Let There Be Light: new styles combine form and function to set the mood as well as the look you want in your home

Lighting is a design element that is easily recognized when it’s inappropriate or inadequate, yet goes unrecognized when you get it right. Nothing has a more negative impact on the look and feel of a room than poor lighting, which is why ideally, lighting should be one of the first considerations when you are revamping a room.

The number of different light sources in a room depends on its use. A bedroom, for instance, may only require a ceiling light and one or two bedside table lamps; a living room, on the other hand, needs a combination of overhead – either recessed ceiling downlights, which are virtually unseen and spread light evenly across large surfaces without interrupting the way the space flows, or a central ceiling light – plus softer table lamps. But there may also be wall lights or picture lights, floor lamps, task lights for close-up reading or craftwork, candles and tea lights. The aesthetic elements of these obvious light sources have an impact on room décor, however, it’s the manner in which the space is illuminated that dictates the overall atmosphere and mood of the room.

Another contemporary option is uplighting, where lights situated on the floor are used mainly to draw attention to strategically placed artwork or architectural features. Floor-standing lamps can be statement pieces in their own right, designed to direct light out, up or down accordingly. Table lamps offer the widest choice of styles, sizes and materials – lamps with particularly dramatic shapes and/or bold colours can serve a double function as both a light source and a statement piece.

Installing dimmer switches will enable you control the overall brightness of each room's lighting fixtures. Sometimes you need the energy boost triggered by bright lights; at other times you need the relaxation of soft, warm lighting. Dimmers let you enjoy both options in the same areas of your home.

The types of light bulbs you choose can also have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room or space. Halogen bulbs, for example, are very bright. Many people feel these types of bulbs are too stark but this can sometimes be a benefit in contemporary décor. If you choose halogen, however, dimmer switches are definitely a good choice. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, create soft, warm light that tends to make people very comfortable. The soft glow of an incandescent light bulb can create an intimate environment ideal for relaxation and pleasant conversation. It also tends to be the most flattering type of lighting to the skin.

Another option is a full spectrum daylight bulb, such as the Daylight Biobulb from Green Stamp, which uses 75 per cent less energy and provides almost three times the natural light compared to a standard bulb. More importantly, the brightness of the biobulb closely replicates sunlight, which may improve mood, quality of sleep and energy levels in people who are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as the bulb’s flicker free white light helps restore the body’s natural equilibrium. A biobulb also radiates less heat than a standard bulb and lasts for around 10,000 hours.