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

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

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

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

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

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

 

The Statement Table Lamp

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

The Vintage Table Lamp

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

The Gold Table Lamp

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

The Industrial Table Lamp

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

The Novelty Table Lamp

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

The Minimal Table Lamp

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

The Touch Table Lamp

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Smart home technology is changing the way in which we use light in our homes. Increased adoption of smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomePod, is helping to shift our behaviour by giving us complete control over our lighting – all through the power of our voice. What’s more, the ability to control lighting via a mobile app is also an attractive proposition for many homeowners – particularly when you consider the level of customisation that most modern smart bulbs allow for at the touch of a button (or swipe of a thumb!).

We recently asked our customers how they feel about smart lighting, and the results confirm that not only is smart lighting taking over our homes, it could soon be taking over our gardens too!

In fact, the research revealed that over a quarter (28%) of respondents are already using smart lighting as part of their daily lives. And for those who don’t yet have smart lighting in their homes, half are considering installing it in the near future. Why? The main reasons are increasing home security (41%), reducing carbon footprint (21%), and keeping in touch with the latest tech trends (17%).

Smart lighting can be scheduled to turn on and off at set times

Endless possibilities

As well as offering homeowners many practical benefits, such as turning on lighting remotely before you arrive at home, or turning off lights after you leave, smart lighting can also be used in a number of fun ways, including programming your lighting to:

• flash in your sport’s team’s colour when they score
• change colour, based on the weather
• be just the right colour temperature and warmth to help your child fall asleep
• mimic the sun rising in order to wake you up in the morning
• flash when you receive a text message or email.

Philips Hue lets you play with 16 million colours!

We predict a ‘smart summer’

Whilst the living room (65%), bedroom (38%), and hallway (30%) are the most popular rooms for smart lighting inside the home, the research also revealed that 63% of respondents are interested in outdoor smart lighting.

As homeowners contemplate longer, warmer evenings sat outdoors in their gardens, the idea of being able to change the colour of outdoor lights for a party, or illuminating flower beds with different colours, is clearly an appealing one.

Smart tips for smart lighting

Smart lights are only ‘smart’ when they are connected to the internet, so before investing in new smart bulbs it is important to ensure that you have the right foundation on which to build a connected lighting ecosystem. From a technical point of view, users should consider the following key points:

• check the WiFi coverage in areas where the lights will be used
• check the brand of lightbulbs being purchased will integrate with existing smart devices such as smart speakers
• check any associated apps are compatible with your smartphone or tablet device.

Providing these boxes can be ticked, then there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying smart lighting in your home. To find out more and to view our wide range of smart lighting products, including products from leading suppliers such as Philips Hue, WiZ, and iDual, visit our smart home page.

 

Dimmers allow you to achieve the exact light level that you desire in a room and consequently alter the mood to whatever you choose.

There are various types of dimming options available, but the most popular are ‘phase control’ (or phase-cut) dimmers which by ‘chopping out’ parts of the voltage and so reduce power to the light bulb or lamp.

There are two types of phase control dimmer available, ‘trailing-edge’ and ‘leading-edge’, and they work in different ways which ultimately affects their compatibility with certain lightbulbs:

Leading-edge dimmers

Leading-edge dimmer switches are cheaper and simpler than trailing-edge, and were used originally to dim incandescent and halogen bulbs or wirewound magnetic transformers.

Many existing leading-edge dimmer switches have a relatively high minimum load, which often rules out their use with modest LED lighting circuits. However, leading-edge dimmers are by far the most common dimming control in existence.

Trailing-edge Dimmers

Trailing-edge dimmers are more sophisticated than leading-edge dimmers, and usually provide a much smoother dimming control, absent of any buzzing noise, and are ideal for use in most homes.

A trailing-edge dimmer has a lower minimum load (often 10W or below) than leading-edge dimmers, making it a better choice for dimming modestly sized low-powered lighting circuits.

Particularly beneficial for incandescent and halogen bulbs is the ‘soft start’ feature in trailing-edge dimmers, which prevents filament bulbs from dying or exploding of thermal shock when first switched on.

LED lights and dimming

Unlike incandescent bulbs, which are all dimmable by default, LED bulbs have a built-in driver in their base. The driver converts AC power to DC power and maintains a constant current to the LED. This is at odds with a phase control dimming system, since the driver attempts to compensate for the sliced-out portions of input voltage.

LED fixtures such as downlights usually include the LED driver, either of a ‘constant current’ or ‘constant voltage’ type, depending on the LED array design. In either case, the same issue arises: the LED driver or power supply will try to patch up the missing parts of input voltage. In theory, LEDs should be fully dimmable, and normally they are – provided they are paired with a compatible driver.

