Astro Lighting Collections

Astro are masters of making well-designed lamps and have seen great award recognition over the past decade for their achievements. Of their many accolades, the prestigious ‘Red Dot Product Design’ award the company won in 2018 for their ‘Edge Reader’ perhaps best demonstrates their commitment to modern trends. This article by the newspaper, The Telegraph, explains how and why the Astro has carved a niche in the market. Last year, Astro has introduced an exciting new range of designer lights - the ‘Telegraph’ range. They come in four different types, to suit the requirements of any room in your home: table, floor, swing wall and reader. In this article, we will look at this range in more detail. An overview of Astro’s Telegraph range Brand new from Astro Lighting, the Telegraph range expresses mid-century modernism, the era in which the typing telegraph was a primary method of communication. It boasts a robust construction built to last a lifetime. The Telegraph Table and Wall luminaires each benefit from a top diffuser which creates a calming and soft light for the user. Speaking specifically about the table and floor versions, Riley Sanders, the Product Designer said of his range: The Telegraph is a cantilevered table and floor light which makes a feature of the cable. Rather than concealing it within the tube of lamp, the cable is exposed in a controlled, elegant manner. The cable gives form and a sense of movement to the two-dimensional structured silhouette. The table and floor versions of the Telegraph range are much alike (in terms of design), which is why Riley Sanders describes the two products simultaneously. Astro Lighting took the table and wall versions to the Milan Design Week this year, which demonstrates its chic appeal in the industry. John Fearon, a co-founder of Astro, stated that although they are striking in their own right, the entire Telegraph collection is designed to complement other styles of furniture, in a variety of home design schemes.Note: The Telegraph lighting collection is now discontinued and we have no more stock; see the full lighting collections from Astro here. The Telegraph Floor LampComing in matt nickel, bronze and matt black, the Telegraph Floor Lamp is designed to make an impression. It stands at an impressive height of 1435 mm and, as John Fearon said, this fixture is ‘striking in its own right’. The fashionable range of shades is not included but can be purchased separately here. A simple ON/OFF switch is located highly visibly on the cable for easy access. The light is non-dimmable (the required light bulb is not included), and it can safely use a LED lamp with a Edison Screw cap. The Telegraph Table LampThe Telegraph Table Lamp comes in Matt black, Matt Nickel and Bronze, so you can choose a colour that will suit the table it illuminates. It is small in stature - with a height of only 530 mm (without the shade), meaning it will fit unobtrusively onto most desks or coffee tables. It is rated IP20 so is not suitable for use in the bathroom, which is for the best as it looks better elsewhere - such as in a living room. This fitting uses a max. 12W LED E27/ES bulb (not included), meaning it offers energy-efficient lighting for your reading or writing surface. The Telegraph Swing Wall Lamp The Telegraph Swing Wall lamp is ideal for placement alongside a bed, desk or working space, with a dimmable function and rotational adjustment. The dimmable function is helpful for bedside lighting if you like to read as you doze off. A dimmable bulb is not included and must be purchased separately. Likewise, their stylish tapered round shades are not included, however, Sparks sells an attractive variety here. This wall fitting has a rotational adjustment angle of 180 degrees and a simply located ON/OFF switch at its base. This makes it all the more convenient as a reading - or ‘task’ lighting source, as you can swing it around to focus on any object of your choice. The Telegraph Reader Lamp This wall fixture boasts a LED reader spotlight which utilises a 4.1W LED (included) which radiates 2700K of warm white light. This spotlight is perfect for reading, as it has a beam angle of 17 degrees, which will illuminate the page of a book without disturbing your sleeping partner. The Reader’s main lamp projects diffused light across your wall and use an LED max. 12W lamp (not included). With both bulbs in this lamp being LEDs, this is a truly eco-efficient device. The colourful range of shades are not included but are in the same 250mm width as the Telegraph wall lamps. Listen to the expert’s opinions and invest in Astro’s Telegraph collection! In many venues which are striving for a class feel, such as hotels, Astro is their lighting of choice. The Telegraph article states that their ‘tasteful geometric lights (are) favoured by architects’. If you want upscale lighting in your home - take a cue from the industry experts and purchase an item from Astro’s wonderful new range. If you have a large room to illuminate, it may well be worth buying each Telegraph lamp type to create a stylish lighting home scheme!Note: the Telegraph range of wall, ceiling, and floor lamps has been discontinued; here is the full lighting collection from Astro Lighting.

Artemide has made a huge contribution in the history of international design, with many of their pieces shown at exhibitions and museums, transcending the lines from lighting to art. Along with other Italian design pioneers such as Achille Castiglioni, Michele de Lucchi was at the forefront of Italian modernism that was so prevalent in European culture throughout the latter half of the 20th century. After studying architecture at Padua University, he switched to Florence University, before working in the Kartell Studio in the 70's, an organisation that would become famous for their vibrantly coloured acrylic furniture. Michele De Lucchi's work with Artemide: Tolomeo, Castore, and DioscuriOne of Michele De Lucchi's most famous pieces was the Tolomeo desk lamp, designed in 1989. This piece was a culmination of his work with the provocative designer group 'Memphis', where he studied architecture in Florence with other artistic greats. During this period he learnt to rebel, as he states in an interview here. We were very fed up with rationalism and rigid composition, without colours, without decoration... we wanted to bring fashion into design. The Tolomeo desk lamp won accolades worldwide, including the Compasso d'Oro (Golden Compass) design prize in 1989. The lamp only grew in status, becoming a symbol of high-design consciousness in modern, flourishing companies during the 'dot com' period. Workplace design and architecture was always a recognised strength of his, as he was enlisted by companies such as the Deutsche Bank, Telecom Italia and Poste Italiana to spruce up aesthetic innovation in the workplace. The Tolomeo would also become embedded in offices across the world in a different form with the fully rotational Artemide Tolomeo Micro Faretto wall light.Buy Designer Lighting at Sparks Despite his successes in other design fields, innovative and inspiring lighting was undoubtedly a forte of his. He would design and assist in designing some of the most elegant, forward-thinking luminaries to grace the lighting industry, including the Artemide Castore Pendant. These breathtaking lamps can be ordered in a variety of sizes and arranged in a 'drop-lamp' composition to achieve an elegant arrangement to illuminate your home. Their inconspicuous appearance belies that fact that the highest quality blending of material is visible to the naked eye. With a calming, diffused and indirect light, they are truly a demonstration of artistry. Michele de Lucchi has demonstrated this artistry time and time again, the lessons imbued by Memphis clearly still embedded within him. For instance, the Artemide Dioscuri is beloved for its simplicity: a white, acid-blown spherical lamp that transcends the initial simplicity of appearance. With a spherical diffuser design, these compact lamps illuminate spaces subtly, adding glamour wherever they are placed. What's more they come in a variety of sizes, and in both table light and wall light designs. Michele De Lucchi's influence in design and lighting with Artemide and beyond The designs of Italian designer Michele De Lucchi have become 'modern icons' in lighting, his name immortalised within the industry. These accolades have been earned mainly through his work with Artemide and his personal label 'Produizone Privata', and he has always been known for his attention-grabbing, inspirational creations.Please note: this range of light fittings may no longer be available at Sparks at the moment; see the full designer lighting collection and the Flos lights at Sparks still available. The Tolomeo family is still going strong, expanding beyond the original desk lamp to include various table, desk, floor, wall, track and suspension lamps, as well as innovative new dimmable LED models. In 2015, at two of Milan's flagship events - the Salone de Mobile and the Milan Expo, his work was front and centre. At the Salone he showcased 'The Walk', his modernistic exhibition of what an ideal workplace should be, with a strong focus on the importance of walking in relation to office design. The very fact that Michele De Lucchi remains in the foreground of debate regarding architectural and design innovation demonstrates his everlasting relevance and the importance of his influence in design and lighting. Inspiration for this article can be found via, Insights into Michele De Lucchi's design philosophy were taken from the man himself on Architonic. The life and work of Michele De Lucchi from his Wikipedia page. The legacy of De Lucchi from Surface Mag. His full range of designs and works via his website here.

