The Art of Illumination

STYLING AND WORDS: STUDIO JUTE INTERIOR

PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY JOLLIFFE

Lighting plays a fundamental role in any well-considered interior, but it can often be overlooked or underplayed, resulting in too little light, overly bright light, or not enough light in the right places.

Thinking of lighting as a whole by using a combination of lighting sources, known as layering light, allows emphasis to be placed on different areas for different purposes. Throughout the darker months, this approach comes into its own, lighting up darker corners, creating an inviting atmosphere, and allowing spaces to be lit for practical tasks.

There are three commonly used types of lighting: ambient lighting, which is the general illumination of a room; task lighting, which is practical, and accent lighting, which is used to highlight chosen areas or features. The most successful lighting schemes use a combination of all three. This can be as simple as a pendant that casts a warm glow, a directional table lamp for detailed work, and a floor lamp to brighten a gloomy corner.

Choosing the right colour temperature bulb can make a huge difference to how well a lighting scheme works and feels. Cool light is great for practical tasks, but too much can feel uncomfortable and overexposed. Warm light creates an inviting atmosphere and is great for relaxing, but can be frustrating when trying to concentrate on tasks. Using a layered lighting scheme, we are able to meet all of our needs at different times of the day.

To inspire your lighting plans, we have hand-picked a selection of lamps and shades all available locally.

Overhead lighting provides a broad sweep of light, perfect for illuminating a whole area. When using decorative shades consider the material; rattan ones such as these won’t diffuse light like a linen or velvet shade would, so it can be helpful to fit a dimmer switch to give more control.

Ceramic pendant £45 ACACIA BAY, The Modern Painter and Decorator volume I & II £22 DIG FOR VINTAGE, Terracotta pitcher £22.99, Terracotta bowl £19.99 BAYLISS & BOOTH.

Small rattan shades £85, Hanging fern £85, Rattan shade with flex and rose £170, Large rattan shade £165, faux hanging plant £35. ALL ACACIA BAY

Table lamps are ideal for adding atmosphere, they create a flattering, comfortable glow. Place several around each room at eye level for an immediately inviting feel. These Dennis Fairweather lamps are beautiful decorative objects in themselves and will add depth and interest to a space.

Dennis Fairweather geometric table lamp £356, Dennis Fairweather Sea Urchin lamp £266, Susan Spencer Hayter original framed print £165 ALL YARMOUTH GALLERY, Rattan tray £45 ACACIA BAY, Carafe £29.99, Glass £4.99, Marble coaster set £7.99, Water hyacinth table runner £22.99 ALL BAYLISS & BOOTH

Hang a piece of design history with these Coolicon shades. An icon designed in the 1930s, their unique vented top gallery helpfully casts an upward ambient light and downward task light.

Coolicon utility shades small from £99 large from £175 BAYLISS & BOOTH, Goose neck desk lamp £39.50, Tillie Lamp £35 DIG FOR VINTAGE, Adam Lafosse wooden bud vases £16.95 each YARMOUTH GALLERY