All the wonderful ways that choosing lovely lighting can give you a daily dose of happiness...
Lighting serves many purposes. It banishes darkness (ambient lighting); it helps you to focus on particular jobs like cooking or reading (task lighting); and it creates mood and atmosphere, cosiness and calm. That's what layering light is all about.
But when lighting is really good it does something else too: it makes your home more beautiful and your daily life just a tiny bit more joyful.
That’s the decorative side of lighting. If you can fill your rooms with lamps and shades that are beautiful objects in their own right, something magical occurs… Every time you get an eye-full of one, you get a small but unmistakable dopamine-hit of interior design pleasure. That’s when lights become not just practical necessities, but visual treats.
Here are nine ways to make the magic happen…
1) Colour blasts
Possibly the simplest and best-known interior design trick for a visual treat is the colour ‘pop’: that little contrasting bit of bright colour in an otherwise neutral or muted scheme. And the simplest and best way to get one into a room is with a vivid lampshade, especially if positioned at eye-level on a standing lamp.
But why stop at a pop? How about a fiery red colour blast?
2) Comforting glows
It’s probably to do with our prehistoric ancestors, caves and fires, but whatever the reason, something deep within us instinctively responds to warm glows. It can be a little wall light or a table lamp in a cosy corner – flick the switch on cold grey day and everything just seems better.
3) A glimpse of the fantastical
There aren’t too many opportunities to bring something into your home that is truly, wildly, fantastical – yet also serves a practical function. The chandelier, however, is one of them. You can go classy or glassy, glam or bling, or even pink… Feast your eyes on Pooky’s chandelier range here.
4) Classic designs
If you’re into your design history, lighting is a perfect excuse to bring a classic piece into your home (on a sensible budget). Many of the greats of 20th century architecture and design experimented with lamps. So if you’re into mid-century modernism, Scandi style or Art Deco, then a floor lamp, table lamp or desk light in your favourite aesthetic is a guaranteed daily delight.
5) Vintage patterns
Or then again, you may be a lover of the great British pattern designers, those geniuses of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. And what better way to introduce a piece of William Morris or one of his contemporaries into your home than a lampshade? We’ve collaborated with Morris & Co. and GP&J Baker, amongst others, to bring those glorious vintage classics back into our lives once more. Floral heaven!
6) Natural materials
It’s well-known that daily contact with nature makes us happier – and we think that having lovely natural materials in your home can have a similar effect. It might be a shade in jute or a table lamp in wood or cane. Or how about something a little more unusual, like rattan or seagrass? (You can filter our products by material to find your favourite.)
7) Abstract sculptures
If gazing at abstract artworks is what takes you to your happy place, then you should treat yourself to a sculptural lamp. Not only beautiful, but actually useful too…
8) Warm welcomes
You finally get back home at the end of a long, tiring, stressful, possibly even slightly tearful day, turn the key in the door, hit the switch… and a big, bright and beautiful hallway light greets you. And the world is a happier, friendlier place once again. Never underestimate the power of a warm welcome!
9) Little surprises
Finally, we must mention the brave new world of rechargeable lighting. Beautiful, designer lamps that you can put literally anywhere, inside or outside, high on shelves or awkward little alcoves. Treat yourself to a lovely little light in a space that was always out of reach of sockets and cables: it will bring a whole new dimension of happiness into your home…
Browse Pooky’s huge range of beautiful, affordable home lighting here.
See also:
How home lighting affects your mood and wellbeing
Home lighting design: A guide to layering light
How to choose a lampshade - the complete guide
A design style crash course – how to identify classic period styles and get the look with lighting