Neil Poulton is a Scottish designer based in Paris, France, who operates off the idea of creating ‘deceptively simple-looking mass-produced objects’, and has won a multitude of international design awards in his efforts to do so. Poulton is best known for his designs in the fields of technology and lighting design and holds a long-standing relationship with Artemide, that dates back to the early 90’s. This fruitful relationship has resulted in some classic Artemide lighting pieces including the Artemide Talo Parete wall light, the Microsurf and the Surf Wall Light, the last of which won international plaudits and raised Poulton’s reputation greatly. In 2008, he was recognised by TIME magazine as one of the world’s most influential designers, in large part due to his work with Artemide.Note: some of the Artemide Lights below may no longer be available at Sparks; see the full designer lighting collection and the Artemide Lights. The Surf Wall Lighting System In 1999, Neil Poulton won the French ‘janus de l’industrie’, (which is translated to the ‘Label of Excellence’) for his work in designing the acclaimed Surf Wall light. The Surf Wall Light has gained a stellar reputation in the lighting world, being nicknamed ‘the King of Indoor Lighting’, it can be found in hotels and restaurants across the world. Many have hailed it as the most brilliant wall-mounted luminaries ever created: high praise indeed! The Surf Wall light fills Poulton's criteria of being ‘deceptively simple-looking’ without a doubt, with a modest size, slight upward-curve and minimalist design. However, the hidden qualities are what make the Surf Wall a masterpiece of design. It features an elegant, embossed scratch-proof finish along its finely painted aluminium surface. Fully LED retrofitted, it offers a classic modernist style and functionality that has made it popular the world over.Buy Artemide Lights at Sparks The Artemide Talo Parete Wall LightIn 2002, Neil Poulton designed the Talo Parete Halo wall lamp, which was hailed by critics as another design classic, with its ultra-modern aesthetic and sleek construction. The body is constructed of two extruded aluminium parts, connected by the end pieces of die-cast aluminium, to add to its marvellous and slightly surreal aesthetic. It is a cleverly designed shape; a compact oblong that can fit onto the wall while taking up minimal space. It provides diffused upward and downward lighting, that allow for its indirect light emission to gift you a calming indoor lighting solution. The Microsurf Wall Light The Microsurf is another excellent example of Poulton’s ability to make the most out of minimalist designs. From a design perspective, the piece is minimal and uncomplicated; a discreet upward curving shape that resembles the surf of water breaking upon a shoreline. Once again this showcases why Poulton is so highly rated as a designer: he finds a way to make a simple concept beautiful, practical and intriguing. The Microsurf also impresses with its forward-thinking design aspects: it comes fully equipped with LED technology and is characterised by its energy efficiency and longevity.Buy Designer Lighting at Sparks Neil Poulton's Legacy in Design and Lighting Undoubtedly, Neil Poulton has a well-earned reputation, having won numerous awards, including seven French ‘Observer of Design’, two ‘Best of Best’ Red Dot Design Awards, and five German ‘IF’ International Forum Design prizes. He also won various awards for his Veio lamp in 2011, a completely new artistic take on what modern lighting could be. The design is reminiscent of miniature goalposts, perfect for sprucing up your desk area, and won many accolades and press attention at its release. Neil Poulton visionary designs have flourished, in particular when working in conjunction with Artemide. His bold, award-winning designs have made him an esteemed figure in lighting and many of his Artemide pieces will be long held in reverence in the design industry. More on Neil Poulton (and especially his lighting design and legacy) can be found via the Artemide website here. You can purchase some of the Neil Poulton's lighting fixtures on our website here.

