There isn’t many of us that don’t enjoy a trip to the beach in the summer – and while that might not be possible for everyone, every year, there are ways to recreate that relaxed, beachy vibe in our gardens and on our patios.

Wall lighting offers plenty of nautical and seaside styling options. For a modern look, this Edit coastal fjord light, looks great and feels reminiscent of a port hole, or for more traditional look with brass, this Edit coastal hook wall light feels like it could be found on a ship that set sail years ago. Simply add accessories such as chair cushions in navy blues and crisp whites to complete the look.

beach coastal nautical theme lighting inspiration
If you want to create a nautical theme but with a temporary, easy to move solution, try the Elstead Pendant Lantern. They remind us of coastal buoys, and would work well alongside other nautical accessories, and can be hung high from walls or gazebos with their co-ordinating cable and hanging chain.

If you’re looking to evoke the giddy feeling of being on the prom, hang strings of colourful festoon lights or fairy lights along edges and around trees or furniture. Fish and chips, or ice cream are optional – but definitely recommended!

 

Designing your space

When you’re looking at how to make the most of your patio area, there are plenty of other considerations before you choose your aesthetic or style. Since we’re all making the most of our outdoor space, we want to be able to enjoy it into the evening. That means getting sufficient lighting solutions to make the warmer evenings – and having the flexibility to be able to enjoy the space on our patios on those slightly cooler evenings too. But there are daytime considerations too – and some of these may impact how you choose to design your space too. First up though – safety.

Safety and security

Since we’re talking about outdoor lighting, before you make your purchases it is important to consider where the lights are going to be used or installed. The great British summer doesn’t always provide us with sunny weather, and if the lighting is going to be used year-round, then the IP rating (Ingress Protection) is really important to consider. If there is any chance that your lighting may end up exposed to, or under water (even if that means just shallow puddles) then check the IP ratings of the light before you buy. You can find out more about which IP ratings are appropriate on this page.

If you want to increase security on your property at the same time as creating a stylish patio, many of our outdoor lights also have PIR sensors, so they will automatically come on as soon as motion is detected. While this won’t stop a particularly committed burglar, it will act as a deterrent to any chancers.

security PIR sensor outdoor lighting
Ensure sufficient shade

Which direction your patio faces is likely to be one of your first considerations – as well as who will be using the space, of course. Families with young children, or those who want to protect their skin will want to ensure sufficient shade, while avid sun worshippers will want to be able to take advantage of the sun when it shines.

If your patio area is south facing and so completely exposed to the sun, you might not be able to make use of the space as much as you might like to on the hottest days of the year without adding shade. Depending on how you style your patio area, and the amount of space you have, you might choose a parasol for your seating area, a gazebo, or a sail-inspired shade that can help to protect delicate skin. If you have a little more room in your budget, then a retractable shade that is fixed to a wall could be the right option.

outdoor shade patio inspiration

Must-have accessories

While you’re getting your patio prepped for summer, it isn’t just the lighting that you’ll want to have ready for when the weather allows. Finding the right accessories now will mean you can really enjoy those wonderful long sunny days, even if they are followed by slightly chillier nights!

must have garden patio accessories

A great sound system

The size of your patio space, the proximity of your neighbours and the ways in which you are likely to use the area means that a sound system for each garden is likely to look pretty different. It might be that you choose a portable Bluetooth speaker for a smaller space, or perhaps you opt to have speakers built in (especially if you’re anticipating being able to have bigger parties!). Whether you’re listening while relaxing or while partying, being able to turn music on and turning it up means that a sound system is an accessory you won’t regret investing in.

Wi-Fi

This might not be a huge consideration for some, but those of us that are working from home through 2021 will find the temptation to work from the patio on sunny days almost irresistible. If working on your laptop with a cool drink next to you sounds like a much more enjoyable way to get through your day, then check your Wi-Fi reaches ahead of time – especially if you want to be the envy of your team on your next Zoom call. If not, then it is easy to increase the range of your Wi-Fi with a range extender. They’re typically less than £50 – which could work out as a great investment, especially if there is more than one of you using the garden.

