Rethinking the Big Light: A Softer Way to Illuminate Your Home
The Big Light has become a little bit of a taboo in recent years. Often requiring a warning before being switched on, the Big Light is associated with harsh, overhead lighting resulting in squinting eyes, headaches or an uneasy feeling of alertness, in a room where you're aiming to relax.
Our homes are a safe space to retreat to after a busy day and lighting plays an immense role in setting the right mood. Here are some of our favourite ways to rethink the Big Light and find softer ways to illuminate your favourite spaces.
Stick to the ceiling
Big Lights are often associated with oversized bulbs and glass lampshades adorning a ceiling, but we have nothing against their positioning. Ceiling lights help disperse light across the room, and depending on the shape or size of the room, may be the best place to add a central light.
Whether you opt for a flush setting, chandelier, pendant or cluster lighting, you can incorporate a central source of lighting which emits a softer glow and doesn't compromise on style.
Make a statement with our new Luna Chandelier. Designed to take centre-stage, this multi-light centrepiece takes inspiration from the lunar constellations seen on the Cornish coastline. Featuring six translucent glass spheres which bring weightless illumination to the surrounding space, the design is brought together with fifteen double-layered, twisted wooden wings soaring together to create a dynamic visual display.
For smaller areas calling out for ceiling lighting, cluster lighting is a great way to add drama without taking over a space. The Keel Pendant - Trio Cluster, inspired by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, is a striking display of confident, modern design. The three pendants, made of oak or walnut timber which has been arched by hand, fall from one isolated selection producing multiple funnels of diffused downlight. Perfect for adding impactful lighting to a dining room or stairwells - or opt for the Keel - Linear Trio Light to add drama above a kitchen island.
Up or down
Wall lights are another easy way to incorporate soft lighting into a space, with different designs offering upward, downward or circular light dispersal.
Add drama with the Artus Wall Light, which is composed of ethereal dowels slotted into a complex birch plywood frame, distributing kaleidoscopic shadows across the wall.
Or, illuminate hallways, living spaces or bedrooms with the Leven Wall Light. Inspired by the striking formations of smooth, sea-eroded cliff faces along the north coast of Cornwall, the Leven Wall Light is handcrafted using four tiers of curving timber that tautly wrap around a central, plywood frame. The resulting effect? Beautifully silhouetted light and shadow offering a soft glow to add lighting to space and highlight features in the interiors.
On the floor
For rooms where central lighting simply won't work, investing in a Floor Light that offers form and function is a great solution.
Designed to highlight dark corners, add a soft glow to rooms in an evening and be as much of a design feature whether switched on or off, floor lights are a must for illuminating spaces - with the added benefit of being able to be moved around as needed.
Posted: 08.05.26
Updated: 08.05.26