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Lighting
If anywhere in the home has specific lighting requirements, it’s the bedroom. From getting dressed to winding down, reading a novel to applying make-up, this selection means you'll always see what’s what.
larger pumpkin in opaline glasspookyRather like those classic paper shades seen in a million student homes in the 70s (and recently making a comeback) this is made from blown glass so elevates that original idea. The opaline glass will soften and gently diffuse the light from the bulb and it comes with a lovely olive cord flex. Simple, classic, beautiful.
larger spangle domed pendantpookyThis is made from neatly coiled strands of brass wire which will focus on the object below (always consider what your pendant is shining directly on to – make sure it’s more than just a bare patch of floor) as well as allowing slivers of light to escape round the sides. For bigger impact, you could buy the smaller version as well, and hang it adjacent but slightly higher.
Ero Yellow Velvet & Tassel Drum Pendant LampshadeOliver BonasThis was controversial when I featured it on the Mad About The House blog a while back but it’s still a great light for a bedroom. Fringing is hugely fashionable atm and this soft yellow (there are other colours) is a good strong choice for both dark and light bedrooms. Tip: if your pendant light hangs pointlessly over the end of the bed, then extend the flex and move it to where it will be more useful by draping it down from a cup hook in the ceiling.
Connaught Ceiling Light Dowsing & ReynoldsA pendant that doesn’t actually hang down, so this would be good in a low-ceilinged dining room, for example. The arms also mean the light will stretch to every corner. Fix it to a dimmer switch if you can, then it works for a romantic dinner as well as a wake-up breakfast.
empire shade in blue and redpookyWall lights used to be terribly difficult - in that most of them were awful. I know one designer who is so scarred by hideous wall lights from rented flats and 80s houses that he won’t use them to this day. But the times they are a changing and you can find some beauties now. Like this. Try adding a fun floral or plain velvet shade to bring another layer of pattern and print to your room. It comes in a variety of designs and colourways, too.
melville wall sconcepookyThis mercurised glass sconce will diffuse the light gently outwards. Bring a bit of luxe to the kitchen (instead of the dreaded grid of spotlights) or try them in a bedroom to create a softer effect than a pendant would bring.
smaller espere in prismatic glasspookyPerfect for small spaces where you want something more interesting than a harsh downlight – the downstairs loo for example, or a dressing room corner or cupboard.
Round diffused wall lightH&M HOMEMore for ambient light than actual threading of needles, this will work nicely in conjunction with table and floor lamps. But, crucially, it will also look really pretty when turned off, so it won’t fight with any pictures you have hanging on the wall.
Peg Wall LampDowsing & ReynoldsTime was it was really hard to find a good wall light, and especially hard to find a plug-in version. But there are masses to choose from now – and they can work well for renters (just make good the place where the hook was) as well as small-space living, where there might not be enough space on a bedside table for a lamp and everything else. Or even space for a bedside table at all, come to that.
Grosvenor Wall Light Dowsing & ReynoldsThis will involve more effort to install as it’s not a plug-in, but it will look gorgeous and elegant – either by the bed or at either end of the sofa if there’s no room for a floor light. Wall lights can also be the best solution for halls, as pendants can get in the way of the front door and/or the stairs and there’s often restricted space for furniture.