Comfortable seating arrangements

What type of seating will suit your patio will depend very much on how you intend to use the space. But comfort is definitely key to ensure that you’ll really get the most use of your patio area. Whether you decide on benches, seaside style deck chairs or dedicated patio furniture, be sure to add plenty of cushions, pillows, and have blankets and towels on hand for added luxury.

comfortable outdoor seating patio furniture

Storage

Sunny days require SPF, towels and in many cases, toys involving water for children to play with. Having those things to hand means that you don’t have to go back indoors to find them. Adding hooks and storage boxes that are cleverly concealed can help you to enjoy lazy summer days without needing to keep trailing in and out the house.

 

Ways to keep the chill off

In the UK, we don’t get too many evenings that it is super warm – so having the ability to keep the evening going without being forced to retreat because there’s a chill in the air is a good plan.

Whether you decide to invest in a fire pit, have blankets dedicated specifically for outdoor use, or have a patio heater, having those available will keep you enjoying your space for longer, both in cooler summer evenings and into the autumn.

Browse all of our outdoor lighting here.

 

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

Kitchen Design & Remodelling Ideas for Beautiful Kitchens

In most households, the kitchen is the centre of the home, and is used for much more than cooking and laundry. If there is a breakfast bar, a cosy kitchen table or even a full dining table, then the kitchen is the centre of the home for socialising too. As we write this post, we know huge numbers of people are working from their kitchen tables too, owing to lockdowns and finding space to work from home.

 

Lockdown workspace kitchen design

 

Designing a kitchen, or remodelling an existing one is rarely a small job. Whether you’re working with a tiny galley-style space, or you’re lucky to have plenty of square footage, your kitchen has to be functional as well as beautiful.

 

Designing a kitchen

There isn’t a perfect method of designing a kitchen – there are so many variables. However, these are a few of the things that you’ll need to do before you start browsing showrooms.

 

Set your budget realistically

You can spend infinite amounts of money on a high-end kitchen, but even if you don’t have a huge budget, you may still be able to make a drastic change – particularly if your existing kitchen is well-built, but is simply dated. We’ll touch on budget kitchen design further in the post.

 

Consider the needs of the users

If any family members are elderly, or have disabilities, then that may impact decisions such as where to locate appliances, while families with young children will have different needs from their kitchen.

 

family design kitchen on a budget

 

Establish the basics

Measure your space carefully, and if you’re keeping your existing appliances, measure them too. If you’re going to be remodelling the house, taking down walls or changing the layout completely, you’ll need to measure up and consult with builders, but there are other considerations to be made too. It might mean that there will be more space in the long term, but you’ll need to plan carefully – plumbing, electrics and heating will need to be planned for.

 

Find your inspiration

Before you start looking at options, pull together images of designs that you love. Pinterest is a great place to do this, and means that you can find effects and details that you absolutely love without needing to commit to them immediately. If you’re going to work with a professional kitchen designer, your inspiration will help them get the look that you want, with the budget that you have available.

 

Decide who will install your new kitchen

If you’re going to work with professionals, you’ll need to budget for installation costs. Even if you’re tackling the installation yourself, you’ll want a contingency budget, just in case something goes wrong.

Once you’ve found your inspiration and you’re starting to think about styles and installation, it is time to start designing. There are a wide range of 3D modelling design tools available to use for free online that will give you a good idea about whether your thoughts will work in reality. Whether you’re tackling your remodelling project yourself, or you’re going to be working with a company that specialises in designing and fitting kitchens, these tools can bring your new kitchen to life, and make designing much easier – especially if there are a number of possible layouts.