However, widespread LED compatibility problems exist, and often supposedly dimmable LED driver designs only work with selective dimming control systems. These problems show up in a number of ways, including flickering, flashing, and dead travel.

How to avoid LED dimmer compatibility issues

For an LED lightbulb to work with a phase control dimmer, the electronics of its driver must be compatibly adapted.

Leading-edge dimmer switches are sometimes called ‘incandescent dimmers’, because they were originally designed to handle the resistive load of incandescent light. Existing dimmer switches tend to have high minimum loads and may require multiple LED lamps in order to even have a chance of working.

For an increased chance of compatibility, trailing-edge dimmer switches tend to work better with the capacitive load of an LED driver. The Varilight V-Pro LED Dimmer 1 x 300W is from the award-winning V-Pro range. It has an industry-wide reputation for delivering one of the best LED dimming performances available.

Research & Investment

If you’re installing a dimmable LED circuit from scratch, it’s worth checking out the bulbs that you’re likely to use and then look for a list of tested dimmer switches. Most leading bulb manufacturers test their dimmable lamps with a variety of switches and publish lists of known compatible models.

Similarly, you can upgrade your existing dimmers and so avoid compatibility headaches. What’s more, such an investment is likely to extend the lifespan of the lamps you buy, giving you an added incentive.

Remember, also, that LED bulbs are more complex than incandescent, so sticking to the same model of bulb is advisable when you find a winning formula. Once you have everything working, the many benefits of LED dimming will become apparent and transform the lighting in your home!

Earlier this year, we carried out some research looking at the many ways lighting can affect our customers’ daily beauty routines, and we were surprised to find that three out of four women are applying their makeup in poor lighting, often leading to disastrous consequences. The main issues were that the lighting in the room where women typically apply their makeup either varies too much, or is too dark.

As we settle in for another dark winter, achieving a flawless makeup application is only going to get more difficult – certainly not ideal when party season is also looming.

Daylight saving time may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean your makeup routine has to suffer. With the average woman spending almost £22k on makeup products in her lifetime, we put together the following tips for achieving optimal lighting so you can get the most out of your makeup, and look flawless, all year round.

1. Step into the daylight – Natural light is the best light for applying makeup, and this is obviously in limited supply once the clocks have gone back, so it’s important to choose lightbulbs that closely mimic daylight.
2. Lumens, lumens, lumens – the brighter the source of light, the easier it is to see the finer details when applying makeup. Choose a lightbulb with around 1350lm (lumens) to ensure enough brightness.
3. Side to side – Setting the lights either side of where you apply your makeup, 90-100cm away from each other, with the radiance focused at eye level, will reduce shadowing.
4. Avoid downlights – Lights that shine in a downwards direction will highlight wrinkles, bags, and skin problems making the face appear – and feel – instantly older, leading to inevitable overcompensation of products.

At Lighting Direct, we have a number of products to illuminate your makeup area, whether that’s in the bedroom, bathroom, or somewhere else. Bathroom LED Swing Arm Mirror Light, for example, is framed with a built in white bulb ring light so you can always see what you are doing. It offers 3x magnification and can easily be tilted up and down.

Alternatively, the Searchlight Flare 3 Light Bathroom Mirror Light fitting is great for small spaces as it can be can be fitted vertically or horizontally. What’s more, the light is IP44 rated, making it suitable for use in bathroom zones 1 and 2.

Whilst it’d be great if we could all completely overhaul our fixtures and fittings to suit our personal makeup needs, you don’t have to spend big to achieve better lighting. Something as simple as upgrading to a daylight bulb can make the world of difference.
If you need some help choosing a lighting solution, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

When comparing different light bulbs, most people look at wattage as a measure of brightness. However, due to the widespread adoption of LED technology, this unit of measurement is becoming less and less relevant; now, it’s all about the lumens.

So what are ‘lumens’?

Lumens are defined as “a unit of luminous flux in the International System of Units, that is equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle by a source of one candela intensity radiating equally in all directions“. Great, but what does that actually mean? Put simply, lumens measure the total amount of light produced by a light source; in other words, the brightness of the light.

Lumens Vs. Watts

Watts measure the amount of energy that is used by a light bulb to produce light. However, with bulbs becoming more energy efficient, this measurement does not always provide an accurate steer on levels of brightness. And then when you consider that the sole purpose of a light bulb is to illuminate an area, it makes perfect sense to compare different bulbs based on the level of light they produce – and not the energy they use.

