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Turns out the quickest way to make a home feel expensive is better lighting
It seems we’ve fallen out of love with the ‘big light’. Once the main source of illuminating British homes, the harsh overhead ceiling light is increasingly being swapped for softer, moodier alternatives – from low-lit table lamps and sculptural wall lights to portable rechargeable designs and warm LEDs tucked beneath shelving and cabinetry.
Rather than flooding a room with brightness, homeowners are looking for ways to create a layered lighting scheme that casts a softer, more inviting glow as the day winds down. 'Lighting’s role now extends well beyond function,' explains Robyn Fuge, lighting expert at B&Q. 'People want their homes to feel calm, relaxing and adaptable throughout the day.' Get the lighting right and even the simplest room will instantly feel cosy and restorative.
But while the traditional ‘big light’ may be switched on less often, it's not disappearing completely. Sculptural chandeliers, oversized pendants and paper lanterns remain popular for bringing a touch of Soho Home-style atmosphere into the home – less about practicality and more about creating a decorative statement. Think of them as the jewellery of the room: eye-catching focal points that add personality and drama, while softer layers of lighting create the cosy ambience.
From sculptural table lamps to softly glowing wall lights, these are the best buys for mastering the layered lighting look.
Adding strip lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a softer, more atmospheric feel in the kitchen without relying on harsh overhead lights. Installed beneath wall cabinets and shelving, the subtle glow adds task lighting exactly where you need it most. It’s a simple designer trick that makes a space feel more inviting in the evenings.
Pictured: Brookfield Avenue project by Plykea
Pleated lighting is having a moment right now, and this rechargeable wall light proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to tap into the trend. With its soft gathered shade and warm glow, it adds a sophisticated touch to a room.
Exposed bulbs aren’t the best choice for bedside tables, as the glare can feel a little harsh when you’re winding down for the evening. Instead, opt for a design with a shade that softly diffuses the light or hides the bulb, like this aged brass lamp topped with a generous glossy glass shade. It strikes the perfect balance between modern elegance and understated sophistication.
A go-to for creating a gallery-style glow without the hassle of rewiring, cordless picture lights are battery-powered and can be installed almost anywhere. Brass finishes feel especially timeless and adds to the layered lighting look perfectly.
From the ceiling to the wall, these ribbed pendants strike the perfect balance between decorative and practical, throwing light exactly where you need it most. The fluted glass adds a touch of vintage charm, bringing a relaxed, restaurant-style atmosphere into the kitchen.
Combining two of this season’s biggest trends – pleats and scallops – this brass wall light is a good choice. The flower-like silhouette adds a playful decorative touch, while the soft pleated shade creates a warm, diffused glow perfect for layered lighting schemes. It’s an easy way to bring interest into a hallway, living room or bedroom.
Floor lamps are the perfect middle ground – tall enough to cast light exactly where you need it, but soft enough to avoid flooding the entire room. Positioned beside an armchair or tucked into a cosy corner, they create that warm, cocooning glow every good reading nook deserves.
With its glossy olive finish and gold leaf-effect interior, this two-tier wall light brings an unexpectedly luxe feel to a room. As seen here, it's positioned low above a sofa rather than hidden away in a corner, casting a soft ambient glow that’s perfect for unwinding beneath or settling in with a good book.
Bring soft pools of light to spaces that would otherwise feel forgotten. Rechargeable designs can be styled almost anywhere, from the centre of a dining table to a dark corner without nearby plugs. Placed in bathrooms on a shelf, a cordless lamp creates a boutique hotel-style glow.
We may have switched off the ‘big light’, but a trio of low-hung pendants proves ceiling lighting can still work beautifully when done right. Suspended lower above a kitchen worktop, island or dining table, these pink scalloped shades create a softer form of task lighting – practical enough for cooking and hosting, they add a decorative focal point overhead.
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