Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design

The days are getting shorter and darker so it’s time we talked about lighting.

Lighting is one of the most important features in modern interior design. It’s practical, of course, but when done right it also creates atmosphere and enhances the look and feel of a room.

There are hundreds of ways to light a room and thousands of different fixtures and fittings. The type of lighting you choose depends on the mood you want to create, and the purpose of the light; for example is it for illuminating a work surface, for reading, or for mood. Do you want a cosy glow, a strong, focused illumination or a quirky lamp that serves as an accent as well as a source of light?

To help narrow down your seemingly limitless choices, I’ve picked some of my favourite lighting trends. These lamps and lights are as functional as they are beautiful, which makes them ideal for any space.

Industrial Lighting

This trend is stripped back and effortlessly cool. Metal, bold colours and exposed parts are the trademarks of this look. Think salvaged factory lighting, upcycled metal pendants and vintage-style fisherman lanterns. Industrial fixtures are functional by nature and can make ideal task lighting for the kitchen and home office, or a bold centre piece over a dining table.

Handcrafted Wooden Lighting

I talked a little bit about the beautiful work of Alex MacMaster in my last post. MacMaster creates sculptural timber lighting by hand. His designs combine the traditional with the modern and are utterly unique. His pendants and floor lamps are as much a decorative feature as they are ambient lighting.

Oversized Shades

I love this look; it’s all about going big and bold. Whether you choose a huge drum shade for your ceiling light in every colour of the rainbow or opt for an over the top tripod lamp is up to you. In the case of this trend, size really does matter. Big, oversized lights can look great as an accent in the living room or bedroom.