Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting – aka general lighting, serves as the primary source of light in room. This type is usually installed as an overhead fixture, and could take the form of spot lighting, pendants, or strip lighting recessed into your ceiling.
The amount of ambient lighting in each space could vary depending on the type of room, and also the mood that you wish to create in there. For example, a living room could be the perfect space to make a statement with a decorative pendant, that emits a lower wattage to create ambience. Dimmers are also a great way to control brightness, allowing you to adjust the mood you would like to emulate accordingly.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is used to provide light for specific activities – such as reading a book, working at a desk, or applying makeup in front of a mirror. This type of lighting is typically used in areas that already have some ambient light, however require more focus when looking at objects of low contrast. Task lights come in many different forms; and could be mounted on a wall, placed on top of a desk – and could even implemented with a swivel feature, should you need lighting at a certain angle / distance.
Accent Lighting
Applying accent lighting to a space will add drama and character – and will work wonders if you would like to enhance architectural elements, or treasured objects. Many of us have nostalgic pieces within our home that need a special shout out – such as sentimental heirlooms, wedding photographs, children’s art work: the list could go on and on! These unique artefacts could be highlighted by the use of wall scones, picture lights, recessed lighting or track lighting.
Now I would like to delightfully dip into each type of lighting: providing examples from some of my favourite brands at the moment. Each product differs in style and function; so hopefully you’ll find one that lights up your life in just the right way!
Spark & Bell
Those that have followed me for a while will know that I’m truly obsessed with this brand. Spark & Bell started out as a small business on Etsy, as the founders discovered that when furnishing their own home, the choices available to them were either too generic – or completely unaffordable. After noticing the gap in the market, they decided to fill this void; and they proved to themselves that they could create their own custom lights at a much more reasonable price… and we are so so grateful that they did!
Spark & Bell offer a huge selection of pendants, wall lights, lamps and chandeliers in many different styles. Some emulate a modern look, with polished brass tubes and opal shades – whilst others possess a slightly more antique feel to them, showcasing a more opulent style with patterned glass and art deco motifs. This being said, it is important to note that the majority of their products are completely customisable, allowing the customer to select the colour, length and fabric type of the flex, along with different metal finishes.
Below are my top three Spark & Bell picks at the moment – but my choices change daily as they are all truly so beautiful.
The unique marks within the grain on the Cara Pendant are truly beautiful – each with their own fingerprint of pattern. This pendant would make the perfect accent / task light if placed above your bedside table,.
The Atlas pendant comes in three different sizes with a fabulous opal glass shade that is reminiscent of the classic 1920’s art deco style. Choose this light if you’d like to add a touch of opulance to a space!
Another opal number – the Lir pendant is sleek and sophisticated in nature; adding warmth and character with four opal globes. For a more modern look, why not also have a look at the finish in black!
Pure White Lines
Are you looking for lighting that adds character, and makes a statement? If so, Pure White Lines is the store for you. With a diverse, expertly sourced collection of vintage, modern and antique lighting (and furniture!) – you are bound to find something that you will love, that will stand the test of time.
Founded in 2012 initially by Matt: Pure White Lines was a passion project, as his love and knowledge for vintage and antique furniture grew after learning about the trade from the ground up alongside his full time job. Matt eventually saw the opportunity to take the best of these timeless pieces, carefully sourcing them for those that wanted more than just ‘off the shelf’ pieces in their interior projects. Pure White Lines’ first store subsequently opened in 2017 on Hackney Road in Shoreditch, and became an essential shopping destination for those that were ‘in the know’. One of those talented in the know people was Juliet Owen – an Australian Interior Designer who dropped into the store due to very specific design requirements for her London home. She quickly became the other half of the business, as she implemented her invaluable interior knowledge alongside her eye for curating spaces to help the business grow. Matt and Jules got married in 2019 after forming the perfect partnership.
The Mosman Wall Scone is a minimal masterpiece – its oval disc made up of naturally grained alabaster, which is suspended from a bronze coloured wall plate. These could be used as a series, or individually to create atmospheric lighting.
This brass picture light makes an impact with its sleek, unobtrusive appearance – making sure its presence is known, whilst making sure that your artwork is the main highlight when installed. These can be ordered in brass, nickel or black to compliment your wall piece.
The Montreal is a mid-century inspired desk lamp, which features a solid white marble base. To disperse the light slightly, a white diffuser has been placed at the top of its black shade, ensuring that the light that is emitted has a softer luminance.
Lights & Lamps
Last, but by NO means least – I’d like to chat to you about a truly innovative brand: Lights&Lamps. If you’re looking for affordable, yet incredibly stylish and high quality lighting, then this is the place to go. The brand was formed by two UK based lighting experts, Nikki Wright and Scarlett Hampton; a duo that possess extensive knowledge in the lighting industry, with over 25 years combined experience in designing and developing best-selling lighting products and interior collections.
When browsing their selection, you will notice their incredibly diverse range of lighting products, each designed to be not only beautiful to behold, but practical to use. Impeccable product design is a core value to both Wright and Hampton – and what’s more, Lights&Lamps enforces a strict fully recyclable packaging policy and is a member of the 1% For The Planet scheme. Beautiful, practical, whilst also saving the planet… I think that’s what they call a triple threat?!
A beautiful greige coloured tube to act as the perfect accent to a room. The Chubes light displays strong shapes within its form, and an intricate texture through its reeded body to add contrast.
My three favourite materials all wrapped into one: Marble, rattan and opal. The Bardi pendant is one that makes a statement – and merges together a sense of luxury, decadence and refinement.
A prime example of when less is definitely more. The Santi oak disk wall light is stunning in its simplicity, but has so much to offer in terms of functionality. It could be used as an accent light, an uplight or a downlight – maybe even just as a decorative piece! The choice is completely yours.