Switched On - A Blog from First Choice Lighting

Crystal has always had a place in lighting. Beautifully refracting the light source, it lends a warmth and elegance to any interior. But for years, crystal lights were consigned to the large and stately home. Considered too imposing and ostentatious for the average house or flat. In 2023 however, crystal is back in a very big way. And there are styles to suit all types of room, decorative styles, and budgets.

Lighting can play such an integral role in our homes. It changes the way each and every room looks and feels. From the austere to the indulgent. The professional to the casual. And there are so many styles to choose from. But there’s one lighting form that often gets overlooked. It’s side-lined by the stylists for being all too commonplace. Lacking panache and flair. But the thing is, they’re also the lights used most commonly throughout the UK. We are, of course, talking about easy-fit lights.

Spring is in the air. There is blossom on the trees and sunshine between the howling gales and downpours. And that can mean only one thing: the hardiest among us are beginning to think about getting back into the garden. And that is a wonderful thing. But whether you’re a grower, an entertainer, or a chilling out-er, you can only make the most of your garden space, if you have the right lighting to bring it to life at night. Luckily, Konstsmide have the perfect outdoor lighting solutions for every garden.

With the days finally getting longer and the first signs of spring appearing, many of us will be turning our thoughts to the garden. Spending time outdoors is one of the easiest ways that we can all help ourselves to feel better. Whether walking, gardening, or simply sitting and enjoying the sounds of nature. But for most of us, enjoyment of our garden fades with the light. With Lutec Lighting, you can make the most of your outdoor space at any time of the day – or night.

Wall lights have long been loved for both their practicality and their aesthetic. They are an amazing way to enhance the ambience of a room. Or to illuminate dark corners, narrow spaces, or special features. And while table or floor lamps can do some of that, they can’t help but take up space. With wall lights, you have no footprint to speak of, so they work practically anywhere… Anywhere, that is, that you have the relevant wiring.

Lighting plays such an integral role in our homes. Not just bringing practical benefits, but aesthetic and ambient advantages too. The lighting you choose can make a real difference to the way that your home looks and feels. Especially when it comes to lighting extras, such as floor lamps and table lamps. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Nordlux to talk you through what we predict will be the leading lights in 2023 home styling.

Bathroom lighting can be difficult to get right. It needs to be practical and appealing. But most importantly of all, it needs to be safe and fit for purpose. So, what do you need to consider when choosing new lighting for your bathroom?

Chandeliers are one of the most sophisticated and elegant lighting forms. They are sculptural and beautiful. And they can add a huge amount to a room. Especially during the festive season. But… there’s no getting away from the fact they can also be expensive. With their dripping crystals and gilt and complex design, chandeliers can cost thousands. The thing is though, they don’t have to. And what many people don’t realise is that you can find a beautiful chandelier to fit almost any budget.

Table lamps are the ideal way to bring a little light and interest to the surfaces of any room. If chosen well, they can be the perfect balance of form and function, helping to underscore your decorative choices. And they can add height and detail to otherwise mundane spaces. But how do you choose the right one?

Integrated LED lighting is widely heralded as the future of lighting technology. But what does this really mean? In this post, we’ll be looking at the Astro integrated LED lighting series. And discussing its most notable benefits. From enhanced sustainability to more adaptive designs.

Lighting can make an enormous difference to any room. Influencing how it feels and how it is used. But despite the fact that ceiling lights are almost guaranteed to feature, all too often lighting comes as an afterthought to room design. So, how do you choose the best ceiling lights for your rooms?

The way the interior of your home looks is very much down to your personal preference. You can go for coordinating, contrasting, or a wild eclectic mix. But one of the questions we get commonly asked is whether it’s a good idea to select matching light sets.

Bathroom lighting can be tricky to get right. You want so many different things from it. And it can be difficult to work out exactly what you need to create both the functional environment and the desirable space you wish it to be. Luckily, Nordlux has the knowhow and the products to make your bathroom dream come true!

Now the clocks have gone back, and the nights are truly drawing in, we could all do with a little more light in our homes. And floor lamps present a convenient and versatile option. But floor lamps can be so much more than a practical lighting solution. Choose well, and your lamps will really add to the aesthetics of your home. So, what are the different floor lamp styles?

hen you’re shopping around for lighting, it’s easy to reach the point where everything starts to look a little bit samey. The same materials, the same designs, with just the occasional tweak.