Shine on: the power of lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to alter the mood and atmosphere of a space, as the Southbank Centre's Light Show, which opened at the Hayward Gallery this month, illustrates.

Featuring the work of over 20 artists, the show shows the extent to which light has the power to affect our states of mind and alter our perceptions, enhancing moods and generating the impression of space and scale (southbankcentre.co.uk). What's true in an art gallery is true in our homes, too: effective lighting will make your spaces more liveable, help create a sense  of space and let you play around with  atmosphere to suit your mood.

And you don't need to be an artist of Olafur Eliasson's calibre to make the most of lighting in your own home. The high street launches its spring/summer collections this month and there are a host of interesting  options to consider.

independent