Described as one amongst a generation of Italian designers who ‘turned the language of design on its head’ following the Second World War, Castiglioni will always be remembered as a legend in the field of design. Born in Milan in 1918, Achille Castiglioni was to become known as the ‘Godfather of Italian modernism’, which became prevalent in European culture in the 60’s. Family was always integral to Achille; he set up his first design office with his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo (also renowned designers in their own right). He established a studio in Milan in 1944 and from there his career flourished as he went on to become known worldwide. The perfect mix between a designer and an artist: many of Castiglioni's works can be found in museums all across the world now, including a multitude of designs such as the famous 'Sella' seat in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.Note: some of the Flos Lights quoted in this article are no longer available at Sparks; see the full list of Flos lights at Sparks and the other designer lighting collection.Achille's work with Flos - the impeccable Fucsia pendants Flos was delighted to attain the services of this magnificent artist, in the prime years of his career, and his works remain among Flos’ most enviable pieces. These include the AOY, Arco, Gatto, Lampadina, Snoopy, Taccia, Toio, Stylos, and Fucsia ranges. Among his most beautiful designs were the Fucsia range of lamps, and we here at Sparks are proud to stock some genuine, beautiful Castiglioni pieces, such as the Flos Fucsia 1 Modern Glass Pendant. The Fucsia 1 Pendant procures both concentrated or diffused light from a single hand-blown glass conical tube, with a finely sandblasted edge. The tubular steel body is coated with a white gloss powder, and comes complete with a transparent power cord and silicone ring, to add to the mystique of the enchanting light. The pendants epitomise the 'flosophy' of Flos, which has long played with bold experimentation in shape, material and LED technology. They have never been afraid to make radical choices throughout the generations and embrace 'avant-garde' breakthroughs in design. The Concept behind the Fuscia - Achille's Inspirations Throughout his entire career, Achille has gathered inspiration from everyday items, making use of ordinary materials to create forms that would subvert expectations. He was renowned for using the minimal amount of materials necessary to create a maximum effect in his works. The Fuscia 1 pendant, for instance, was based on the stark, spartan beauty of industrial tools and this is reflected in the minimal amount of materials used to make the light; namely glass, silicone and steel. This is perhaps why the Fucsia manages to be simultaneously so beautiful and eye-catching, yet in a completely unfussy and minimalist manner.Buy Designer Lights at Sparks Achille's Lasting Legacy Beyond Flos and Fucsia It must be noted that his art forms and works certainly extended beyond lighting. Achille and his brothers Livio and Pier actually helped reconstruct buildings such as the Palazzo della Permanente, destroyed by bombing in the Second World War in 1943. His passions were manifold: above all he loved to subvert expectations and transform objects into something new. He infamously altered a tractor seat - 'the Mezzadro seat' into a striking-looking stool in 1957 that is still selling today, and looks like something that could be found at an IKEA; his sense of futurism was truly remarkable. The ‘Mezzadro’ seat is not the only one of Achilles designs to remain in production. Copies and replicas of his famous ‘Arco’ lamp are plentiful, with his daughter saying he would be most complemented by this. Flos might disagree, as they sell the legitimate version of this masterwork, albeit at it a hardly an economical price! Whether it be in the field of household items, furniture, building architecture or lighting, Achille Castiglioni thoroughly earned his nickname as 'the Godfather of Italian modernism'. We are proud to be associated with his wonderful designs through our partnership with Flos. Further reading on this designer (and sources for this article): Achille Castiglioni - curiosity as a way of life, via, LoveTheDesign. Design Legacy: remembering Italian innovator Achille Castiglioni, via, Wallpaper.

As a company that started out in the basement of a Sevenoaks house in the late 90’s, Astro has certainly stepped leaps and bounds, as demonstrated by their flock of awards over the past decade. In 2013, Astro landed the Queen's Award for Enterprise. This award is widely considered to be the highest official accolade for any UK business, and is a fantastic achievement. It is also a broader recognition of Astro’s commitment to international trade and continual growth: and continue to grow Astro has, as demonstrated by their numerous achievements post-2013! In recent years Astro has been sweeping it in the awards department, receiving acclaim from some of the most prestigious experts in the lighting industry. Astro was delighted to receive the German Design Award 2018 for their exquisite piece, the Edge Reader wall light (which can be bought here), the second award it won in the same year.  The award is presented to designs that are considered ‘groundbreaking’ in the international industry; this is decided upon by a high-caliber international jury of experts, and chosen from over 5000 entries.  The second award the Edge Reader won this year was the ‘Red Dot Product Design’ award, whose judges were impressed by the combination of the 'direct functionality of its LED reading light and its ambient lighting'. 2018 has been a particularly decorated year for Astro, as they were also honored with the Queen's Award 2018 once again. Furthermore, Astro’s Concrete Dunbar 160 has won the Red Dot Product Design 2018 award.Buy Astro Lights at Sparks The Concrete Dunbar 160 combines a soft, curved structure with the crisp straight edge of its light output, where deeply recessed LEDs provide a forceful, yet glare-free illumination. 2018 has been a particularly award-heavy year for Astro, but they have been excelling throughout the entire decade. Achievements and Awards prior to 2018 In 2017, Astro won Manufacturer of the Year at the Lux Awards, beating such illustrious opponents as Luxonic, Samsung and FUTURE designs; this really cemented Astro's place amongst the royalty of lighting designers. Before this, in 2016, Astro were nominated for House Beautiful 2016 Award, with both their Atelier and Edge Reader ranges nominated. The House Beautiful Awards, as the name implies, celebrate the very best in quality, design and innovation for a range of different categories that include lighting, furniture, garden products and more. In 2015, the Edge 560 was awarded ‘Innovator’ status at the ETOP Innovation Awards. The Edge Reader range of lighting was seen as ‘innovative’ due to its ingenious use of the latest mid-power LED technology, and for their functionality: the ability to mount them both horizontally or vertically.Buy the Edge Reader Light Also in 2015, Astro won big in Hong Kong, taking home the 'Home Product Brand 2015', with previous winners including behemoths in the lighting industry such as Bowers and Wilkins and Philips. Astro also made an appearance in Lux's Power List as early as 2014, an early indicator of the recognition that would lead to their 2017 Manufacturer of the Year award with Lux. All of this goes to show that the Queen's Award for Enterprise awarded to Astro in 2013 was a smart and prophetic choice. Astro has gone on to achieve great things this decade and been recognised by some of the most respected experts in the lighting field for their work. As co-founder John Fearon stated when he won the Queen's Award in 2018 - 'To win the award for a second time is a real testament to the commitment, passion and energy that is part of Astro's DNA'. This is the exact attitude that has won Astro a slew of awards in 2018, and which means you shouldn't be surprised if they repeat this impressive feat in 2019! And if you want to see an extensive range of the wall lights, ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps, and LED lights that Astro does, you simply have to visit this link.

