Masters Home Improvement

Brilliant ideas to get the perfect lighting in your home…

Interior tricks

1. When choosing a pendant light above a dining table, it’s important to hang the light so it shines on the table, not the people. Position it just above eye height when you are seated. This allows you and your guests to look at each other around the table without the light being in your eyes.

2. Consider scale when selecting lights. A small chandelier in a large living room, for example, looks rather inadequate. A chandelier always works as a focal point, so go larger rather than smaller.

3. Light shades in stunning fabrics can create a focal point in a room. But before purchasing, think about the room’s colour palette. Make sure the tones and style of the shade complement other elements, such as upholstery, flooring and even artwork.

4. A dramatic pendant light can really pack a punch but if it appears in a large room, such as a living area, it may require extra illumination. After all, you don’t want to be in the dark when studying the TV guide or having a late-night snack. A mix of floor lights and table lamps is an easy solution.

Perfect illumination

5. Often wondered what diffused light is? It’s simply a light that’s filtered through a translucent material, such as a fabric shade. Without diffusion, a light can cast strong shadows but an elegant shade with a diffuser emits a gentle glow all around the room.

6. Indirect lighting, such as a floor lamp that directs light towards the ceiling, provides atmosphere to a room. It illuminates without focusing on one specific object, and makes a small room appear larger.

7. Before you buy that stunning floor light or table lamp, don’t forget about the powerpoints. They need to be close to the light, and hidden away so children – and adults – don’t trip.

8. Keen to show off your favourite artwork? Consider positioning a picture light above the artwork for perfect viewing.

Be adventurous

9. For a modern take, place a pendant or floor light in a surprising space, such as a kitchen or even a walk-in wardrobe.

10. Wall lights above a bed are attractive and functional, but for real visual impact, hang a pair of pendant lights close to the back wall. For extra illumination throughout the room, well-positioned wall lights complete the look.

11. Crystal chandeliers are no longer just clear – sultry black, luscious red and a multitude of other colours are now on the market, adding a contemporary take on the classic chandelier.

12. Metal industrial lights – particularly desk lights and pendants – evoke a hip warehouse-inspired look but vintage versions can cost a bomb when re-wiring is required. Fortunately, lighting companies have recognised this trend, and are now releasing industrial-style lights with quality cords and modern wiring.

Technical advice

13. When renovating, consider positioning a two-way switch in the bedroom. It means you won’t have to get up to turn off the light after finishing your book.

14. Consider playing with different light bulbs to create a variety of effects. For mood lighting, most globes at a reduced output will be far more striking and effective.

15. Dimmers are a perfect option to set the mood. If you have a pendant light over a dining area, you can use a softer light for an evening dinner and a brighter light when working or reading.

16. When installing or replacing lights, it’s essential to hire a licensed electrician.

Extra tips

17. When installing lights, think about where you want the switches to be positioned. A bit of forethought will save oodles of frustration later.

18. Outdoor lighting encourages friends and family to socialise outside after dark. That’s why solar lights offer real bang for your buck – these inexpensive options are ideal for lighting pathways and highlighting trees and features.

19. In a busy room with striking upholstery, a classic large drum shade in a single colour never goes out of fashion.

20. Remember, you don’t need a light show in your own home. To save electricity and reduce global warming, always turn off light when you leave a room.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.