 

Kitchen colours

When it comes to kitchen design, almost every colour is a possibility, but there are colours that may work better than others in your space and effect you want to achieve. Searching online, you’ll find design ideas for kitchens in absolutely every shade you can think of. In colour psychology, reds and oranges are frequently used in restaurants and fast food logos to trigger senses of hunger. Although bright red or orange might feel a little too loud in your home, the effects can be felt with more muted shades, so you might consider using shades such as deep burgundies and terracotta.

In our previous post, we touched on the 2021 colours of the year from three major sources:

  • Pantone, who chose 17-5104 “Ultimate Gray” and 13-0647 “Illuminating”, a bright sunny yellow
  • Dulux, who chose “Brave Ground” – a warm, earthy taupe
  • US decorating brand Benjamin Moore – that chose Aegean Teal 2136-40

Each of these colours can work fabulously in kitchens – we envisage Brave Ground being used as a grounding, neutral shade alongside other tones, while Aegean Teal can work perfectly on cabinets and white walls to create a Mediterranean feel. If you love the feel of Illuminating but yellow walls feels like too much of a commitment, try pops of the colour on accessories on display, such as glassware, trays, chairs or lighting.

If you love the idea of vibrant Mediterranean walls, then we recommend pairing this with subtle grey light fixtures on your walls or ceiling.

 

colourful yellow pretty kitchen

pop of colour beautiful kitchen orange

 

Kitchen cupboards

Deciding the right cabinets for your kitchen can feel overwhelming – since there are so many incredible options to choose from. There are fantastic options for all tastes, but it is a wise decision to get the best cupboard carcasses you can afford. This means that in the future you’ll be able to update your kitchen simply by swapping out the cupboard doors, since many manufacturers create their kitchens to standard sizes.

There are a range of options when it comes to what your kitchen carcases are made from, and these are reflected in the price. Melamine-faced chipboard cabinets are a budget option, with plywood and solid wood cabinets being more costly. Be sure to do your research carefully to get the right type of fixtures for your home.

There are a number of types of kitchen cabinets that are popular at the moment:

 

Shaker-style kitchens

Shaker-style units have solid, painted timber doors that have a framed feature and veneered centre panel. While they’re a classic design that is likely to be popular for years to come, there are options to create very different looks, simply by choosing different colours. Neutrals such as cream or sage look classic, while whites paired with pastels can create a pretty kitchen. For a more dramatic effect, choose dark shades such as navy, slate or hunter green.

 

classic classy grey kitchen shaker-style

 

Slab doors

For the ultimate in minimalist cabinetry, choose slab doors. They look great in small kitchens, since they’re so simple – the lack of details can make the space feel bigger. To keep this style of kitchen feeling unfussy, choose matt effects, and avoid handles. We love the look in white, but different shades can create a modern effect, particularly in pastels. The simplicity of this style means that costs can be minimised and is a great option for a kitchen on a budget.

 

modern sleek minimalist kitchen

 

High gloss

While we expect the trend for high gloss white cabinets in kitchens to continue, there are more options to discover now. Lower maintenance neutral shades such as greys, taupe and creams, paired with marble effects provide the high-end look, without being quite so clinical.

 

high gloss kitchen counters low maintenance

 

Freestanding

Where there is a reluctance to attach units to the walls of a home – such as in period properties – freestanding units are a great option. Since they’re not necessarily made to measure, freestanding kitchen units provide the opportunity to rearrange the kitchen furniture once in a while.

 

Final details

When you’re finalising your kitchen cabinets, think about the details that will make your kitchen even better. Design details such as kickboards and cornices for the top and bottoms of your cabinets, and handles are essential to really round off your kitchen.

If you’re creating a family kitchen – particularly one with teenagers – you’re likely to want to add soft-close hinges and drawer runners to your cabinets. They add a small extra cost, but we think they’re worth the extra few pounds to ensure you’re not woken by a crashing drawer during midnight snack times.

