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

Top 5 ideas for decorating with fairy lights at Christmas

  1.  Short on space?

Short on space and really want a Christmas tree? This is a really beautiful and decorative solution.

I love the use of the fairy lights. It just makes this idea look extra special.

To recreate this you do not have to use white fairy lights. Pink pin lights, red pin lights or decorative lights would also look fantastic.

Christmas tree on wall.
Christmas decorating with limited space.

    2. Stairs looking a little bland?

Any space looks a million times better when glammed up with some decorative lights. Love this idea of twisting them bannister. If you mix and match different types of lights you could get really creative.

We think these black and red bead decorated  LED fairy lights would look really festive. 

Don't forget your stairs this christmas.
Use them to create a beautiful display!

  3.    Missing out on having a real fire?

Fairy lights add a really gentle light to your room. They can really help create a relaxing atmosphere – ideal if you are planning a few relaxing evening watching the Christmas telly! 

They look beautiful in addition to a couple of candles.

As you see, they also look beautiful on the Christmas tree!

Fairy lights are the ideal alternative if you don't have a real fire. 

   4.    Want an advent calendar with a difference?

Don’t want to go out and buy an advent calendar this year?  This is a beautiful idea. Get yourself some decorative fairy lights and wrap your treat of choice in some decorative tissue paper!

It looks so festive and really adds to the decoration, especially with the decorative baubles. Recommend using some silver thread to connect for something extra festive.

I’m thinking about setting this up in the office. Thoughts? Comment below!

Make your own decorative advent calendar! 

   5.    Want to make an impressive first impression for your guests?

We love this beautiful idea of mixing traditional festive decorative decoration with fairy lights. My mother does this beautifully on the inside of her front door. The hallway looks fantastic every year.

If you want to recreate this on the outside, make sure to use outdoor suitable fairy lights – such as these white LED pin lights.  

Fairy lights to impress your guests

Safety first

Fairy lights can be a beautiful addition to your home if used properly. However, we do have a few points of advice:

·      Always keep them out of reach of children under 3.

·      Turn them off before you go to bed.

·      Don’t leave them on if you are leaving the house.

·      Always buy from a trusted supplier. This will ensure your lights meet the UK safety criteria.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Watch this space for more ideas for Christmas decorations.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01202 601846.  If we have the lights in stock we'll have them with you next day. 

www.shinelighting.co.uk Your local lighting specialist