Born in London, England, Jasper Morrison would go on to become an internationally renowned product and furniture designer, collaborating with some of the world’s most prestigious retailers of home ornaments. His work with Cappellini in the 90’s in particular grew his enduring legacy and led him to huge companies, including the distinguished Italian lighting company Flos.Note: Some of the items introduced below are no longer available at Sparks; see here all the Flos Lights at Sparks and check out the latest lighting collection. Morrison inspires Flos with his Glo-Balls Morrison was always a great admirer of Flos, stating that they were ‘always the company I wanted to design for’. He was a great follower of Italian designers such as Castiglioni and Piero Gandini and he was delighted to join their ranks in the 90’s to delve into the world of lighting design. With Flos, he would make an indelible mark on modern lighting that would resound across the interior design scene of Europe. One his range of designs includes the iconic ‘Glo-Ball’ Flos family of light fittings, notable for their moon-like orb lights, made of the finest opaline glass. Glo-Balls were immediately distinguished for being furnished in a rather quirky and chic manner, offering humour and elegance all in the same package. The Glo-Ball family range of lights became a modern home lighting phenomenon, and Morrison would go on to design a great variety of them. These included wall light fixtures, huge ceiling features, mini-glow pendants, floor lamps, and table lamps. The Glo-Balls really do cut a magnificent figure in any room, with the moon-shaped orb spreading an even, warm light whilst providing a decorative ornament themselves.The most affordable is the mini Glo-Ball, 112mm in diameter, which can be affixed to your wall, mirror or ceiling.Buy Designer Lights at SparksMorrison Designs the Smithfield for FlosIn a similar vein to the Glo-Ball range, Morrison later designed the Smithfield Pendant Lamp in 2009, another example of his pioneering vision.  He took inspiration from the Smithfield Market in London, as he was famously fond of these types of metal shades that used to dangle across the market. Morrison successfully re-invented the Smithfield for the home interior, crafting a bold, aluminium-bodied lamp with a high gloss finish that exudes class and luxury. With integrated LED compatibility and a sleek, modern finish, Morrison created a Pendant lamp perfect to overhang the dining or meeting table of a contemporary home. Morrison's legacy in home lighting Morrison's philosophy has always been to marry style and substance. As he asserted 'simplicity is a state of mind... I like ideas like normal, soft, comfortable, easy to use'. One thing is for sure when it comes to Jasper Morrison: his designs have proven to have a timeless and beautiful quality to them that will appeal to all future generations. As recently as 2016, The Tate Modern opened an exhibition dedicated solely for Morrison. James Morrison is to this day one of today's most influential British industrial designers. Among all his designs, including the ground-breaking 'Thinking Man's Chair', the Glo-Ball collection for Flos rates as one of his most iconic designs.

Many times the light bulb is associated with a new idea, a brilliant thought, or an interesting thing one thinks of. However, even though the light bulb is synonymous with ideas, the design of most light bulbs lacks imagination; furthermore, they still have the same design since they were originally made, and there's nothing interesting or new about them (except being more energy-saving and even LED). The best way to switch the world to energy-efficient lighting is simply to create a beautiful light bulb; somehow, if the magic is brought back to the light bulb, people will love energy-saving light bulbs. Plumen 001 - the World's First Designer Low Energy Light BulbThis is the point where the team at Plumen started their journey in 2004 when they designed and created Plumen 001, the world's first designer low energy light bulb. They launched a campaign on kickstarter, got enough back-up, and started making these light bulbs; soon, they picked up global media attention, picked a few design awards around the world, and is now distributed in 75 countries, changing people's attitude toward energy saving lighting every single day. The dynamic, sculptured form contrasts to the dull regular shapes of existing low-energy bulbs, in an attempt to make the Plumen a centerpiece, not an afterthought. The Plumen 001 (no longer available at Sparks) works like any other high-quality low energy bulb - saving you 80% on your energy bills and lasting 8 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. It was designed by HULGER and Samuel Wilkinson.Buy Energy Saving Lamps at Sparks What the Media says of PLUMEN 001 Samuel Wilkinson's low-energy lightbulb wins Design of the Year: British designer's 'beautiful and smart' Plumen 001 is the overall winner at the 2011 Brit Insurance Design Awards (the Guardian) Bright Ideas From the World of Design: The Plumen 001, which also won in the product category, bills itself as "the world's first designer energy-saving light bulb." The compact fluorescent bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts eight times longer than an incandescent bulb, the company says, but the thin, curvy glass tubes are made to be exposed—no lampshade required. (Wall Street Journal) Swirly CFLs relax a little bit, get kind of cute in the process (Engadget) Plumen 001 was designed for general use as an energy-efficient replacement for the 60W incandescent bulb and came in E14 and E27 lamp cap; it was a usable light bulb for lots of general situations, being great in most environments and applications, but not in all applications. That's why the team at Plumen came up with another light bulb, Plumen 002. Plumen 002 - Unique Bulb Design for Style and Warmth The Plumen 002 uses a unique bulb design to bring style and warmth to any space. At first glance the form is minimal, but on further inspection, the sweeping shape reveals light gradations that are essential to the subtle glow it produces. It works beautifully in series or alone, whether in a pendant, table light or wall sconce. Low brightness means the cozy, intimate light requires no shading. Created as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to Squirrel Cage filament bulbs, it’s perfect for any space where you might otherwise use an incandescent bulb. The Original Plumen, just like the 001, uses 80% less energy than a regular bulb and will last 8 times longer. Another designer light bulb from Plumen that is efficient, beautiful and affordable. Anywhere you want light to set the mood, where you might normally think of using a 30W filament bulb, you can use the 002. The Plumen 002 has a sculptural and clearly defined form that makes will resonate with square and rectangular spaces where it will usually hang. It also works particularly well in table lights and wall sconces.Buy Designer Lights at Sparks What the Media says of PLUMEN 002 Feeling For An Eco-Lightbulb that Looks Better Naked - New York Times PLUMEN 002 Is The CFL You'd Actually Want To Use (And Look At On A Daily Basis):  the sculptural glass construction is much nicer to look at than the standard CFL, making this a much-needed solution for pendant lights and other fixtures that feature an exposed bulb. (Huffington Post) Get Cozy with the Plumen 002, the Second Sculptural CFL from the Lighting Innovators (Core77) Besides PLUMEN 001 and PLUMEN 002 there are the pendants, the lamp shades, and the drop cap sets. These used to be available at SparksDirect.co.uk. Enjoy a short video of presentation for both PLUMEN 001 and PLUMEN 002 - by their creators. Introducing Plumen 002 (and Plumen 001)

