Lighting is one of the quickest, most satisfying ways to ring in the new, and these easy upgrades deliver maximum impact with minimal effort.
January is all about fresh starts – and your interiors deserve one too. And that doesn’t necessarily mean a full-scale renovation or weeks of disruption – a few crafty little touches can instantly change the mood.
Lighting is perfect for that, since a very simple update can make a world of difference So whether you’re easing into the year gently or itching for a bold reset, these lighting ideas are a brilliant place to begin…
1) Add an gasp-inducing table lamp to a key spot
Table lamps are one of the hardest-working pieces in your lighting toolkit. They add depth, create atmosphere, and bring personality wherever they’re placed. The best ones feel like decorative objects even when switched off – and come into their own once the light fades.
A big, bold, steal-the-show statement table lamp, like the Twistle table lamp in green, makes an unapologetic statement, bringing colour and confidence to a room. Use one to shout from a sideboard or give a neutral space a dazzling focal point.
Quick tips for statement lamps:
- Let one lamp lead – don’t compete with lots of smaller pieces nearby.
- Balance bold colour with simpler surroundings.
- Try switching it on at dusk rather than full dark for the most flattering glow.
2) Ring the changes with a lampshade upgrade
If you want a new look without committing to anything major, start with your lampshades. Swapping a shade is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to refresh a room – and it can dramatically change both the quality of light and the overall mood.
From vibrant block colours to ikat patterns and big, blousy florals, a new shade introduces colour, texture and personality in one simple move. A drum lampshade in vibrant fuchsia dupion silk, for example, instantly energises a space and feels celebratory – perfect for a New Year update.
Looking for lampshade ideas and inspiration? Read our expert guide on How to choose a lampshade.
3) Get creative with cordless lighting
Gone are the weary days of tripping over loose cables and scrabbling to find the nearest plug socket: with rechargeable lighting, you’re free to put your lights wherever you see fit.
Style up a dark and dingy corner, add atmosphere to an alcove, brighten up a bookshelf, or even a bathroom with a beautiful cordless table lamp.
4) Put cordless wall lights everywhere
Meanwhile, rechargeable wall lights take thing a step further. They bring all the style and elegance of traditional wall lights, without the need to drill holes in the wall or call in an electrician, giving you full lighting freedom. So if you’ve never bothered with wall lights because you were worried about their cost and permanence, now’s the time to let loose.
Cordless wall sconces are ideal for opening up a narrow hallway or creating a beautiful focal point above a mantelpiece or console table. Perfect for the indecisive, or any time you fancy changing up your interiors without making a big commitment.
Start your own lighting trend
The New Year is also a great excuse to experiment. Lighting is surprisingly forgiving, so it’s the ideal place to try something new.
Why not:
- Mix lampshade shapes or patterns rather than matching everything
- Combine glossy ceramics with softer textures like paper or linen
- Play with placement – a lamp where you wouldn’t normally expect one can transform a room
With some simple lighting upgrades, you can transform the way your space looks and feels. View our full range of beautiful, affordable home lighting and accessories.
Image top: Pooky’s Stucco table lamp in emerald styled by the brilliant @lucymarshinteriors