As a final touch, consider adding under cabinet lighting to areas where you regularly prepare food. These are available in a range of light colours and can be hidden away behind molding; especially popular in period houses with more traditional cabinet styles.

 

kitchen details handles brass cabinets

 

Appliances

Many kitchen remodels don’t include new appliances – particularly on a budget. Luckily, since appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are built to a standard size, buying new ones can be delayed until later. But if you’re changing appliances at the same time as the remodel, then buying all of them from the same manufacturer can help ensure that they complement each other.

 

kitchen appliances beautiful modern character

 

Decisions about which appliances to choose, and where to place them will depend on the needs of the household as well as the space you have available in your kitchen. You don’t need to keep appliances where they have been traditionally either – so make them work for you. Examples include:

  • Microwaves can be situated higher up on shelves, to free up work surfaces and avoid spills
  • Dishwashers can be raised to make it easier to pack and unpack
  • Ovens can be raised or lowered to make it easier to see cooking progress
  • Cooking hobs can be installed on a kitchen island to make cooking space more sociable, particularly if the island is to be used as an informal dining space

When you’re choosing appliances – particularly for a small kitchen, but also if you’re trying to keep your design minimalist – choose appliances with multiple functions. A great example is a combined induction extractor hob, which eliminates the need for an extractor hood, or a combined washer/dryer. This means that you’d be able to use the space the extra appliance would have taken up for additional storage, or leave the space empty to create a more spacious feel.

 

appliances raised microwave kitchen inspo

 

Lighting for kitchens

The right lighting is essential for your kitchen to work for you. Having ambient lighting and task lighting is essential, but the layout, style of cupboards, colour scheme and amount of natural light that is available will impact on the lighting options that you might choose.

Downlights over work surfaces make sense – you need to be able to see what you’re doing in the kitchen! But if you’re lucky to have high ceilings and are adding stylish ceiling pendants, then consider fitting LED lights that are hidden under over-head cabinets to provide the additional functional lighting that you need, without compromising the impact of your feature lighting.

Whether you choose a modern take on classic kitchen styles, you choose a masculine, industrial style kitchen or you choose an on-trend, high-gloss kitchen, explore our range of ceiling lighting for kitchens here.

 

masculine spotlights task lighting for kitchens

industrial bar pendant light kitchen atmosphere modern

industrial pendant lights task kitchen style

 

Designing small kitchens

When you’re designing a kitchen in a tiny space, you’ll need to ensure every inch of space is used wisely. With careful planning, you can ensure there is a place for everything – so make sure you’ve measured your space, and appliances before you start planning.

When space is tight, there are a few ways to make your kitchen feel bigger:

  • Utilise the whole of one wall for cabinets to free the space that you need
  • Tall units, or cupboards that reach the ceiling can make the most of space
  • Try open shelving (particularly at a higher level) – just be careful to keep them tidy, since cluttered shelves will have the opposite effect
  • Use colour carefully

Using colour in small kitchens can help to create a visual illusion of more space. Consider darker shades on base cabinets, with lighter, or neutral shades on the walls, can help to make the room feel like there is more space between floor and ceiling. However, using lighter shades throughout may work better where natural light is scarce – such as in this white and grey theme. If you’re choosing flooring, consider a bold floor tile to draw the eye to.

 

small compact kitchen island breakfast bar

 

Adding seating to a small kitchen – especially if you have dining space elsewhere – might feel counter-intuitive. However, adding it in the form of a small island can create additional storage, and extra work space. If building one in isn’t an option, consider a mobile butcher’s block that can be wheeled to where you need additional space.

In order to keep clutter to a minimum, it is essential that everything has a place. Finding clever storage solutions for your kitchen wares is essential, so search online for the best ways to make use of every inch of your space – particularly for those awkward corners and high spaces.

Think creatively – racks to hold items inside cupboards in non-traditional ways can mean much more space than if you simply pile them in. Finding a wine rack, hanging pans from the ceiling, or hiding your gadgets in a designated cupboard so they don’t clutter the surfaces means that surfaces aren’t cluttered, while storing ingredients in jars has become a huge trend on social media because of how beautiful and spacious it can look when done well.