"I came across a YouTube clip of a contact juggler. He has these spinning spheres moving around, and they are spinning so perfectly, you can’t even see them move — it looks perfectly balanced and perfectly still. This was my starting point." Michael Anastassiades, the designer of Flos iC Globe Lights.Note: some of the items introduced in this article are no longer available at Sparks; the full range of Flos Lights is here. This collection explores balance. There is a series of lights: table lights, wall lights, ceiling pendants, and ceiling-mounted lights which take as their basic form a sphere that is perfectly balanced on the edge of a rod. As for their model number/codes, the initials IC come from the codes that English police use to define the perceived ethnicity of a person they stop in the street when reporting back to the station. IC1 means white person or Northern European type, IC2 means Mediterranean European/Hispanic, IC3 indicates an African / Afro-Caribbean person, and so on, so this is a playful story to define the different designs. Enjoy a collection of designer Flos iC globe lights for wall mounting, hanging from the ceiling, or table mounting available via Sparks and designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos Lighting.Most of the ones on our website come in a lovely brass finish and in a small or larger globe size for modern interior lighting.Buy Flos Lights at Sparks Flos iC C/W2 Brass Wall / Ceiling Lamp with Opal Diffuser, design: Michael Anastassiades Flos iC S1 Pendant Ceiling Lamp in Brass with Opal Diffuser, design: Michael Anastassiades Flos iC F1 Brass Floor Light with Opal Diffuser, design: Michael Anastassiades Flos iC T2 Table Lamp in Brass with Opal Diffuser, design: Michael Anastassiades These are only some of the wide range of iC globe wall, ceiling, table, or floor lights designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos Lighting that we have on our website. Take a look, enjoy, and purchase them online via Sparks!Buy Designer Lights at Sparks

Many of us are bored with the same light fittings at the office, and we wish there would be a way to change them. Keep dreaming...something like this can't be done that easily. But how about we dream about some really nice light fittings that would be on the wall in our office? 4 Wall Lights You Truly Want in Your Office These are not four exclusive wall lights and they are not necessarily meant to be installed together, but they may be just the quirky fitting that would brighten your day. You do not want to be under the shining of the same fluorescent batten fittings on the ceiling or dull wall fittings that you start to hate and ignore... Here's what we recommend to you today: Artemide Surf Halogen Wall Uplighter Stylish and slightly curved wall light ideal for offering upwards lighting, Artemide Surf wall light is ideal for a modern office or meeting venue. It is made of painted cast aluminium and has an embossed scratch-proof opaque finish (white). Parma 200 Wall Uplight - Paintable! If you don't know what color your wall uplight should be, the Astro Lighting Parma 200 offers you the opportunity to paint it the color you need it! It comes in white, it's made of plaster, and it can be painted! Mesmeri Halo Curved Chrome Wall Light Are you ready to try something more out of the ordinary with your office wall lighting? The Eric Sole designed Mesmeri Halo wall light is manufactured by Artemide and has a curved diffuser, releasing almost by magic a soft beam of light upwards. Black Vanilla Wall Spotlight If you like more classy spotlights on the wall and you need specific lighting in a certain area, the Nordlux Vanila black wall spot is something you should consider. The price is right, the finish is black, the switch is on the cord, and it looks so great! In the end, the choice is yours. We can only recommend it. You will need to pick one or more of the above. We would say they look great in the office on the wall - and we would even go further to be as bold as saying, You Want These Lights! Why not recommend them to your boss or to the person who can change some things around in the office? You may be pleasantly surprised to see that they love these wall fittings also!Buy Designer Lights at Sparks

If you visit us in our showroom in Archway you will notice not only the stylish small LED task lamps from Jake Dyson but also the presentation video supplied, which runs continually in the background. You will be captivated by its simplicity, many uses, flexibility, modern design, and advanced technology incorporated. We have already mentioned that Jake Dyson's LED task lamps will work for almost forty years, but there's even more than that to be said! Today we are quoting what three reputable websites/blogs - Tree Hugger, In Habitat, and Fastcodesign - say concerning these amazing fittings. TreeHugger on Jake Dyson's LED Lamps Not sure how right they are when they entitle their article with, Jake Dyson's LED Desk Lamp Will Light Up Longer Than You Will, but the truth is that these light fittings are designed to last at least 40 years! Here's what they further say, LEDs can last almost forever, but they often burn out early because they generate a lot of heat in a very small area. British designer Jake Dyson has built a heat pipe into the structure of the CSYS lamp to carry the heat away from the LEDs and then use the arm of the lamp as a heat sink to carry the heat away from the lamp. Inhabitat on Jake Dyson: Whopping 37+ Years! Inhabitat is also amazed at the lamp life of these amazing yet simplistic LED task lamps. After recognizing that Jake Dyson takes after his dad (the "vacuum god", that is, the inventor of the Hoover vacuum cleaners), Holly writes, His CSYS desk lamp, which debuted during New York Design Week, has a built-in heat pipe running inside its arm that carries the heat generated by the LEDs away from them. The arm itself acts as a heat sink, releasing the heat into the air. The result is that the attached LEDs will last a whopping 37 years longer! Buy Designer LED Lights at SparksFastcodesign "a Light that Lasts 50 years!" Those at Fastcodesign went as far as saying, How Jake Dyson’s Little Design Firm Developed A Light That Lasts 50 Years. After interviewing and talking to the designer and manufacturer of these fittings they write, So in the CSYS, the entire cross beam (which holds the LED) is one gigantic heat pipe. This heat pipe is supported by a scaffolding of heat sinks. When you combine all of that surface area, heat within the LEDs dissipates with remarkable efficiency. With the temperature at which the LEDs’ junctions run in the CSYS, manufacturers can guarantee 160,000 hours of sustained light--no dimming or color temperature change. That’s over 30 years. And it’s a conservative figure. One internal estimate by major LED manufacturer Osram gives the CSYS an operational run time of 220,000 hours--or about 50 years of nonstop light. Dyson can’t publish that number as no LED light has ever been tested that long in a lab. The truth is that it's one thing to get an LED lamp that looks slick and has a promise of 10 years on the box, and it is something totally different to get a lamp designed from the ground up with the maximum lifetime and energy-saving in view! When you purchase an LED task lamp like Jake Dyson's CSYS range you have the assurance of no temperature and no color change for more than 30 years (the most conservative features), apart from flexibility, precision, light distribution, bright LED light, and many other environment-friendly features.Best LED Table Lamps at Sparks

Astro Lighting was not awarded the 2013 Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade for nothing - their popular products are being sold both in the UK and around the world, and they are pretty good at it! In order to slash down the cannibalism among the lighting wholesalers and lighting online stores in the UK, they "set the price". This means that no one in England can sell the Astro Lighting fittings under a certain price. This greatly improved both their image and the quality of their products in the UK and worldwide. At Sparks we are proud to distribute many of the Astro Lighting popular ranges, and among these we have selected five of them that are currently very popular. Top 5 Best Selling Astro Lights at Sparks Osaka 0387 Bathroom Ceiling Light One of the top-selling bathroom ceiling lights, the round flush Osaka 0387 comes in a chrome detailing and finish and with opal polycarbonate diffuser. Palermo 600 Bathroom Wall Striplight Part of the famous Astro Lighting Palermo bathroom wall strip lights, the 0781 Palermo wall light is a switched fitting, 600mm long, in polished chrome, using a fluorescent tube. Amalfi 0423 Ceramic Wall Lamp The Astro Lighting Amalfi 0423 is an IP20-rated ceramic wall lamp for up and down lighting. It is fully dimmable and uses a regular E27 max. 60W light bulb. Como 6107 Ceiling Light 3 Spotlights This fitting comes with three spotlights on a round polished chrome base, ideal both for the bathroom and for anywhere at home. Best-selling ceiling spots from Astro Lighting.  Parma 210 Plaster Up-and-Down Wall Light The 0964 Parma Plaster Wall fitting is ideal for up and down lighting, and it is paintable as needed - you can paint it in the color you desire with good quality emulsion paint.The best Astro Lights at Sparks

