Old houses have their own special kind of charm – not to mention a few quirks that make decorating… interesting. challenges. From cosy cottages to grand Georgian townhouses, here’s how to embrace all that lovely character and make your period home shine with smart, stylish lighting.
What are the challenges of lighting an older property?
Owning a period property is a dream for many – but along with those original features come the usual suspects: low beams, high ceilings, wonky walls and awkward nooks.
The good news is that there are lots of clever things you can do with lighting to help brighten and balance things, and even make spaces feel bigger – all while playing up the best of your home’s historic features.
Combine different light sources for a lovely, even glow
As any good interior designer knows, the best lighting schemes use a combination of different types of lighting. When lighting a period property, this can be a bit more of a challenge. The trick is to aim for an even spread of light throughout the space, and to create different layers of light.
Where they can be accommodated, a combination of recessed lights, ceiling lights and wall lights will provide plenty of good quality ambient light. Meanwhile, floor lamps and table lamps offer an additional layer of light, adding warmth, depth and balance – especially handy when overhead fixtures aren’t an option (or your ceiling’s too lumpy to argue with).
Embrace high ceilings with a statement light feature
Grand period properties such as Georgian townhouses and barn conversions often feature large, open rooms with high or vaulted ceilings – which can pose a challenge when it comes to making things feel homely and inviting.
In fact, sometimes it can be difficult to know quite what to do with all the space… but wait, you’ve got the perfect excuse for a showstopper! An eye-catching chandelier or a striking oversized pendant will add instant wow, draw the eye upward and help balance all that vertical space.
If your lighting set-up can’t accommodate a large ceiling light, a set of stylish floor lamps will do the job beautifully, casting warm light upwards and making the most of the architecture without demanding a hard hat.
Big up low ceilings with wall lights
Storybook country cottages are famous for their low ceilings and tiny, uneven windows – charming of course, but on the flip side they can also make the inside space feel rather dark and cramped.
The trick is to skip ceiling lights that tend to hang too low and opt for wall lights and sconces instead.
Uplighting wall sconces placed along a hallway or at intervals around the room will wash soft light up and along the walls, adding brightness and creating the illusion of space – and avoiding accidental head bumps in the process.
Highlight the lovely bits (and hide the less beautiful ones)
Exposed beams, grand fireplaces, arched alcoves, original stone – old houses have features worth celebrating. But they also come with less photogenic corners. Accent lighting can help you highlight the best bits, while gently drawing attention away from the awkward nooks and crannies.
Tuck floor lamps and table lamps into alcoves, pop one by the fireplace, or nestle one in a built-in bookcase. Rechargeable lights are perfect because you don’t need to worry about wiring and socket access. And don’t forget the shades – bold or patterned ones add a pop of color and personality. Picture lights are also ideal for showcasing artwork or original details like moldings or plasterwork.
Make an old house more inviting with warm lighting
Whatever the size or era of your home, good lighting should make it feel inviting. A foolproof, super-quick way to set the mood is to use the right bulbs.
Look for warm white LEDs in the 2,700K–3,000K range – they give off a soft, golden glow that flatters rooms and people alike. Cooler, daylight-mimicking bulbs might work in a sleek new-build kitchen, but for a cozy Victorian snug, they’ll just feel harsh.
Banish your wiring worries with rechargeable lighting
If your home predates the lightbulb, chances are the wiring isn’t quite up to modern standards – and chasing cables through centuries-old plaster is no one’s idea of fun. That’s where cordless rechargeable cordless lighting comes in.
Battery-powered and blissfully portable, our rechargeable table lamps, wall-mounted sconces and wall lights let you light up tricky spots (or entire rooms) without drilling, rewiring or calling in an electrician. And they look rather good too – ideal for mixing old and new with a bit of flair.
View our full range of beautiful, affordable designer lighting.
See also:
How to use lighting to make a room look bigger
Lighting for the tricky areas of your home
Photo top: @ourlittlebrickcottage