 

glass jar food storage kitchen aesthetic

hanging frying pans kitchen storage

When it comes to lighting a small kitchen area, it’s best to avoid the current trend towards large ceiling pendants over kitchen islands or dining room tables, instead consider installing dimmable downlights that can be used to brighten up the room when hosting drinks with friends, or dimmed to offer softer lighting when enjoying a meal with your partner. Previously we mentioned under cabinet lights, and these are fantastic space savers, and are great for food preparation, but they can also be left on in the evening as a background light when you are settling down to relax.

If space is at a premium, consider moving your laundry appliances out of the kitchen. A utility room is a better place for them, or if that sort of space isn’t available, then look at where else they could be located. If you have a big bathroom, that can be an ideal spot, or a cupboard near the bathroom – it makes plumbing easy, and frees space in your kitchen. Not only that, if your bathroom is upstairs, you don’t have as far to carry clean clothes back to bedrooms. Put your iron and board with it to free that space too. Just be sure to check safety regulations before moving any electrical items to the bathroom.

 

Remodelling on a budget

When you want a completely new look for your kitchen but your budget doesn’t stretch very far, you might be inclined to put off remodelling until you’ve saved up. But if getting your dream kitchen is going to take some time, then there are things you can do on a much smaller budget to make things more stylish and comfortable until then.

With a small budget, there are many options for painting cupboard doors and walls, and to replace lighting to create an entirely different look. Replacing cupboard door handles can also elevate the look of the space with a small budget too. Assuming solid unit carcasses and a workable design, then replacing cupboard doors can elevate the feel of the kitchen at a much lower cost than replacing the whole kitchen.

 

second hand kitchen cabinets refreshed

 

If those aren’t an option, then buying a second hand kitchen can be. Finding used kitchens may be possible on websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, but the perfect solutions may never become available. However, there are companies that specialise in second-hand kitchens, particularly for ex-display kitchens from showrooms and show homes. Like buying ex-demonstrator cars, you can get a lot more for your money by buying a second hand kitchen this way. In many cases, these companies also offer (or include) appliances from quality brands such as Siemens and Miele as part of the package.

Buying second hand may have additional costs that you need to budget for, particularly if your kitchen is a different layout, since screw holes may be exposed, or cabinets may need to be trimmed to fit your space. Professional installation will ensure that your second hand kitchen gives you the finish that you want, but at cost. However, even with these additional costs, buying second hand can still offer considerable savings on buying brand new.

 

custom second hand kitchen reno ideas beautiful

 

For lighting on a budget, consider our range of ceiling pendants under £50 and wall lights under £50 to maximise your cost savings.

 

 

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.

Stylish bedroom lighting ideas & modern bedroom decorating tips

Before you head to the hardware store to get supplies for a bedroom redesign, you need to think about the functions that you’re decorating needs to fulfil. Decorating an adult bedroom is a pretty different task to that of a child or teenager that uses their bedroom for homework, or for a spare bedroom that functions as an office. The multiple uses for bedrooms mean that when choosing bedroom décor, you’ll also need to ensure you’ve got enough of, and the right type of lighting for the room. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some bedroom lighting ideas, touch on some great tips that ensure your lighting works well for you, before ending with some tips for bedroom décor in 2021.

 

How bright should bedroom lighting be?

Most homes require bedrooms to serve several purposes, from getting dressed and ready for the day, providing a place to sit and study, or to read, allowing us to relax ahead of sleep – and of course, to be romantic with our partners. With so many different needs from a single room, there is no wonder that many people opt to have a choice of lighting in their bedrooms. As a minimum, most bedrooms have lamps that are close to the bed, as well as the overhead light, to provide the perfect amount of lighting for any given moment. There are two main types of lighting that you need for your bedroom: task lighting, and ambient lighting.

