Our Lighting department includes an extensive range of light fittings for you to choose from. We cater for all needs from Bathroom lighting to Floorlamps and Flush Fittings. In a relaxed atmosphere you can walk around our air conditioned showroom and take in the elegant fittings we have on offer. If we don't stock something in particular then there is a good chance we can order it. All you need do is ask. Please carry on reading for further advice on Lighting a home.

Lighting is very subjective, there is no right or wrong way to light a room, however lighting should be planned so that it matches your lifestyle and needs. When planning lighting for a room you can be as creative as you want, but you have to consider what the room is being used for first, followed by what you want to achieve and emphasise. Lighting for a bathroom will be very different from lighting a living room because their uses are completely contrasting, and therefore so should the lighting.

What Types of lighting are there? There are three basic types of lighting which are at your disposal when lighting a room, Task, Ambient, and Accent. Some can be used on their own but for a truly great lighting design, combinations get the best results.

Task Lighting. This type of lighting as the title suggests helps us to perform tasks, it improves clarity helps keep you focused on the job at hand and prevents tiredness.

Accent Lighting. To highlight features within a room such as pictures or objects is the objective of this lighting, it is also restricted to one or two areas of the room.

Ambient Lighting. Helps to create a mood and feel of a room - this is usually the starting point for lighting a room - the perfect base from which to start.

The Living Room. This room is the heart of any home and used for a wide range of activities, such as relaxing, watching TV, socialising and reading. Because of the wide range of activities, you will need to plan lighting accordingly. All three types of lighting will be required in this busy heart of the home, Task lighting for reading, Ambient for watching TV and socialising and Accent lighting to highlight specific parts of a room such as paintings or plants. The inclusion of a dimmer switch in your design will give you complete control over the mood and feel of the room. Ambient lighting can be achieved through a central light fixture in the room, while table lamps with shades can aid reading, while insertion of lamps in cabinets can highlight special items and add that extra warm homely feel.

The Kitchen. This room is specifically used for the preparation and cooking of food and entertaining family and friends. For good overall lighting in this room ambient lighting can be used in the form of a central fitting with fluorescent tubes, although dichrolic's are becoming increasingly fashionable. Ambient lighting in this room can be supported with task lighting under wall cabinets, which spreads light onto work surfaces, which helps you to dice and chop vegetables and meat instead of your fingers. This type of lighting when fitted to the top of wall cabinets can make the room feel larger. The kitchen is also a room which is used to entertain, a simple pendent light fitting over the table can make eating and conversations more intimate and involving.

The Bedroom. Bedroom lighting needs to take into account its many uses, the bedroom is used for dressing, reading, relaxing and romance. The starting place is good overall ambient lighting through a central lighting source to enable easy dressing and selecting of clothing. Bedside table lamps should provide angled light onto pillows to allow easy reading whilst not disturbing your partner.

Dressing table light can be nice and bright, light from both sides rather than from above. This will avoid casting shadows on your face and will allow you to put on make up easily. The children's bedroom is slightly different, you will still require the central light and possibly table lamps but the added extra could be spotlights (task lighting) on desks and recreational areas to keep children focussed and interested in home work and play areas. It is best to avoid table lamps in bedrooms for very young children.

The Bathroom. This is mostly a functional room and task lighting is the most important resident here, task lighting is most common around the mirror where shaving, grooming and putting on make up takes place. Again lighting around the mirror needs to be balanced from both sides rather from the top, supported by ambient lighting. A recessed waterproof downlighter can add that extra brightness in a shower cubical for that invigorating shower first thing in the morning or after a hard workout.

The Entrance. The entrance to your home is the first impression a visitor has of your home, a welcoming and safe impression can be created through good lighting. A central light fitting above the entrance will give this welcoming impression and provide you with security. Because this type of light is in use for long periods of time, it is an ideal place for an energy saving lamp. Energy saving lamps and fixtures provide the same high quality light but only cost a fraction to run and last up to 7 years!

The Hall. Lighting the hall again needs to be welcoming and the use of energy efficient fixtures and lamps also requires consideration as these are in use for long periods of time. Ambient lighting should be the main source of lighting used evenly throughout the hall, to give the passage a warm cosy feel. The hallway is usually decorated with pictures or furniture, these can be highlighted using spotlights (Accent lighting) on tracks or individual picture lights.

The Stairs. This could be the accident hotspot of the home if there is not adequate lighting. The stairs should be lit at the top and bottom along with switches for safety and convenience. Downlighters above stairs can create dangerous shadows in the stairwells. Energy saving lamps can be used here to save money.

Lighting plays an important role throughout your home. Planning is the key to lighting rooms, but remember to treat each room as an individual and plan lighting according to the rooms use.