Low energy LED bulbs, for example, are able to produce a higher light output without using as much power; a 6.5W LED bulb will give a similar light output to a 50W halogen bulb! In this scenario, if you were comparing the wattages of both bulbs you would think the halogen bulb was far brighter due to the higher wattage, however this is not the case.

As helpful pointer, many LED bulbs come with an equivalent watt specification that make it easier to compare ‘old’ bulbs with ‘new’ ones; however, remember that this is only an approximate comparison.

A technical point: lumens and useful lumens

When comparing lumens levels, it is important to understand that they are measured differently across the various styles of bulbs. When measuring lumens for non-directional bulbs such as globe, golfball, or candle shaped bulbs, the lumens output is measured in all directions. However, with directional bulbs, such as spotlights, some of the light produced may be ‘wasted’, but is still counted in the total lumens rating.

To allow for an easier comparison between bulbs, a useful lumens rating was introduced. This rating only measures light that is released in a 90° cone from the centre of the bulb, ignoring any spilt or ‘wasted’ light. When comparing the lumens rating vs. the useful lumens rating, you will notice that the useful lumens rating is lower. However, this measurement is far more accurate for spotlights as the light is only emitted in one direction.

Hmm. How many lumens do I need?

Each room around your home will have its own lighting needs, and therefore varying levels of lumens will be required in order to achieve your desired lighting effects. Unfortunately, there isn’t an exact science around the number of lumens required as the room size, ceiling height, and colour scheme will all impact the number of lumens needed in each room. For example, a large room with a high ceiling and dark walls will require a higher number of lumens compared to a smaller, lighter room.

As a useful steer, take a look at this cheat sheet:

For the energy conscious among us, wattage will always be an important measurement of how energy efficient a bulb is. However, if you want a true understanding of how bright your bulb will be, then make sure you keep a close eye on your lumens.

To find out more about lumens check out of handy video below:

Decorating your home is an exciting time; enjoyment and satisfaction come from choosing your favourite style and colour scheme, as well as sourcing products that match your inspiration. Lighting is a major factor to consider throughout the design process, and not just for the main rooms, but also for the ‘forgotten spaces.’

Each room has its own purpose and therefore, its individual requirements. This is also true for those areas that connect each room: hallways, stairs, and landings. In this blog, we’ll give you some great advice and top tips to follow in order to make the right lighting choices for these vital spaces in your home.

Lighting your hallway…

Your hallway is normally the entrance to your home and the first room any visitor sees when they come to your house, so it needs to make the right impression. Hallways aren’t usually blessed with an abundance of natural light, so the lighting you choose becomes even more important.

When planning the lighting for your hallway you should first consider the dimensions of the space. Hallways are often long and narrow, without much room for floor or table lamps. In these scenarios, recessed downlights are a great option for guiding people down the hall. The height of your ceiling will influence the type of lighting that you can choose. For low ceilings, it is best to use flush ceiling fittings to avoid any obstruction; however, if you have very high ceilings, then a chandelier will make a bold statement in your hallway. Finally, if you have a wide hall then adding stylish table lamps wherever possible will create a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

 

Stairway lighting – some top tips

Stairs are another area that tend to receive less natural light, so choose your stair lighting wisely. Wall lights are a fantastic way to make a stylish statement, while providing good illumination for walking up and down the stairs. Furthermore, if you are looking to add that wow-factor to your home, then consider a cascading pendant or chandelier at the top of your staircase. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subtle solution, recessed lights set into the walls next to the stairs, or in the steps themselves, will add a modern finish to your staircase.

 

Landing lighting – the finishing touch

Your landing may not be seen by as many guests as your hallway or stairs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve the same level of attention. Once again, like your hallway, you should be aware of the dimensions of your landing before deciding whether it would be best to take a bold approach using lots of bright colours, or to follow a more simple style that uses a subtle palette. Recessed lighting is a brilliant choice for this area of your home. Dimmable lighting is a useful option if you have young children, as this will allow you to softly illuminate your landing and avoid waking sleeping children by accidentally flooding their rooms with harsh, bright light. Incorporating the décor of adjoining bedrooms into the design of your landing will create a seamless look that flows from one room to another. Using the same wall lights in your bedrooms and landing will create a unified style throughout the upstairs of your home.

Hallways, stairs, and landings are all important, but often forgotten areas of the home. Taking the time to plan the lighting in these areas will significantly improve the look and feel of your property by helping to provide natural transitions between rooms. If you need any help in choosing the right light fittings for a hallway, stairs, or landing, then contact us today.