Let there be light

Shoparound: To be on trend this winter you should try to use several different light sources to create a layering effect, says Claire Reilly of Chimera International (051 9171890) a lighting consultancy in Wexford.

"Ceiling lighting in livingrooms is back in vogue," says Geraldine Palmer, homewares manager at House of Fraser. "We've gone from invisible recessed grid lighting to showy, chorus-girl statements."

The pieces ooze Hollywood glamour. Stellar statements include the curvy lined Flock, available in either red or black, and Regency, which heralds a return to form of the chandelier. Both cost €64.

Dar Lighting's Excelsior, a divaesque disco ball, is the star attraction of Arnotts lighting department, despite carrying a price tag of €2,000.

National Lighting (01 6769555) - which offers its customers a free, in-your-home lighting consultation - has pieces by designer Niamh Barry. Her chainlink centerpiece costs €1,000 per link. It comes in cool chromes and stainless steels as well as warm metals such as brass, copper and gold leaf.

These suit period homes where the ceilings are more than 8ft high.

"Before you decide on your lighting,decide where your furniture is going to be and what the central focus of each space is," says Reilly.

"Your living spaces should include adequate light sources to allow reading and entertaining as well as darker alternatives for watching television or movies.

"This allows you to create different lighting layers and moods with the flick of a switch."

Getting the balance between light and shade is crucial. "Different light sources have different temperatures and hues," says Joan Ryan, Arnotts' assistant lighting manager.

As well as ceiling stars, lamps play a key role in spotlighting certain areas, says Arnotts' interior designer, Yvonne Cleary.

Chrome and glass continue to be big trends for autumn/winter at the store.

At National Lighting there is a tendency towards antique brass for the first time in many years, says showroom manager Michelle Lynch.

Habitat's Ribbon table lamp in copper, €150, is a talking point and autumnal in ambiance.

Decorative lighting should always reflect your personal tastes. Take heed of the advice but enjoy also lighting up your life. Mistakes can often be rectified easily enough.