Today we received an email from our good friends and suppliers Astro Lighting with the big news: the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in 2013 (in the category of International Trade) has been awarded to Astro Lighting! A warm congratulations from all of us at Sparks Electrical - their quality in trading domestically is impeccable, and their customer service is excellent. The Queen's Awards for EnterpriseWhat is the Queen's Awards for Enterprise? The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious accolades for businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. The businesses can apply online via, Queen's Awards for Enterprise, and the winners are announced each year on the 21st of April (which happens to be Her Majesty the Queen's birthday). Last year 862 businesses applied, and 209 awards were granted. This year's winners were announced, and Astro Lighting the winner for the East region of England, at the category of International Trade. Until now we have found only one mention in the press online. Design Director, James Bassant, said: "It is an honour to be recognised for our commitment to innovative design and high-quality manufacture which allows Astro to compete on a world-wide scale". Managing Director John Fearon, who will attend the celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace, added: "This accolade is a great acclamation for the company and our world-wide Distributors who have supported Astro in becoming an established choice for the global lighting industry". Astro Lighting was selected for its outstanding and continuous achievement resulting in sustainable growth. Who is Astro Lighting and What do They Make? Astro Lighting is one of our favorite lighting manufacturers when it comes to both indoor and outdoor lighting, and on our website, there's a wide range of wall lights, ceiling lights, table lamps, and outdoor lights manufactured by them. In their own words, The company started in business in 1997, and has quickly grown to become one of the UK's premier designers and producers of contemporary lighting. Founded by John Fearon (Managing Director) and James Bassant (Design Director), the company has grown by an average of 20% year-on-year. With distributors in 34 countries around the world, export sales now account for nearly half of all sales, proving that the very best UK-designed products can still succeed abroad as well as at home. Here are four of the most popular light fittings on our website (we cannot post all of them here, but we have selected a few of them).Buy Astro Lights at Sparks Osaka Bathroom Ceiling Light Astro Lighting Tallin 900 Bathroom Light 4 Globe Lights Cabaret Bathroom Wall Fitting Connaught Wall Light with Black Shade In conclusion, we would like to say it again, Congratulations to Astro Lighting! We are proud to distribute your products and have them on our website and in the showroom in North London. We are very happy about our relationship and our presence among their stockists.Full range of Astro Lighting at Sparks

On our website at the Pendants and Chandeliers section we have an extensive collection of modern and traditional suspension lamps, and among the first is the Skygarden 1 Pendants from Flos. Recently, as someone was checking out this section of the website, he remarked, Ah, the Skygarden 1 from Flos, I don't think people really buy them! This really got us up in arms. Did you actually see these pendants? Did you really check them out to see their design and amazing applications? Hear us out on this... The Amazing Skygarden 1 Designed by Marcel Wanders Marcel Wanders designed the Skygarden 1 range of suspension lights especially for Flos as a semi-circle hanging lamps in either glossy or shiny finish. They are large ceiling lights ideal for modern room designs and even conference venues, adding the great Italian lighting design touch to the environment. As we mentioned via, "the Gold Fittings are a New Trend in 2013", Marcel Wanders is a world-acclaimed and recognized lighting designer with a unique signature and an eye for detail - minimalist style with a playful touch. The Skygarden Pendant is one of his masterpieces, with its dome structure on the outside and a vintage plasterwork on the inside. Why Don't People Buy Flos Skygarden 1? I think that's the wrong question to ask. Yes, we know it is recession time, and large expenditures are either put on hold or postponed, but a modern touch to the living room or kitchen can never be postponed. Not yet. The real question is, Do people know how do the Skygarden Pendants would look like in their kitchen or living room? Seeing is believing - and we are believers.Designer Ceiling Lighting at Sparks Take a look at the pictures below to believe this for yourself - why won't you consider a Skygarden in Matt Gold, Matt White, Rusty Brown, or Shiny Black? Flos Skygarden 1 Pendants - available in White, Gold, Black, and BrownFlos Skygarden 1 pendants, designed by Marcel Wanders. You've got to love those colors!An excellent arrangement and design of a group of Black Skygarden Pendants from Flos.If you prefer the brown finish, here's how a Flos Skygarden 1 in Rusty Brown would look in a modern flat. Are you still here? If you were mouth-watering over the above fittings and you're wondering, Where Can I Get One of These Pendants? - just click on the image. Read more about it here. Or go here. You won't be sorry!Designer Pendants at Sparks

Today's word is: Fabbian. As we were looking through our large collection of amazing fittings designed and manufactured by Fabbian, we couldn't go past the amazing Bijou Chrome Pendant. We checked out their website, saw some of the most amazing applications, and just couldn't go past it. Available at SparksDirect.co.uk for the lowest price in the market (for such a stylish pendant), the Bijou D75 A05 02 is designed by Prospero Rasulo for Fabbian and is of a painted metal structure. The Amazing Fabbian Bijou Chrome Pendant This ceiling suspension lamp is not for everyone; only the most quirky and modern design-inclined ones would choose to fit a Fabbian Bijou in their restaurant, cafe, conference venue, waiting room, etc. With a perfectly designed body made of polished chromium-plated metal structure, this pendant can be installed by itself or in a group of similar models for offering downwards illumination. It takes one E27 light bulb (max. 205W, HSGST), and has a total height of max. 2000mm. The ceiling rose is of the same color and is 105 x 105mm (square base). Enjoy some pictures of the amazing Bijou Chrome Pendant designed by Prospero Rasulo for Fabbian.Designer Pendant Lights at Sparks Do you need a good-looking low-level lovely ceiling above-head lighting in the sushi place or restaurant? Check out this application of the amazing Fabbian Bijou Pendant in Chrome.The Bijou pendants from Fabbian come in different finishes like white, chrome, and black. Stylish and good looking both together and separately.Note: this pendant light is no longer available at Sparks.Designer Ceiling Lights at Sparks

