Set the mood: Top ten lighting ideas

2. Sir Terence Conran's tip of the day

'Where possible, flood a room with as much natural light as possible,' insists Sir Terence Conran. Avoid screen windows so replace heavy curtains with blinds or muslin panels and choose light–coloured furnishings. Place a mirror, like this Champagne Filigree Mirror (£236) from Wallace Sacks, opposite a window to bounce light around a room. If privacy is a concern, consider translucent blinds, etched glass or perspex shutters.

3. Touch it and see

'Don't over–estimate the importance of dimmer switches which create the right mood for differing occasions,' Clare advises. 'Bedroom lighting needs to change brightness so you can do your make–up, read a book in bed or turn the lights down low for a more romantic feel.' Touch controlled lighting is all the rage – check out this bargain Touch Control table lamp (£22.32) from Ascott Lighting.

4. Highlight by spotlight

Twist the adjustable neck of the Retro desk light (£25) from Great Little Trading Company to shine on your chosen object. Got a special painting or decorative mirror? 'Position directional lights to lead the eye to a focal point. Discreet spotlights alone can be a harsh way of lighting a space, but work well if directed on to a statement piece,' says Clare. If your work of art is glazed, use a Freeze Single Spotlight (£30) from John Lewis.

5. How to avoid commitment

Only used fixed lighting like downlights and spotlights in areas where the room plan is fixed, like kitchens and bathrooms. Instead, layer lighting with table and floor lamps, which can be easily moved should you fancy a re–style. This Coco tooth floor lamp (£290) from Oh! is particularly cool. Highlight architectural featues like cornicing and architraves with uplighters.

6. Create a talking point

If you want to add some regal glamour to your home without blowing the budget, then opt for a stunning chandelier, like this Capiz Shell Chandelier (£165) from Graham & Green. It will make a stunning centre–piece to any room.

7. Know your hanging heights

'Add colour with Verner Panton’s FlowerPot lights (£188) from Geoffrey Harris,' Clare suggests. 'The ideal height for lights over a dining table is 90cm above the surface.' This 1960s classic is named after the happy days of Flower Power.

8. Choose wall colours carefully

Be ware that 'the darker you paint the walls, the more light it absorbs,' Clare advises. You can get away with dark colours in a small study or den, however, where they create a warm, cosy feel. Use lamps like this tall antique song lamp (£120) from Lombok and one main pendant light to cast an ambient glow. Or, choose a reading lamp that can be angled carefully to prevent a harsh glare.

9. Cast a soothing light

Lighting affects your mood instantly. Create a warm glow with soft lights like this pretty Orange slices table lamp (£79) from Home Contrast. Award winning mydeco design boutique Ulrika Jarl has created absolutely stunning nature-inspired bone china lamps.

10. Create a cosy atmosphere

'Decorative lights do little to illuminate but bring a pretty intimacy. Fairy lights, light boxes and 1970s inspired fibre–optic lamps are a style statement rather than a source of light,' suggests Clare. The pink fairy string lights (£20) from Wallace Sacks add charm to a bed end or mirror.

Want an eco solution to your lighting needs? Read our guide to environmentally friendly lighting.