Lighting

Shop lighting by type

• Table lamps: bedside lamps, living room lamps and statement lamps for sideboards and console tables.
• Floor lamps: tall lamps with fabric shades for reading corners, beside sofas and in bedrooms.
• Candle holders and lanterns: candle light and LED lanterns for a softer glow.
• Christmas decorations: pre-lit wreaths, garlands and LED string lights for the festive season.

How to layer lighting in a room

Most rooms look best with three kinds of light working together rather than one bright ceiling light.

• Ambient light fills the room: a ceiling light, or several lamps spread around the edges.
• Task light is focused where you need it: a floor lamp beside a reading chair or a bedside lamp for reading in bed.
• Accent light adds atmosphere: a lamp on a console table, LED lanterns, candles or string lights on a shelf.

In a living room, aim for light at different heights: a floor lamp, a table lamp or two, and something low and soft. Lamps placed in corners make a room feel bigger in the evening.

Choosing the right bulb

Check the bulb cap on each listing. E27 is the larger standard screw cap and E14 is the smaller screw cap. Bulbs are not included unless a listing says so, and some lamps state a maximum wattage, such as 10W LED, which you should not exceed. For living rooms and bedrooms, a warm white LED bulb of around 2700K gives a cosy, relaxed light. Cooler white bulbs of around 4000K suit kitchens, studies and task lighting.

Safety with mains lighting

Use the correct bulb type and wattage, keep cables out of walkways and away from water, and switch off and let a bulb cool before changing it. Ceiling lights should be fitted by a qualified electrician.

Lighting: your questions answered

How many lamps should a living room have?

Most living rooms feel comfortable with three to five light sources, such as a ceiling light, one or two table lamps, a floor lamp and something soft like a lantern or string lights. Spread them around the room at different heights rather than grouping them together.

What is the difference between E14 and E27 bulbs?

Both are screw cap fittings. E27 is the standard large cap, about 27mm across, used in most table and floor lamps. E14 is the small cap, about 14mm across, often used in smaller lamps. Check the fitting on the lamp listing before you buy a bulb.

What colour bulb is best for a living room?

A warm white bulb of around 2700K gives the soft, cosy light most people want in a living room or bedroom. Cooler white bulbs of around 4000K are better for kitchens, home offices and task lighting where you need to see detail.

Do lamps come with bulbs?

Bulbs are not included unless the listing says so. Each lamp listing shows the bulb cap and, where stated, the maximum wattage, so you can buy a bulb that fits safely.

Where should I put a floor lamp?

Beside a sofa or reading chair, slightly behind your shoulder, so the light falls on your book. A floor lamp in a corner also works well, as the light reflects off two walls and makes the room feel larger and warmer.

Finish the room with home decor, wall art and mirrors to reflect the light.