Understanding lighting

Understanding Lighting

Lighting can be an expensive part of an interior, so people are often anxious to get it right. My advice is to go for affordable vintage options that can be easily changed in the future to give yourself maximum flexibility and less pressure on the decisions you make now.

Vintage Pendant Shades

There are typically two types of vintage pendant shades.

• The first has a raised rim above the opening for the lamp. For these you will need a gallery fixture to secure the shade to the lamp holder.

• The second has a completely flat opening for the lamp, and these do not require a gallery fixture.

Vintage pendant shades tend to be made from the following materials.

Enamel

• Can be prone to chipping but generally hard-wearing.

• Normally illuminated white inside.

• Only sends the light down.

• Can be a nice way to introduce colour into a room.

Glass

• Will diffuse the light much more evenly.

• More delicate and can smash.

• Available in frilly designs.

Fittings Shades to the Lampholder

Gallery Fixture Shade

Step 1

Choose your gallery fixture. I would recommend buying a new gallery fixture so you can decide on the metal finish that best suits your home.

Step 2

Choose your flex with a bulb holder on the end; I like to go for colourful and twisted flex to add interest.

Step 3

Unscrew the ring from your bulb holder. Insert your bulb holder into the gallery fixture and secure it in place by screwing the ring back onto the holder from inside the gallery fixture.

Step 4

Now you can insert the bulb holder through the shade opening, and the gallery fixture will sit nicely on top of the shade. Tighten the screws at the side to secure it in place.

Non-Gallery Fixture Shade

Steps 1 and 2

Same as the gallery fixture shade.

Step 3

Unscrew the ring from your bulb holder. Place the bulb holder through the opening of the shade, and secure it in place by screwing the ring back onto the holder from inside the shade.

Ceiling Roses

The next thing to consider is how you are going to conceal the wiring that goes into the ceiling. I like to use simple, white ceramic ceiling roses.

Holophane Lights

If you don't want to see the bulb, you could look at Holophane pendant lights, as their circular design helps to conceal the bulb.

They are often heavier than normal shades, so make sure to go for reinforced fixtures and fittings.