As the clocks change and our day-to-day gets a little gloomier, we’re exploring the tips and tricks to lighting dark rooms... 

LESS IS MORE...
It might seem logical to add more light fittings to a dark room, but that can actually make the space feel colder and flatter. Instead of flooding the room with ceiling spots, think smarter - not brighter.

THINK OUTSIDE THE... CEILING
A common mistake is relying on overhead lights like downlights. These mostly illuminate the floor, drawing the eye downward and making the room feel heavy. In darker spaces, you want to lift the eye upward to create a sense of openness and airiness.

PLACEMENT IS KEY
Where and how you place your lights matters more than how many you use. Bouncing light off walls and ceilings using up or wall lights builds a soft, ambient base. This is where “less is more” really shines.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHTBULB
For task lighting, go with warm white (around 2700K) and a high CRI (above 95) to keep colours true. For cosy evenings, dim-to-warm bulbs that shift to a sunset-like 1800K are perfect. Pair them with dimmer switches for full mood control.

LAYER YOUR LIGHTING
Use lighting at different heights to guide the eye around the room. Wall lights are brilliant for lifting long walls and adding depth through shadows. Table lamps on a 5-amp circuit are a must for that cosy evening glow.

MAKE YOUR PENDANTS WORK HARDER
Pendant lights aren’t just functional - they’re stylish. Hang them solo or in clusters to make a statement. Choose finishes like brass or glass to bounce light and make the space feel more open and inviting.

CREATE A "WOW" FACTOR
Great lighting should appeal to your emotions. If a beautifully designed room doesn’t give you that “wow” moment when you walk in, chances are the lighting isn’t quite right.