The word "sconce" comes from the Latin absconsus via the French esconce, which means a covering or protection - or something that is covered and protected. It's also a kind of fortification from the Middle Ages, a protective "hill" which offered defense for artillery units. Obviously, we don't deal with earthwork castle fortifications. We deal with lighting, and a sconce is a light fitting that uses only the wall for support - it doesn't have a base on the floor. They are used for functional and decorative purposes, and here are some of our favourites from the online store: Nordlux Vanila Black Wall Spotlight This curved spotlight from Scandinavian minimalist Nordlux is made from metal, which only makes it a little more like something you might find on the Nostromo from the Alien movie. Astro Lighting Azumi White Wall Light with a Reading Light On the one hand, the Azumi is a classically styled wall light from the renowned Astro Lighting, but it also features a flexible LED reading light as a hidden bonus. Artemide Dioscuri These spherical laser-etched Artemide wall lights are designed by Michele de Lucchi and come in four sizes: 140mm, 250mm, 350mm, and 420mm. Manerbio Walnut up- and down-light With its walnut finish, the rectangular Manerbio blends into its surroundings, like a tiny shelf, perhaps a vantage point for an intrepid Borrower. But it's actually a stylish uplight and a downlight! [note: this product has been discontinued] Artemide Miconos Glass & Chrome Wall Light - exposed bulb Exposed bulbs are so hot in lighting design right now, and Ernesto Gismondi's Miconos lamp, for Artemide, is ahead of the curve with its clear-blown glass diffuser.Designer Lights at Sparks

Since October, Fabbian have been updating their blog with sporadic information on a new project. It remains mysterious; we don't know what it is, exactly, nor do we know where it will be revealed, nor when. What we do know is: it's ambitious. Fabbian's Enigmatic New Installation: Summary In collaboration with the London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners, Fabbian have been strangely open and not open about the design process, updating their blog with enigmatic but informative updates (albeit in broken English) along the way. We know that it's a crystal-bladed design housing an LED system of uplights, which illuminate the whole crystal structure up to a certain point without striking anything else. The design also features a trolley system for easy maintenance, so that engineers can pull out those LEDs and reconfigure or troubleshoot the whole system. The base, say Fabbian, is the key to the whole design. And some weeks ago, the mysterious object was shipped for installation in a 'huge public building' in either New York, London, or Hong Kong - Fabbian are remaining quiet.Designer Lights at Sparks Speculations on the Form and Function Whatever this thing is, it is rumored to be installed at Hong Kong International Airport - so it could be an architectural feature, which means it's likely to be a high-bay industrial/commercial fitting. Given the partnership with Foster + Partners, that's the most likely scenario as we can see it - that is, if Fabbian is concentrating on commercial gain at all. On the other hand, it could be an installation of the more artistic sort, designed to show off what's possible, not just commercially viable. The trolley design and uplighting would seem to point at this. But why would an LED system need to be maintained and changed so often as to require an easy slide-out design? This isn't the first time these three entities (Fabbian, Foster + Partners, and H.K.I.A.) have come together: back in 2008, Fabbian and F+P collaborated to make light walls for Cathay Pacific cabins within the same airport. Of course, we're willing to be proven wrong. Who wants to take virtual bets on this? Take a guess in the comments, everybody, and we'll keep you updated.

The shortlist for the 2013 Lighting Design Awards has been announced, with flying art installations, high-end wine bars, and Hogwarts School of Wizardry picking up nominations for innovation in lighting design. Pedigree of the Awards  The Lighting Design Awards come with an impressive pedigree: 2013 will be their 11th year, attracting attendees from all sections of the industry from lighting designers to building services and suppliers. Previously, the awards have recognised designers such as architectural lighting designer Dean Skira and heritage brand Sutton Vane. For those of us not in the running, the awards are fairly representative of where the lighting industry is "at." Representing the Lighting Industry in 2013 Looking at the shortlist, we can see what the lighting industry sees as important: this year, the categories highlight low-carbon manufacture and large-scale exterior lighting schemes. This can offer the industry a point from which to look further into the future, and for contractors, it can be a useful piece of information. With the proliferation of temporary "pop-up" stores and startups operating out of vehicles, for example, there are some interesting ideas to be taken from the nominees in the Small Retail and Special Projects categories, like the Juicy Couture store on Regent Street.Astro Lighting Collections at Sparks Speaking with Lighting.co.uk, Mike Jankowski (principal at Ikon Design) commented on the quality of the 2013 entries: Design imagination and LED technology are powerful partners for change in lighting products. (...) This year’s submissions produced examples of imaginative product concepts that herald a change in the way luminaires will be perceived as objects and their influence on the interior and exterior environments. Among all the energy-saving highlights, there's also fun stuff in here, like the nomination for the Harry Potter studio tour in the Lighting for Leisure category. Mayfair's Hedonism wine bar also gets a nod for the Speirs + Major lighting and Jonathan Coles's wine glass chandelier. Now the shortlist has been announced, the judges will be walking around the installations themselves to decide whether the photographs and information "do them justice." The awards take place on the 27th of March 2013, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date! If you want to take a closer look at the Lighting Design Awards, take a look around their website. Then tell us: what's your favourite to win? Image: the wine glass chandelier at Hedonism Wine Bar by James Newton.

It might come as a surprise to you, but we're huge fans of colour and maximalism here at Sparks Electrical. We hope you understand - and if you do, then you're going to enjoy this post. But if you don't, maybe you'll be converted today.Note: some or all of the light fittings featured below may no longer be available at Sparks; see the full offering here.   We're highlighting the less subtle items in our store in this post: five of our favourite modern light fittings, whether colourful or just bold and dramatic. 1. Balun Pendant The large Balun ceiling pendants dominate our Archway showroom, drawing the attention of our customers as they walk through the door. And for good reason: the Balun is huge, like a giant UFO floating at low altitude. In our store we have light grey, red, orange, blue, matte black, matte white, and pink versions available. 2. Foglio Wall Lamp The Foglio wall light, designed by Tobia Scarpa for legendary design house Flos, really pushes that black/white contrast with a transparent pressed steel construction. It's also available in a white finish, which loses the contrast but remains interesting. 3. Nessino Table Light Another legendary design house, Artemide, offer the Nessino table or desk lamp, which are constructed from polycarbonate in transparent orange or yellow.4. Ripasso Pendant The Ripasso carafe-style pendant light comes from Nordlux, known for their minimalist design philosophy. The Ripasso range (in red, white, black, or green) is hand-blown, so every one of these fittings is ever-so-slightly different from the others. 5. Funk Color Pendant Nordlux is at it again with the Funk pendant light, which sticks to one colour throughout: its lampholder, cord, and ceiling rose are all the same bold colour. Blue, red, turquoise, and yellow versions are available, but more monochromatic sensibilities will enjoy the black, silver, and white pendants. Which is your favourite, readers? Cast your votes in the comments! Ours is for the funk, in turquoise, but we're the ones who wrote this post in the first place.Order Designer Lights at Sparks

