Objects of Design #216: Zinc Rise and Fall Lamp

This zinc lamp is perfect for anyone who likes the industrial look. Although see how perfectly it fits it into this pared back Scandi-style interior too.

Zinc is great for interiors but it can be hard to get the finish right which is why you don’t see the lights around that often. This rise and fall version is from The French House and, at £332, is what is technically known as earbleedingly expensive. But, then again, if you love it, and you’ll love it for ever, it’s worth considering.

And if you’re just a little bored with that stainless steel and brushed chrome and want something a little more industrial, zinc might be just what you’re looking for. Although they do also come in coloured ceramic too for £187.

Lighting is actually much more important than we tend to give it credit for. How many of us spend all our money on furniture and then just stick a shade up or turn on a lamp and leave it at that?

I interviewed Sally Storey, the creative director of John Cullen lighting, a few years ago and she told me that you can have a house full of cheap furniture but if you light it cleverly it will look much more expensive.

Now obviously we haven’t all got pots of money to spend on re-wiring and new lighting, but if you are redecorating, it’s worth taking a bit of time to really think about it a room and how you use it.

A few years ago, everyone just stuck spotlights in all their ceilings with a few lamps dotted about and hoped for the best. I think we are all a little more considered than that now.

I only have spotlights in the working part of my kitchen (there are wall lights in the dining area for a softer look)  and in the bathrooms. I have taken out the pendant light fitting in the sitting room as that room never needs a strong overhead light. Instead it is lit by a mix of floor, table and wall lamps.

There are pendant lights in the hall and on the landings and a large one in the room which triples up as bedroom for guests, games room for X-box playing boys and an office for husbands working from home, not forgetting cats trying to be included all of the above. There is also a desk and a bedside lamp but this is a room that needs to be bright and functional most of the time so the overhead light is very practical.

This month we are going to be looking at lighting for all scenarios and at all budgets. I hope you’ll come with me and perhaps we’ll learn a few more tips along the way.