THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Good lighting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it is a small home office, a spacious kitchen or a mixed-use open-plan space, we call in the experts for the lighting lowdown

- PIET SMEDY

THE SMALL SPACE

With limited square meterage, smaller rooms – home offices, guest rooms and bathrooms, passages (do not forget to consider those) – are easier to illuminate (a single bulb could do the trick) but challenging to light well. ‘If lighting sources are limited, the light needs to be carefully chosen. It would need to be functional as well as set the tone,’ says Créma Design founder Craig Raeside-Tabor, who recommends multi-directional lighting, such as a glass sphere. ‘Otherwise, lamps (given their generally small size) are ideal, especially ones that reflect light against a wall or ceiling to light up a room, giving the feeling of space. Wall lights and up lights should be used and avoid floor and table lamps that shine downwards,’ he says. In a passage, upward shining sconces will have a similar widening effect without taking up valuable floor space.

So, does that mean a statement light is out of the question? ‘It is always okay to make a statement, as long as it is functional and uses your space wisely,’ he says.

1. WALL LIGHT IN COFFEE, R999, ELEVENPAST;

2. TABLE LAMP, R1 500, ZARA HOME,

3. STUDIO W ‘OSLO’ DESK LAMP, R1 300, WOOLWORTHS;

4. ‘LAPA’ TABLE LAMP, R3 500, STUDIO 19;

5. ANA KRAŠ FOR HAY ‘BON BON’ SHADE, FROM R14 655, CRÉMA DESIGN