Luxurious Lighting Solutions - From A Ray Of Light To Solar Supernovas

The sunny weather makes most of us feel considerably more cheerful. With this in mind, it makes sense that lighting homes properly, whether through gothic lighting or a classic style, makes the space appear a whole lot happier.

Let’s Go Au Naturel

Every house comes with its own source of natural light and there are a couple of quick fixes which enhance this. For instance, hanging mirrors opposite the window bounces the light around the room and makes the most of even a few weak rays of sunshine. Curtains of a light material such as muslin allow light to disperse effortlessly, with blinds deployed at night when you are ready to get your forty winks. If a makeover is on the cards, select light coloured carpets and fixtures and fittings, as these go some way to making rooms feel roomy and bright.

Furthermore, filling rooms with light-reflective surfaces means that rays are diffused even more easily. If these remedies do not quite cut it, more serious and expensive methods are available. Windows can be enlarged through dropping the sill down a couple of inches, allowing more precious light into the room. Windows facing onto a garden are easily converted into French doors, although it is always a good idea to get the space checked over by a builder before commencing.

Shadows and Spotlights

If enhancing the natural light in your house does not make the space quite as airy as you would like, do not fear! Accent and task lighting are there to make your living and working areas as perfect as possible. Whether you purchase gothic lighting styles or spotlights, placing accent lighting in tactile positions adds depth to the general feel of a room. For example, you can highlight objects such as glass by lighting it from beneath or behind. If you wish to show off your book collection at a swish dinner party, then place a spotlight on the base of the bookshelf.

As well as getting the accent lighting right, working from home or completing certain tasks such as sewing or reading requires task lighting to be deployed. Whichever lamp you choose needs to be adjustable, with the option to elevate or lower the bulb so that it meets your needs exactly. A top tip for the writers amongst you is to put the lamp on the side of your less dominant hand. This way, the light will cover your working area and you will not be fighting for the spotlight with your own shadow.

Living in the Limelight

When throwing a dinner party or a social event, lighting is one way to make sure you appear super sophisticated. Candles create a great ambience, with reflective surfaces passing the glow around the rest of the room. Highlighting key features such as the aforementioned bookcase or a painting draws attention to the object and hence creates a natural conversation starter. If you are dealing with a particularly large space, ensure that there are different types of lighting at each level.

By adding smaller lamps, gothic lightingor lanterns lower down, the space instantly feels cosier and a tad more welcoming. Lanterns are easily arranged so as to create interesting patterns on the ceiling, so get your creative juices flowing and give it a go. During the summer months, many parties get underway outdoors. If this is the case, crack out the Christmas fairy lights; draping them down the garden path adds a splash of colour to proceedings. Tea lights and fibre-optics are also readily available to ramp up the colours and shapes being thrown around. Whether you are working, partying or relaxing, there is a light and style to suit your needs.

Aimee Coppock is a freelance writer specialising in interior design. She recommends that employing gothic lighting, amongst other styles, helps to improve the overall feel of a space.