Illuminate Your Space: The Comprehensive Kelkoo Buying Guide to Indoor Lighting in the UK

Indoor lighting is a pivotal element in every UK home. It not only illuminates our spaces but also sets the mood, highlights our decor, and can even influence our wellbeing. From ambient and task lighting to accent lights, the choice of indoor lighting can transform a room from drab to fab.

Types of Indoor Lighting

Ambient Lighting: This is the primary source of light in a room, replacing natural sunlight. Ceiling fixtures like chandeliers, recessed lights, or track lights are often used for ambient lighting.
Task Lighting: As the name suggests, task lighting is used for specific tasks like reading, cooking, or makeup application. Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, and vanity lights are examples of task lighting.
Accent Lighting: This type of lighting is used to highlight specific areas or objects like artworks, architectural features, or bookcases. Wall sconces, spotlights, and picture lights are commonly used for accent lighting.

Styles of Indoor Lighting Fixtures

The style of your lighting fixture can make a significant statement about your decor. Here are some popular styles:

Chandeliers: These are a symbol of elegance and luxury. Brands like John Lewis offer a range of chandeliers that can enhance the grandeur of any room.
Pendants: These hang from the ceiling and can be used for both task and ambient lighting. The EGLO Carlton pendant light is a best-seller in this category.
Wall Lights: These provide ambient, task, or accent lighting and are often used in pairs or groups.
Table and Floor Lamps: These versatile fixtures can be moved around as needed. IKEA offers a variety of affordable and stylish options.
Recessed Lighting: These are installed into the ceiling, providing a clean, streamlined look. They are ideal for low ceilings and smaller spaces.

Light Bulb Types

LED Bulbs: These are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and emit less heat. Philips Hue offers a range of smart LED bulbs.
Incandescent Bulbs: These provide warm, inviting light but are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): These are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan.
Halogen Bulbs: These provide bright, white light, ideal for task lighting.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting options, like the Philips Hue range, allow you to control your lights remotely, set timers, and even change colours. These smart bulbs are compatible with smart home systems and can enhance your home's convenience and security.

Choosing the Right Lighting

The right lighting depends on the room size, purpose, and decor style. For instance, a large living room may benefit from a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting, while a small study might only need task lighting. Always consider the room's purpose and the mood you want to create.

Safety Standards and Regulations

In the UK, indoor lighting must comply with specific safety standards and regulations. Always ensure that your lighting fixtures are CE marked, indicating conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

Cost Considerations

The cost of indoor lighting includes the initial purchase price, installation costs, and running costs. LED bulbs, for example, may be more expensive upfront but are cheaper to run and last longer than traditional bulbs.

Where to Buy

Indoor lighting can be purchased from various online retailers like Amazon, John Lewis, and IKEA. Physical stores like B&Q and Homebase also offer a wide range of options. Always compare prices on Kelkoo to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Installation and Maintenance

While some lighting fixtures can be installed DIY, others may require professional installation. Regular cleaning and timely bulb replacement can prolong the life of your lighting fixtures.

This guide was crafted with the assistance of AI on 23/09/2023. Kelkoo does not endorse any of the brands mentioned.

Indoor Lighting