The New York Times once referred to interior designer Marcel Wanders as "the Lady Gaga of the design world": prolific, bold and omnipresent whether you're aware of it or not.Please note: this pendant light is no longer available at Sparks; you can view the current pendant lights available via Ceiling Lights. In everything Wanders designs there's a signature. Generally minimalist, there's always something of a playful nature to his work. Take the cartoon-classical Parent Chair at Moooi - chunky like a dollhouse version of an antique, it's part of what is essentially a playset for grown-ups. Even to the artistically illiterate this must be exciting. This is the man responsible for one of the most eye-catching items in our showroom: the Skygarden ceiling pendant light, a collaboration with the legendary Italian design house Flos. This is not just a light fitting; it's a wonderful, surprising piece of work that combines Wanders's playfulness with the minimalist aesthetic Flos have been making their own since the 1960s. On the outside, the Skygarden will fit into the design theme of any room: it's simply an unassuming architectural dome in one of four colours (black, white, rust and matte gold), but the twist is on the inside: a vintage-styled plasterwork design that takes inspiration from a weathered, forgotten antique ceiling in Wanders's old home. But the cast plasterwork on the underside of that dome isn't just beautiful, it's also functional: the light reflects off all those surfaces to provide a warm, diffuse light that's better for overall visibility throughout the whole room without being too overpowering for the eyes. With its modern, minimalist looks and surprise classical twist, the Flos Skygarden is a perfect combination ceiling light and conversation piece. Marcel Wanders's award-winning ceiling pendant is available now in our Archway showroom or in our online store.Buy Designer Ceiling Lights at Sparks

If you visit our online store you will notice that daily there are new additions to it and the quality of the information presented is also increasing.Note: some of these lights are no longer available; see the link provided for each below. Whether you visit the Wall Lamps, Domestic Fire Alarms, or Wireless Dimming Systems - there's fresh new content added all the time. One of the categories we are constantly updating is the Lights section - the lighting manufacturers are bringing in new models, they are sending us new lists of the most popular fittings, they are reducing prices on many fittings, etc. Among the most popular interior lights manufacturers is Astro Lighting, their products being recognized and distributed in many countries in the European Union. In our showroom in Archway we have many wall lights, ceiling lights, bathroom lights, outdoor lights, mirror lights, etc from Astro Lighting, and we are now in the process of putting them online also! Take a look at eight of the latest additions to our Astro Lighting fittings - new wall lights from Astro now also at Sparks and Lights! Since it will take a lot of space to post the pictures of the lights one by one, we thought we would combine them four by four, so that you may see a combination. Eight New Wall Lights from Astro Lighting Top Left: Epsilon 0600 bathroom wall light, an IP44-rated fitting for bathroom use coming in polished chrome (currently not available). Top Right: Nena 0506 small but stylish fitting for bathroom wall mounting, coming in polished chrome and opal white diffuser. Bottom Left: Taketa 0775 bathroom wall lamp, IP44-rated fitting with a rectangular candle-like opal glass diffuser. Bottom Right: Park Lane Grande 0539 wall light in a stylish polished nickel finish and with a black rectangular fabric shade (included). Top Left: Ashino 0766 interior wall lamp with a square fabric shade and an integral switch, ideal for modern interiors. Top Right: Tokyo 0569 white wall lamp, oval fitting with an opal glass diffuser and an integral toggle switch. Bottom Left: Obround 0408 wall lamp in polished chrome and opal white diffuser, in the shape of rounded corners rectangular. Bottom Right: Cube 0635 wall lamp for bathroom use, with polished chrome support and an opal white glass cube diffuser.Buy Astro Lights at Sparks

You homeowners out there will know how big a task it can be when trying to maintain and improve the appeal and comfort of your home.You may be looking to do this as your house is up for sale and you want to get a good price, or you may just be holding a dinner party and want to impress all your friends and guests. This task is made bigger by the fact that you have so many rooms and places throughout your home that you need to keep an eye on such as your living room, dining room, kitchen, and even your bathroom. So here are some easy tips that can help create this comforting appeal: Lighting – The lighting in your house can go a long way in determining the ambiance and atmosphere it generates. In the daytime, you will want to emit as much natural light as possible, so making sure your curtains are drawn right back is a must. If you are redeveloping your home or having a building extension, then look into the possibility of getting a skylight installed so that when the sun is out, the rays will be beaming down on you from above. In the evening it’s a whole different story, as you have to rely on your electrical lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere, and one of the most successful and popular solutions is the installation of a dimmer switch. If you are looking to stay in and relax for the evening, then a dimmer switch can generate a candle-lit appeal so you can relax, unwind, and put your feet up in front of the television. De-Clutter – Many find it so hard to throw away belongings that they never use. They will simply store it away and before you know it, you’ve got too many belongings and not enough space. So every once in a while you need to go through all your cupboards and drawers and decide on what clothes, books, CDs or belongings you no longer need. This will enable you to better store the things you do need, and you will be amazed at how much extra room you will find throughout your house. Gardening – Your front garden will create the first impression for any visitors you are expecting, and if you are looking to sell, you really want this to be a positive one. The first simple step is to get the garden gloves out and do the weeding, which includes throughout the flowerbeds, and through any cracks in your front drive. Also, make sure you get rid of or store anything that is just lying about in your back garden, such as brooms, rakes or any of your children’s toys. You should also look to fix any broken fences, brickwork, patios, just anything in your garden that will need mending. Ornaments – Throughout the whole of your house, you should look to implement features such as flowers, candles or pictures. It just has to be anything that you like the look of, which will improve the look of your house. Flowers and candles look great throughout your home, and they come in such a variety of colors which means they will look great in to any room. You can also have pictures of family and relatives to create a cozy feel, or if you like your art then you may want to buy some framed paintings to showcase in your living room.Buy Excellent Lights for Home