Decorating
How to Use Feature Lights to Amp Up a Neutral Space
From illuminated typography to vintage bar signs and fairground letters, here’s how to turn lighting into an eye-catching accessory
Once upon a time, illuminated signage was confined to the dingy depths of diners and bars. Fast-forward to today, though, and we’re seeing neon lighting, as well as its softer modern sister, LED, and friendly fairground-style lighting, cropping up as accessories in the most stylish of homes.
Such is the popularity of this style of lighting that there’s now a huge range of choice, from one-off creations to reclaimed pieces from those bars and diners, sleek glowing strips as well as build-it-yourself neon typography and bulb-lit fairground lettering. And a well-chosen feature light can be a deeply personal addition to your home – after all, nothing makes a statement better than, well, a statement in bright lights.
Such is the popularity of this style of lighting that there’s now a huge range of choice, from one-off creations to reclaimed pieces from those bars and diners, sleek glowing strips as well as build-it-yourself neon typography and bulb-lit fairground lettering. And a well-chosen feature light can be a deeply personal addition to your home – after all, nothing makes a statement better than, well, a statement in bright lights.
Speak the same language
One of the most pleasing aspects of neon lighting in the home is nailing the juxtaposition between classic and contemporary.
The elegant French style of this bedroom is the perfect backdrop for this modern piece, which updates the décor while blending in seamlessly thanks to a classic typewriter font and a romantic sentiment. (Seletti makes single neon letters and numbers as well as other typographic lighting.)
One of the most pleasing aspects of neon lighting in the home is nailing the juxtaposition between classic and contemporary.
The elegant French style of this bedroom is the perfect backdrop for this modern piece, which updates the décor while blending in seamlessly thanks to a classic typewriter font and a romantic sentiment. (Seletti makes single neon letters and numbers as well as other typographic lighting.)
Have fun with colour
The vibrancy of neon lighting is the perfect way to perk up a modern, neutral space.
The pale tones and abundance of clear Perspex in this whitewashed kitchen-diner could have looked stark, but classic bar signage adds character while being in keeping with the overall style of the room. Splashes of coordinating colour up the wattage of the theme, taking it from clean to fun in just a few tweaks.
The vibrancy of neon lighting is the perfect way to perk up a modern, neutral space.
The pale tones and abundance of clear Perspex in this whitewashed kitchen-diner could have looked stark, but classic bar signage adds character while being in keeping with the overall style of the room. Splashes of coordinating colour up the wattage of the theme, taking it from clean to fun in just a few tweaks.
Mix and match
There’s more than one way to include decorative feature lighting and a pared-down aesthetic in the same room – the key is to keep it minimal, using contrasting styles that won’t clash.
The strip lighting built into this bed is clean, while the large, single-letter light works as a stand-alone piece. The two styles used here don’t compete for attention with one another, leaving the room neat and unfussy.
There’s more than one way to include decorative feature lighting and a pared-down aesthetic in the same room – the key is to keep it minimal, using contrasting styles that won’t clash.
The strip lighting built into this bed is clean, while the large, single-letter light works as a stand-alone piece. The two styles used here don’t compete for attention with one another, leaving the room neat and unfussy.
Send mixed signals
Monochrome is the ideal canvas for contrast. For maximum impact, go really bright – and it doesn’t get much brighter than primary colours.
An eaves-dominated room such as this unusual home office is limited on wall space, but making use of the rafters has lent this classic street sign a unique perspective.
Monochrome is the ideal canvas for contrast. For maximum impact, go really bright – and it doesn’t get much brighter than primary colours.
An eaves-dominated room such as this unusual home office is limited on wall space, but making use of the rafters has lent this classic street sign a unique perspective.
Go for a glow
Feature lighting doesn’t have to be limited to a single statement piece – it can also be installed into units to bathe spaces in a soft, colourful glow. This atmospheric take on the idea is a versatile option that offers multiple colour choices to suit your mood or to transform the entire vibe of a room.
See what striking effects colourful lighting can have in the bathroom
Feature lighting doesn’t have to be limited to a single statement piece – it can also be installed into units to bathe spaces in a soft, colourful glow. This atmospheric take on the idea is a versatile option that offers multiple colour choices to suit your mood or to transform the entire vibe of a room.
See what striking effects colourful lighting can have in the bathroom
Remember that opposites attract
Neon is an unexpected way to sharpen shabby chic décor, and can work particularly well due to the element of surprise. This cycle-motif light is a playful addition to otherwise grown-up furnishings, and speaks to the character of the person who lives here.
When selecting a piece that’s incongruous with your home’s style, look for something individual that reflects your personality for best effect.
Neon is an unexpected way to sharpen shabby chic décor, and can work particularly well due to the element of surprise. This cycle-motif light is a playful addition to otherwise grown-up furnishings, and speaks to the character of the person who lives here.
When selecting a piece that’s incongruous with your home’s style, look for something individual that reflects your personality for best effect.
Make the neighbours jealous
Neon numbers present the perfect opportunity to give your home the best-dressed doorway on the block. If your house has a glass porch that means your front door is visible from the outside, you can afford to go high-vis; numbers for the exterior of your home might fare better on the more conservative (and weatherproof!) side. Either way, no one will miss your door.
Neon numbers present the perfect opportunity to give your home the best-dressed doorway on the block. If your house has a glass porch that means your front door is visible from the outside, you can afford to go high-vis; numbers for the exterior of your home might fare better on the more conservative (and weatherproof!) side. Either way, no one will miss your door.
Put the cherry on top
Standout fairground lights can take centre stage in a minimalist setting, but the right piece can also be the perfect finishing touch for a room with a defined theme.
The contrasting textures of wood, steel and Perspex and the monochromatic colour scheme here needed a little something extra to give the décor a bit of oomph, and this strong piece is just the lift it needs.
Standout fairground lights can take centre stage in a minimalist setting, but the right piece can also be the perfect finishing touch for a room with a defined theme.
The contrasting textures of wood, steel and Perspex and the monochromatic colour scheme here needed a little something extra to give the décor a bit of oomph, and this strong piece is just the lift it needs.
Dabble with one-dimensional
Love the idea of a mega-bright feature light, but still too wary to commit? Emulate the vibrance of neon with a framed print that captures the essence of electric décor without the permanence.
TELL US…
Have you dabbled with colourful LED, fairground or neon lighting in your home – or, if not, would you? Share your opinions and photos in the Comments below.
Love the idea of a mega-bright feature light, but still too wary to commit? Emulate the vibrance of neon with a framed print that captures the essence of electric décor without the permanence.
TELL US…
Have you dabbled with colourful LED, fairground or neon lighting in your home – or, if not, would you? Share your opinions and photos in the Comments below.
From kooky phrases to provocative declarations, slogan lighting is having a major moment. Larger pieces, like this Tracey Emin artwork, are often custom-made and tend to run on the pricier side, so it’s advisable to be very sure the writing on your wall says something you want to be reminded of daily.
The light pink is pretty paired with pastel green, but this would look equally good in another colour scheme.
Discover more innovative ways to get typography into your home