Light Talkswith Sean Symington
Interior designer Sean Symington on high, mid and low level light, the mistakes he sees again and again, and the six pooky pieces he keeps coming back to.
Sean Symington Design · Bath & New England · seansymington.com
Light Talks, no. 01. Sean Symington, filmed at home.
Traditional bones, fresh whimsy: a scheme by Sean Symington Design.
Lighting advice, from someone who does it all day
We asked Sean the questions people actually ask him: where to start, what to invest in, and why a room needs three levels of light rather than one big one in the middle of the ceiling.
“We love low level lighting because we think it’s the most flattering. We love it on your face rather than above.”
Sean Symington
Every room needs high, mid and low level light. six pieces, one for each layer.
Traditional, with a fresh whimsy
Originally from Toronto and now designing on both sides of the Atlantic, Sean’s work is rooted in traditional interior design, then given colour, contemporary detailing and a firm refusal to take itself too seriously. Antiques, an eclectic mix of eras, the twills, the frills, the pops of colour.
“I want people to feel energised by their spaces but also cocooned. Warm and welcomed, as though the room has been there for a thousand years and doesn’t feel decorated.”
Start with what you love — a painting, a rug, a hero fabric. Pull the colours from that, not from the paint chart.
Invest in the bones — window treatments and upholstery. Save on antiques, accessories and the brown chest of drawers.
Don’t over-neutralise — the fear of a costly mistake is what makes rooms bland. Be bold and daring.
Antiques, an eclectic mix of eras, and pattern used at a generous scale.
Sean’s pooky edit
“High level for the ceilings, mid level would be wall lights, and low level is table lamps and floor washers.” Six pieces from the range, arranged the way Sean plans a room.
High level: make a feature of the ceiling rather than hiding it in spotlights.
Larger flower pendant in natural rattan
£420.00
A properly glorious rattan pendant uplighter, which also flickers light through the gaps in the rattan. One of the best, and an immediate hit with the stylerati.
“We’d always choose a flush mount or a chandelier over recessed spotlights, because we love to make a feature out of the lighting.”
Mid level: light on shelves and mantels, with nothing to wire in.
Bronte rechargeable bookshelf light in brass
£120.00
Polished brass, rechargeable and entirely free of cable, so shelves, alcoves and chimney breasts can be lit wherever they happen to be rather than wherever the sockets are. Shade chosen separately.
“You don’t have to wire in picture lights, because there are rechargeable options. That freedom and flexibility in lighting is really wonderful.”
Low level: the light Sean says is the most flattering of all.
Nellie table lamp in a green glaze
£125.00
A very neat and elegant shape, with a long and slender neck. Several lovely glazes to choose from, and the green sits beautifully against a brown antique.
“In a sitting room or bedroom you need reading lights and softer lighting that sets the mood of the room.”
A big, chunky base is exactly the point.
Larger Rattle table lamp in natural cane
£135.00
Simple, but curvy and comforting. The top is a lustrous polished brass, the frame is painted the exact colour of the cane so you never notice it, and a swivel joint keeps your shade exactly horizontal.
“We love a big chunky lamp base with a big brown chest of drawers. Be more adventurous with pattern and scale.”
The antidote to over-neutralising a room.
Murphy table lamp in yellow
£130.00
Sensible, with a joyous spattering of madness. Is it a chess piece, or our take on Mr Blobby? Either way it’s a truly elegant shape, and the glaze is to die for.
“There’s a fear of making a mistake, so people over-neutralise everything. Start your scheme with what you love. Be bold and daring.”
The quickest way to give a lamp you already own a second life.
35cm straight empire shade in small ikat spot linen by GP & J Baker
£98.00
From our collaboration with G P & J Baker: a homage to the classic ikat weave, with the Baker genius for colour and geometry. A seven colour print, subtle and bold in equal measure, finished with two coloured taping picked out from the pattern.
“We might not love the lamp base a client already owns, but adding a new pooky shade brings it new life and makes it feel like it’s been there for years.”
Four things Sean says again and again
Do a lighting plan
Architectural and decorative light together, at high, mid and low level. What matters most is that it’s warm and flattering.
Ask what the light is for
Mood, task, ambient or practical. A kitchen needs to be seen in; a sitting room needs reading lights and softness.
Don’t hide it
“We’re a bit purist. We don’t love concealed lighting or LED strips. If it’s a lamp, let it be a lamp.”
Build in options
Bright by day, moodier by evening. Lamps that move as a room changes, and rechargeables that need no wiring at all.
Rooms by Sean Symington
Colour, pattern and scale, layered until a room feels like it has always been there.
Start with what you love, then light it properly
Free UK delivery on orders over £75.