Ambient lighting is designed to flood the room with light, providing nearly the same amount of lighting as natural daylight. This is often provided from overhead lights, using bright bulbs that make it easy to see what we’re doing. With dimmer switches fitted, ambient lighting can also act as mood lighting, providing more flexibility.

Task lighting refers to functional lighting within easy reach of the bed, at a dressing table for the application of makeup, or at a desk – such as in rooms for children, students, or those of us who now work from home and have to maximise the use of space. This type of lighting needs the correct type of light bulbs to be installed – white or blue-tinged light bulbs for desk lamps or at a dressing table, and softer, warmer light bulbs for bedside tables that are to be used before sleep.

Depending on the size of the bedroom and architectural features, accent lighting may be used alongside ambient and task lighting – and having a choice of all three types is a great idea, since it provides the most versatility for different circumstances.

 

Bedroom lighting ideas

While our bedrooms are where we rest, and the lighting we choose needing to be functional and adaptable for our needs, it should also suit our personality, and reflect our taste in interior design. With so many different tastes and styles for bedroom decor, there are endless options for bedroom lighting to set just the right mood.

 

Add a sculptural shade

Create a striking effect by adding a beautiful, sculptural shade that catches the eye. Whether you add the shade to a ceiling light, or to lamps on bedside tables, the effect can be striking with the right ones. Use sculptural shades on bedside tables with minimalist styling to let the design of the shade take centre stage, or find an unusual ceiling shade to create interesting shadows.

 

statement light shade

 

Use a chandelier

If you’re lucky enough to have a bigger bedroom and higher ceilings to work with, then look at chandeliers to help create a glamorous effect. There are a huge number of options when it comes to chandeliers (and that don’t necessarily mean weekly dusting is required!) and there are plenty of styles to suit every taste. A few examples include:

  • Choose an uncluttered ceiling pendant in an unexpected metal such as black nickel for a sleek modern look
  • A hanging candelabra design can add to cosy boudoir styling without the hassle or risk of burning candles
  • To create a particularly grand effect, choose chrome and crystals to send light and mini rainbows bouncing across the room
  • For a more retro feel, seek out sputnik chandeliers with multiple spokes to add a 1970s vibe

cluster and cascade ceiling pendant

chandeliers

 

Choose soft light shades

A great bedroom is all about softness to relax into – and so accessories in the bedroom are all about textures too. Look for pieces that complement the feel of the room, in textures such as velvet or silk, or made from fabric with pleating. To add soft, textured lighting on a budget, try basic spherical pendant shades made from paper that can be found for just a few pounds.

On a standing tripod floor lamp, this unexpected feather shade draws the eye and gives off a glow that is easy on the eyes into the evening.

 

floor lamps, soft shade

 

Make statement lamp bases the focus

There are some phenomenal statement lamp bases available today that can add interest to a bedroom. Choose from lamp bases in traditional shapes, but with unusual designs or striking colours, or find statuesque lamp bases that allow the shape to take centre stage. Searching online, it is possible to find lamp bases in the shapes of animals, with prints that complement the décor, or even that can hold plants – so it is well worth taking the time to browse for something really unusual and that suits the styling of the bedroom.

We love this Extravaganza lamp with it’s playful pop of yellow combined with it’s luxe softness.

LUCIDE EXTRAVAGANZA FRIZZLE TABLE LAMP - YELLOW £44.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep it monochrome

Keep your bedroom simple and timeless, suited for visitors of any age by using a monochrome effect. Pure white walls feel crisp and fresh, with contrast from the furniture and black and white print with a dark frame.

If you’re on a budget, this look is ideal since you can choose simple and inexpensive bases for your bedside table lamps, and choose simple shades. To create a different feel to the room, switch out bed sheets for a coloured set, and change the print in the frame to one that matches the colour of the bed linens.

