Floor lamps

Have you seen the viral TikTok explaining how the most important rule for any household’s ambience is to ‘never, ever use the big light’?

The ‘big light’ has become shorthand for any harsh, overhead lighting, and the trending sound inspired thousands of others to share the lamps and lighting collections they use instead of turning on the (often offensive) main lighting — with many highlighting the importance of a good floor lamp!

One of our favourite (and the most popular) kinds of floor lamps are the Japanese paper lanterns made famous by Isamu Noguchi, like the Akari UF3-Q from In Good Company. It casts a warm glow over any space and looks especially dreamy in bedrooms, or living rooms where natural materials like timber take centre stage.

Table lights

If you ask us, you can never have too many table lights. Both functional and decorative, these kinds of smaller lights are perfect for styling.

Take the &Tradition Pivot Portable Lamp – ATD7 from Cult for example. This portable piece is cordless so it can be easily added to your favourite bookshelf, or brought down for a centrepiece at a dinner party. Crafted from colourful powder-coated iron and mirror-polished steel, the Pivot reflects natural light — so it looks just as magic in the day as it does at night.

For a bedside table, we love the Asola Table Lamp from DOMO. The mushroom-like shape references iconic designs of the ’70s and ’80s, with a more modern edge, as light filters beautifully through the unique perforated steel.

Pendants

Pendants are a great way to light up a whole room with the flick of a switch. Whether you’re looking for a sculptural metal shade, a lantern, or a chic glass style, these larger lights are designed to make a statement.

The Dunlin Etna Pendant Light, made from rattan with a striking droplet shape, is an eye-catching example, complete with a handmade rattan ceiling rose. Use it to tie together the mix of materials of an earthy, eclectic interior palette, or to inject warmth and texture into a more pared-back space.

Wall lights

We love wall lights for their simplicity and timeless nature. The thoughtful addition of a wall sconce in a bathroom or a particularly dark corner of a kitchen can make a world of difference, especially in smaller spaces.

The Lampe Gras N°222 Light from Lights Lights Lights is a classic piece, featuring a minimalistic steel form that was first designed in 1921 by Bernard-Albin Gras — and it still holds up today! Take your pick from the range of colours and set it above a desk in an office, or install its angled arm over your favourite lounge chair so you can curl up with a good book, and read long into the night.

Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in furniture, lighting, rugs and more!