Switched On - A Blog from First Choice Lighting

If you like clean lines, neutral tones, and designs inspired by nature, you can’t do much better than looking to Scandinavia. And in lighting, Nordlux leads the way. Sleek and minimal, with the occasional industrial twist, Nordlux are the masters of Scandi lighting, embracing natural materials and muted shades for maximum minimalist effect. And they do this nowhere better than in the bathroom. So, why does the Scandi look work so well for bathroom lighting?

Lighting is a surprisingly important part of your home. It can change how each room looks, feels, and is used, and that goes doubly so for your living room lighting. If you get it wrong, the whole space can feel… off. And when that happens, you won’t use the space as much as you otherwise might. So, what can you do to make sure that your living room lighting doesn’t let you down?

Bedrooms are meant to be the most relaxing spaces in a home. Places of serenity and rest, they demand lighting that delivers the calmest vibes and the kindest, softest tones for tired eyes. But there are very few of us who use our bedrooms for sleep alone. We dress in them, we read in them, we might study or work in them, and we can’t do any of that while squinting in low lighting. So, how do you strike the balance and arrange your bedroom lighting to answer all of your needs?

There’s no getting away from the fact that the days are getting shorter. There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are beginning to turn. But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on spending time in your garden. It may be getting dark by the time you get back from work, but with the right outdoor lighting, autumn evenings can become something to look forward to. Whether you're planning cosy get-togethers, want to enjoy a quiet cup of tea on the porch, or simply make your home safer and more welcoming after dark, Altos Lighting has a solution.

Not all lighting solutions are created equal. Some lights were made to wow. And if you’re looking for lights that will make your home stand out from the crowd, you won’t do much better than the Endon Marietta collection. Whether you’re redesigning a room or simply looking to add a touch of style, Marietta can bring effortless elegance into every corner of your home.

And just like that, summer is pretty much over. There may be a smattering of warmer weather ahead, but the days are definitely getting shorter, and it won’t be long before there’s a chill in the air. But while summer can be lovely, it’s those cosy days that we live for. And cosiness definitely needs to start at home, with soft textures and inviting ambient lighting. Floor lamps are one of the easiest ways to start your autumnal home transformation.

With the end of the school holidays comes the inevitable shopping list. And whether you’re packing your eldest off to uni or prepping your youngest for their first day at secondary school, there’s one piece of equipment they can’t do without: a desk lamp. Reducing the eye strain of reading and essay writing, and improving the ambience of the studying environment, desk lamps are a must have for every student. So, what should you be looking for?

Whether you’re studying, trawling through paperwork, doing the crossword, or diving into a novel, good lighting is integral. It can make or break your reading experience. The right reading lamp not only protects your eyes from strain but also enhances the ambiance of your space. But with so many styles and features available – desk lamps, floor lamps, wall lights, and clip-on options – it’s not always easy to know what kind of reading lamp you should be looking for. So, what do you need to consider when choosing a reading lamp?

Wall lights have always meant hardwiring. Which, for many of us, means they’re totally inaccessible. As lovely as they can be, shedding a soft, ambient glow, installation isn’t always an option. It’s not just the cost of an electrician, it’s the disruption. And if you live in a rental property, there’s no point even going there. Well, there wasn’t… until Nordlux launched their plug in wall light collection.

Too often, home lighting starts and ends with a ceiling fixture. It’s what the majority of newbuilds come with as standard. But while it might be practical, it does little for ambience or aesthetic. So, if you’re looking to add a little extra to your interiors vibe, layered lighting is usually the answer. It doesn’t just illuminate, it adds mood, depth, and function to your space. And one of the most versatile pieces in the layering toolbox is the cluster pendant light. So, how can cluster pendants help you achieve a layered lighting look in any room?

The funny thing about conservatories is that no one ever thinks about what they’re going to do with them at night. When the sun streams in during the day, they’re bright, warm, and welcoming. But unless you get your lighting right, at night, your conservatory can become a wasted space. So, what do you need to consider when choosing conservatory lighting?

The kitchen is arguably the heart of most homes. It’s where you gather and chat, sharing food and making memories. But for that to happen, your kitchen has to be somewhere you want to be. And your choice of lighting can play a big part in that, which is something that Altos Lighting knows all about. Whether you want to brighten your breakfast bar or upgrade the underside of your cabinets, Altos kitchen lighting can bring warmth, elegance, and functionality into your home.

Touches of nature can bring a lot to a home. The colours, textures, and organic forms can offer a sense of calm, grace, and beauty. But while you’re reaching for your floral wallpaper and naturally toned throws, don’t forget the potential of floral lighting. Whether sculptural leaf-inspired chandeliers or flower print shades, floral lights can bring warm, inviting ambiance to any interior.

If you’re looking for a new table lamp the aesthetic matters. Whether you’re redecorating a room or replacing an old favourite, lamps do so much more than provide functional lighting. They're versatile design pieces that can directly influence the look and feel of any space. That’s one of the reasons why we’re such fans of glass table lamps. Bringing elegance, lightness, and character to your space, glass table lamps make a timeless home décor choice.

The lighting you use in your home can change the way the whole space looks and feels. That’s why, if you’re seeking a quick and easy makeover, your lights should always be one of your first considerations. And if you know where to shop, you can make a big impact on a small budget. That’s where our Clearance section comes in!