 

bedroom table lamps

 

Evoke the feel of a chic hotel

When you’re decorating your spare room ready for guests, look to your favourite hotels for inspiration. Use shades from darker palettes to create a restful feel, with blackout curtains or shades to ensure your visitors sleep well. As in hotels, add wall lights on either side of the headboard to ensure no guests trip on their way back to bed. Be sure to use great quality bed linen and pillows to create a wonderfully comfortable room that your guests will want to return to, time and time again.

 

wall lights

bedroom table lamps

 

Use fairy lights to create atmosphere

Fairy lights have long broken their connection to Christmas and dingy student accommodations. While they’re not a traditional style of lighting for bedrooms – particularly for adult bedrooms – with the right type of décor and styling, fairy lights can be an incredibly inexpensive way to update and create atmospheric lighting in bedrooms for children.

Run a string of fairy lights along bookshelves to allow children who definitely aren’t afraid of the dark a little more visibility as they fall asleep, without the embarrassment factor of getting caught by their friends with a nightlight. For older teenagers, use a net of fairy lights above the bed to create a star-like effect, with piles of pillows and textured blankets to create a cosy, outdoorsy feel.

 

fairy lights for bedroom

faity lights

 

Bedroom lighting tips

When it comes to getting your bedroom lighting sorted, there are a few things we recommend thinking about before placing any orders.

 

Measure height carefully

As you’re choosing the style of your ceiling lighting, be sure to think about the individuals that will be in your bedroom regularly. If your partner, or another member of your family is tall, ensure the fixture has enough headroom clearance – bashing one’s head does not make for restful sleep!

 

Ensure your lights work for you

When you’re choosing lighting options, and lightshades for your bedroom, make sure you’ve got enough light where you need it – and that you don’t have too much where you don’t want it. If you’re a fan of reading in bed, be sure to check that you can see well enough with the bedside lights that you have chosen. With ceiling lights, think about whether the shade prevents the light from shining directly at your eyes when you’re laid on the bed – keep relaxation in mind.

 

Choosing lighting accessories

When it comes to setting the mood perfectly in the bedroom, sometimes additional accessories are required. In addition to choosing the right lighting – whether that is overhead lighting, wall lights, or lamps for your bedside table – you might want to consider which type of light bulb will set the right mood, and whether dimmer switches will help you create the right type of ambiance.

Nobody likes having to get out of bed to turn off lights – especially when they have just managed to get comfortable. Consider whether adding a smart plug controlled by your home assistant (such as Google Home or Amazon Echo), or through an app on your phone would make life just that little bit more relaxing. Unbranded smart plugs are starting to be more readily available and so prices are dropping – so adding one to your lamp gives you the luxury of never having to move when you’ve just got comfortable ever again. We have a range of bulbs that work with smart devices, please read the description carefully to ensure they work with the set up you have at home.

 

smart home

 

Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Few of us enjoy waking up in the dark in the middle of the winter. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and struggle to wake during the dark mornings (or just hate waking up in the dark), one of the best changes you can make is to switch to an alarm clock with a built-in light. These alarm clocks have lights that gradually gets brighter the closer it gets to the time you need to wake, mimicking the natural dawn. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that they really work too. While the Lumie range are by far the best known, there are plenty of generic versions available online that provide the same experience.

 

Fighting insomnia

Falling asleep can be a huge challenge sometimes, even with a really great bedroom. If you suffer from insomnia, a sunrise alarm clock can help, since there are usually settings to mimic sunset, which can help you to fall asleep. If you have dimmer switches in your bedroom, use those to set lighting to a low level to help you wind down before bed, and be sure to add blackout curtains or blinds to prevent the sun from waking you early during the summer months.

