shedding some light on the subject

When a little glimpse of these lampshades appeared in this post, they attracted 

quite a few remarks, and I thought it was high-time that I got around to telling their story.

Not that it is long and complicated I promise!

I really just wanted to illustrate the fact that feature lighting doesn't have to be difficult, nor does it have to be eye-wateringly expensive to be both functional and gorgeous. 

(I know it's just my opinion, but hey, it's my house!) 

Most of the feature light fittings we have used here at home are upcycled pendants. Many are old industrial fittings, and of course there are my mason jar lights in the bathroom.

But when it came to the lights over the dining table, I felt a little softness was in order, along with some texture and colour.

And so I constructed this little idea, and the electricians helped make it work.

Currently, there are five little shades hanging above the table.

They each hang on their own cable, which is literally, plugged in to the track on the ceiling.

I can have one or more of the lights on at the same time, and they are on dimmers.

What's more, should I get tired of the multiple shades, I can remove them altogether, and perhaps have a single large shade made instead. This would simply fit on to any of the existing simple flex & bulb fittings.

I've used a mix of four different fabrics - silk & linen, and then of course the trims - pompoms, fringe & beads. I confess, some of the trims can be the icing on the cake when it comes to  budgetary considerations, but they also add that wow factor, and I think are worth the splurge.

Hanging them was fun! I don't think the electricians had worked with a nutter like me before.

And although I do like a lot of excess flex, even I will admit, my first attempt was over the top!

Five metres of flex per pendant, the electricians shock and horror when I bundled it up and tied a knot or two in it, and then Brunnel's face when he saw the result. Not good!

I begged the electricians to come back, pliers in hand, and fifteen or so metres less of flex later, all was well that ends well, even if I do still have a knot or two.

One extra little shade has escaped the throng. It hangs low beside a sofa on lamp duty.

Individual, ambient & pretty.

(Still just my opinion - I know!)

Amanda xx

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