10 ways to create atmosphere with lighting this winter

A successful lighting scheme is designed to be multi-functional, providing clear light for close activities, such as reading, and gentler light for relaxing. Ceiling fittings, however striking, should never be the only light source. A layered arrangement of dimmable wall, table, floor and ceiling lights is more flexible.

Lighting schemes that combine general, task and feature lighting give a bathroom more character but, for safety, it’s important that each fitting should carry the correct ingress protection (IP) rating for its position in the room. Lights rated IP65 may be used above the bath to a height of 2.25m and those rated IP44 are safe to use 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath or shower and around the basin.

Not since the 1960s – when they were a key accessory in swinging London’s art nouveau-style Biba boutique – have fringed lampshades been so sought-after. Fashion is the inspiration for their current revival, too, but this time around the inspiration comes from the catwalk. Interpreted in a variety of ways, you can follow the trend with Victorian-style shades for a shot of gothic glamour, boho coloured glass shades edged with long silky fronds or adopt a lighter, mid-century look with shorter fringing set in elegant gilded frames.

Lamps made from objects that didn’t start out as lighting (especially when fashioned from reclaimed materials) add a quirky accent to any interiors scheme. The idea of converting everyday items into table lamps isn’t new; bases made from ginger jars and tea caddies are a classic feature of country house interiors. Today’s designers prefer a more industrial vibe, using distressed materials that could well have been picked up at a salvage fair, builders’ merchant or hardware shop and, often, the more unexpected the item, the better the end result.

As all collectors know, display is just as important as tracking down the right piece. Lighting is an effective way to draw attention to favourite items. ‘When lighting collections arranged on shelves, consider their most interesting attributes,’ advises Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting. ‘If the shape is lovely, the shelves they sit on can be backlit using LED tape to throw the objects into silhouette. Glass can be put on top of a cool-running LED uplight to make it glow from within.’

One sure way to make a dramatic statement is with an oversized pendant lamp or chandelier. The entrance hall and the dining table are two areas of the home that lend themselves to this treatment. Suspending a single pendant over a round dining table or twin lamps over a rectangular one ensures it’s the centre of attention. For best effect, fit a dimmer switch so you can control the brightness, and hang the fitting so its lower edge is at eye level of the tallest diner or slightly higher. In the hallway, where there is minimal competition from other furniture, an impressive pendant light will be the focus of attention. Hang it slightly above head height and, in the case of a heavy fitting, of course, ensure that it is well secured.

Though they could have been shrugged off as a passing trend, neon lights, illuminated signs and light boxes have staying power. They add punch to eclectic or industrial spaces and are an obvious fit for teenagers’ and toddlers’ bedrooms. Happily, there’s something for every budget, too – from high street and online copies to increasingly hard-to-find reclaimed and restored advertising signs. If you’re after a particular slogan, Bag & Bones will produce bespoke LED neon-style lights from £225.

Their aesthetics are often overlooked but light switches put an important finishing touch to a room. Reproduction Bakelite switches complete a vintage interior, while matt black or oxidised metal backplates complement industrial decor. Chrome and brass create a subtle statement in classic schemes.

A well-lit front door makes your home look welcoming after dark, helps visitors find their way safely and discourages intruders. Fit a light centrally above the door or a pair of lamps flanking it. Control the light using a timer or a sensor that responds to daylight or to movement.

The gentle shimmer of candlelight gives interiors a softer, more elegant look. Lanterns come in a range of sizes and, if they are glazed, protect the flame from draughts and the surrounding area from spilt wax. A candle chandelier is a spectacular way to light a dinner table or console.

How to buy antique lighting

Margaret Lewis, Lighting Restorer at Fritz Fryer, offers her expert guidance on the good and bad signs to look out for when browsing antique lighting

When searching for antique lighting how can we be sure to spot a good buy?

Look for quality, heavy fittings with fine, crisp castings and good design. Avoid flimsy lights. They may be pretty but are often uneconomical to restore.

What are the warning signs that a piece is beyond salvation?

Dents, kinks, missing or broken parts, splits in seams. Dents and kinks can be impossible to iron out successfully so, if you want a perfect result, don’t touch it. Missing or broken parts, especially crystals, are expensive to replace. Even lights in apparently good condition can have hidden problems such as old flex stuck in the arms or previous ‘cowboy’ repairs.

What is the potential cost of repair?

Professional restoration is expensive. At Fritz Fryer, rewiring an average table lamp costs around £90. This includes using all new electrical components, cotton covered twist flex plus a light clean and a PAT (portable appliance testing) safety test. A modest five-arm brass chandelier costs around £300-£400 for the same treatment but repairs will add to the cost.

Should vintage lamps always be rewired by an electrician?

Most antique lights will need to be rewired. Regulations change, as do the quality specifications of components, and lights sold ‘in working condition’ should have a PAT test sticker not more than two or three years old. Never rewire a lamp yourself. Have your lamp properly rewired by a fully qualified restorer and then get it
PAT tested.