Lighting

Lighting

Light can be an important player in the room without relying on feature lighting. In certain areas of a room, like on a colourful table at the edge, you can use lamplight to enhance the space. Buy a cheap lamp and an expensive shade. Don't buy too many shades from the high street stores. Go for lined shades as they cast a softer light.

On your electrical plan, when you've got the furniture work out where all your lamps are going to be. And then near those spots give yourself 5 amp plugs. When you put a wall light by a bed, you need to have the light fitting. To ensure that the light is at the right height. Put all your lights on dimmers. With adjustable lighting, you can adjust the light intensity according to the time of day, your mood, or when you desire to create a distinctive environment.

You can light pictures beautifully by hanging picture lights over the artwork or by using a directional spot from the ceiling.

Pendant lights can be difficult, so buy something simple until you find something you love. Pooky is a good starting point. Don't be afraid to prioritise a lampshade, and get them made in really good fabric.

Be cautious when lighting behind cornices and in bookcases, it can cast shadows which can make the space feel overwhelming.

Think about the bulb you use as well as the lamp and shade. I like squirrel cage bulbs for their vintage feel.

I particularly love Guinevere Antiques which makes lovely shades using old saris and offers its customers an antique textile with which to decorate. Nushka has some great gathered shades in very unusual colours.

A good way to gauge the proportions of your lampshade is to compare it with other lampshades from around the house. I would recommend that you select a shade high enough to cover the fitting. The rise-and-fall shade carriers sold by Peter Jones help with this.

A shade collection doesn't need to be built up in a day. The best thing to do is start out with some inexpensive card shades and upgrade when you have enough money for higher quality ones.

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I recommend:

• Robert Kime's papyrus shades
• Matilda Goad's scalloped shades
• NUSHKA
• Penny Morrison
• Peter Jones
• Rose de Ruig
• Viola Lanari's hand made plaster lamps