When you’re decorating and choosing new lighting for your bedroom, don’t forget to choose warmer shades for your bulbs, especially for lighting that you use just as you fall asleep. White and blue-toned bulbs mimic natural daylight and are likely to stop you from falling asleep – which is absolutely not the desired effect. While we’re talking about blue light, it is a good idea to keep your phone or tablets out of the bedroom too. If you need to use tech into the evenings, turn on blue light blocking modes, and stop using them at least an hour before you need to sleep.

 

Bedroom decorating tips

We all know that our bedroom is our sanctuary, a place that we can go to escape the world and feel relaxed. But that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone, and bedrooms should also reflect our personalities and individual tastes.

Depending on what you want to achieve with your bedroom, you’ll want to ensure the colours you use will promote a restful night’s sleep. Although you’ll naturally gravitate towards your favourite colours, it is better to use toned-down versions, particularly if you prefer brighter shades, and to use bright colours sparingly. Some colours are considered restful and calming, such as blues, lavenders, and pale greens, while cooler bedrooms may benefit from jewel tones or warm brown décor to evoke the feeling of cosiness.

 

Bedroom colours for 2021

If you’re looking to decorate your bedroom before lockdown ends and you’re looking for modern design ideas, you can’t go wrong if you start by checking Pantone’s colour of the year. This year, Pantone chose two colours for the year – 17-5104 “Ultimate Gray” and 13-0647 “Illuminating”, a bright sunny yellow.

Shades of grey have been popular for bedroom design for some time, due to the calming and restful feel that they bring to the room. While the bright yellow of Pantone’s Illuminating is likely to feel too bright on the walls of a bedroom for most of us, using Ultimate Gray on walls (alongside a white to prevent the room from feeling too dark) can create a perfect resting space. Add in pops of Pantone Illuminating throughout the room on cushions, bedspreads, and accent chairs for a truly 2021 bedroom.

If grey and yellow don’t suit your taste, perhaps the shade Brave Ground that Dulux have chosen for their colour of the year for 2021. Brave Ground is a warm, earthy shade of taupe that feels restful in a similar way to Ultimate Gray, but with more depth. It acts as a neutral and pairs well with other muted earthy tones, blues, and shades of deep pinks and lavender.

Finally, we look to US paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore. This year, they chose Aegean Teal 2136-40 for their colour of the year, a sun-baked teal that suits every room throughout the home, but looks wonderful in bright bedrooms paired with neutral blinds and furniture.

 

colour of the year - sunny yellow

colour of the year 2021 - teal and grey

 

Bedroom furniture

Making choices about bedroom furniture depends on the space you have available. Before making any purchases, measure the space carefully, so that you can ensure the furniture you pick will suit the room. The bigger the room, so the size of the furniture needs to be bigger. If you’re working with a small space, choose smaller furniture with clever storage solutions, and consider using mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel bigger.

Remember, a tidy space is much more likely to feel restful. To keep your bedroom free of clutter, ensure your furniture has enough storage. Choose bedside tables with enough space to hold the items you need for bedtime, storage boxes or benches to keep extra blankets or pillows, and use storage organisation systems (that are widely available online) to maximise the use of space in your wardrobes.

 

Bedding

Since the average person spends about 26 years of their lives asleep, it makes sense to have bedding that encourages restful sleep. Invest in the best quality linen that you can afford, either in 100% cotton or linen, with a high thread count. Having throws, blankets, and cushions available to the bed provides additional comfort and warmth for when you’re sleeping.

For more bedroom lighting ideas, search our ceiling lighting, wall lights, and lamps.

Maxine Clarke - Buyer

Maxine Clarke Senior Buyer

Maxine has been our decorative buyer since 2015. With her experience in working for consumer-led brands, she is the perfect person to pick out the latest lighting trends for both your home and business. Maxine has an eye for the best up-and-coming lighting from the UK and around the world and works tirelessly to add new brands to our portfolio. One of her trends to watch in 2020 is connectable garden lighting; with summer garden parties more and more popular, being able to build and extend your own outdoor lighting with spotlights, festoons and string lights has never been easier – simply plug and play.