Add warmth and character to your home

It's easy to give so much time and care to the major items in a room that you overlook the small details.

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of interior furnishings.

Table lamps, uplighters, chandeliers, wall lights - they are all capable of giving your room that 'something extra' which you instinctively know it needs.

Don't try to light the whole room from one light source.

A common mistake is to have one light source provide light for the whole room, usually hung from the ceiling. Of necessity it has to be quite bright, and the result is very harsh lighting with deep shadows.

Try to think in terms of background lighting using a number of light sources. Use overhead lighting, bases and shades, uplighters and wall lights to give enough light for conversation or watching TV.

Where more light is needed for activities such as reading, use a separate item, such as a lamp and shade placed on a nearby table, or an adjustable floor lamp just behind the chair or sofa.

Lamp bases with shades provide the softest light.

For colour, texture and opacity, silk is still regarded as the most suitable material for lampshades. It doesn't change its colour to any great extent when lit from behind by artificial light. Combined with suitable cords and trimmings it becomes part of your furnishings while illuminiating the room.

It can be very difficult to find a shade of the right shape, size and colour for your room. We stock a good variety of shades in our showroom, but many are specially made. You can choose the shape and size, and select the colour from a silk swatch.