Big on lighting

Shoparound: Outsized lampshades are where it's all at these days. Large pleated organza silk shades can be used to great effect over a dining table to create cozy seating areas or else as a central ceiling light fitting.

Hicken Lighting in Dublin 8 are doing a strong trade in outsized lampshades and if they don't have what you want in stock, will be happy to make one up for you in any size or colour you want.

Prices start from around €120 for a 60cm diameter shade but if you want to get ahead of the trend with a centre-piece that will really get people talking, get a silk pleated shade measuring about 1m for around €700.

If you're prepared to take the chance and you're ceilings are up for the job, Hicken lighting can make shades as big as 1.5 metres.

Outsized shades really needs lots of space and in new homes, they are best located in double-height or balcony areas.

They really come into their own over a dining table, where head clearance is not an issue, according to Niall Baker from Hicken Lighting.

With dimmer switches and a diffuser fitted to the bottom of the shade, a lovely muted mood can be created for dinner parties.

We really liked the groovy lantern-style light boxes made from pleated silk on a wooden base, which could be used to carry the pleated silk theme through to the living area. Price €49.

While the fashion for muted and neutral colours is still here, aubergines, dark reds and browns can be used to make a strong statement, according to Niall.

Designer Kari Rocca of Design Flow interior designers went for a real wow effect and put day-glow orange silk pleated outsized shades from Hicken Lighting in the diningroom of the Law Library recently.

With a large number of Georgian homes getting serious makeovers, traditional Georgian-style crystal chandeliers are still very much in vogue, according to Niall. Prices start at €1,000 for Irish-made Tara Crystal. Schonbek chandeliers are always popular and cost from €1,700.

There has been a slight shift away from the wrought-iron painted French rustic look in centre-pieces; more delicate gilded centre-pieces with crystal dressing are likely to be the new trend in more traditional settings, according to Niall. Prices start at €199.

• Hicken Lighting, 17 Lr Bridge Street, 1800 777077