How to winter proof your living room this Christmas

This week the cold has really set in and December begins next week. I really do not have a clue where this year has gone!

Firstly, I completely apologise for going quiet for the last few weeks. We have been so busy adding new products to the site and ensuring all your orders go out as soon as physically possible. We really want to ensure you have the maximum chance of finding your perfect lighting solution.

While browsing through our fantastic content provided from our amazing twitter followers we stumbled across this article from Period Homes . They have put together a really useful article if you’re considering adding a stove to your home.

This got me inspired to put together some ideas to help you make your living room a cosy place to be.  A warm space I can curl up with a book during winter evenings is heaven For me what makes a room feel cosy is comfy sofas, warm colours, blankets and candles. I’ve found a few ideas to increase cosiness without a big redecorate.

For me, this room set idea (found on this homedit blog) is super comfy. The combo of the fire, the colours and the leather sofa just looks so relaxing. Personally, I would really mix up the colours a bit so it wasn’t just the orange. I’d add a few warm reds and yellows.

I love these knitted pillows. I found them in @cowdogdesignuk ‘s Etsy Store. Knitted products always make me feel warm and cosy. The colour looks really warm and the cushions just look really comfy.

To add to the cushions, this crocheted blanked from @sunroomuk (also another talented Etsy seller) . is a beautiful addition. I used to have one of these as a child and just looking at one makes me feel really warm.

If you need some fabric and want to upgrade your curtains to match your new super comfy looking lounge give Gilroy Interiors a call. They are super talented and have some amazing fabrics.

I'm already fed up of the dark rainy days stuck indoors. A great way to combat this is to add a little extra light to your room. To avoid turning on the main light in the middle of the day get yourself a new table lamp.  It provides a comforting extra light and allows you to get on with your day without switching all the lights on. This is one of my favourites that I have put onto the website this week – the BelfryBY/TL BLK by Elstead lighting. I’ve totally fallen in love with the base style – it looks fantastic.

A complete must for me for a cosy room is a warm fire. However, if you aren’t able to add one in this year - substitute for candles. They are a great way of creating a relaxed atmosphere for an evening. If you don’t like naked flames you can also get these fantastic LED Candles (as seen displayed in our candle holders).

Candle 1: EH-Pablo-L by Endon Home

Candle 2: 2 Pack Ceramic candle holders by Dar Lighting

Candle 3: EH-Marini by Endon Home

Candle 4: Porcelain Bowl Tealight Holder by Stylys

 We hope after reading this blog you feel a lot warmer than you did :) Thanks for reading!

If you have any further questions about any of the lights shown please do not hesitate to contact us on 01202 601846. 

www.shinelighting.co.uk Your local lighting specialist

What to do with unused space – Reading Nooks

Now that the evenings are getting darker, you’re not going out as often. Now you need to find things to do at home. I spend most of my evenings reading, watching TV or one of my many unfinished craft projects.

I would love to spend more of my time reading, however, I struggle to find somewhere quiet where I can hide. Being able to immerse yourself in a good book helps you relax. You may be surprised to know you do not need a huge amount of space to create your own reading space.

Do you have some spare unloved space? An underused storage cupboard perhaps or is the space under your stairs currently unused? We’ve got a few ideas for you inject some love and use into these unloved spaces in your home.

Idea 1: A Window Seat

A window seat (we found this one from Beautiful Home Ideas) is a great way of injecting some love into unused space by a window. This is especially ideal if you have bay windows as they allow for lots of natural light and a large seating area. Why not build in some shelving to surround the window to store all you books? Alternatively, borrow the idea for draws under the seat (or a fold up seat) if you prefer a more minimalist look.  

Accessorise your window seat to give it some personal style. This will really help you to chill out and relax. This can be easily done with some lighting and soft furnishings.

1 =   Fisherman 8686CP Firstlight £54. This copper finish in combination with the vintage fisherman style is so timeless. Ideal for a wow piece for your window seat.

2 =  Amalfi AMA0750 by Dar Lighting £104.50 (if brought with shade shown). This light gives you the benefit of being independently switched. So you have the option of a gentle low light and a flexible LED light. Gives you the light exactly were you need it most.

3 =  Never Grow Up Peter Pan cushion by AlixInsanity.  I fell in love with this cushion as soon as I saw it. This was definitely one of my Top 10 childhood films and this cushions really encompasses the best bits. Available in various sizes.

Idea 2: An unused storage space

This is proof that you don’t need much space for a private hideaway reading nook.  A space this size could be being currently underused as a storage cupboard, the space under the stairs or in your attic. Don’t have room for shelves, why not use the space under the day bed? If you do have room then what do you think of this tree style book shelf design? It adds some great style if you’re after something a little different. Make this space your own.

1 = Joshua JOS0763 by David Hunt Lighting. If you’re going to follow through with the concept of the panelled wood then this will match in perfectly. This bronze wood effect wall light looks so decorative and will give a great light for reading by.

2 =   Annabelle ANN0950 by Dar Lighting. This beautiful  2 light wall light is switched, so it is super convenient in addition to looking stunning. The glass shades means this will give you a great light level for reading. I love the glass beads of the wire, it means this looks beautiful on or off.

3 = Clock Vintage Cushion from OhSewContemporary. I love vintage clocks. This looks stunning, it would look fantastic mixed in with a couple of more colourful designs.

We hope these ideas have left you feeling inspired about the potential to create your own reading corner. It will be the ideal place to hide away for the winter.

If you have any further questions about any of the lights shown please do not hesitate to contact us on 01202 601846. 

www.shinelighting.co.uk Your local lighting specialist