This article is dedicated to one of my favourite topics and that’s the lighting and how important can be in a place. I belong to the category of people who could negotiate their food for a couple of months (and those who know me know this doesn’t come lightly)… in order to save up and then invest in designer lighting, and any other light fixtures that steal the show.
Because, my dear friends, even if you have a room painted in the dullest colour and with IKEA furniture (which some are really stylish, by the way, so I don’t upset my Swedish friends)… You just need to add an amazing light fixture to the room, and suddenly you elevate it to the coolest room.
But what types of interior lighting could you add?
Odeon ceiling lamp, Slamp, Light Plus Lighting furniture
Hidden or Concealed Lighting
Hidden lighting is more about giving the right ambience to a room. The secret here is to find the right craftsman. A good craftsman is someone who knows what they’re doing and properly installs the hidden lighting in the drywall, but also makes sure the drywall is flawless, so you don’t see imperfections accentuated by the light, causing your eyes to hurt. Secondly, no matter how good the craftsman is, and even if you know the result you want, nothing compares to consulting with a lighting specialist. There are companies like Foss (Kifisia Avenue 204, Kifisia) and Halo (Kifisia Avenue 310 & Paleologou, Chalandri) to mention just a few that offer such services. If not this, specialised stores might be able to guide you.
Recessed Lighting
As the name suggests, these are installed in walls, most often in drywall, giving a decorative effect. However, they can also serve as task lighting. Unlike hidden lighting, here, the light fixtures are visible.
Spotlights
Very minimal and very popular in recent decades. There are recessed versions, but also others on rails where several can coexist together. They illuminate specific areas and create an atmospheric effect but can also focus on task areas.
Third pendants, Pott, Placed
Hanging Lights and Ceiling Fixtures
Because every respectable home needs its chandelier… Well, when it comes to this, it’s a matter of taste, because personally, a classic chandelier teleports me to Dubai, and the last time I was there, a camel was chasing me to spit on me, and I really wouldn’t want to remember that! However, if we’re talking about a modern chandelier by Tom Dixon, which I mentioned in a previous post, or the Zeppelin 1 by FLOS, that’s a different matter. The situation also changes if we’re talking about a retro or vintage piece that could elevate the eclectic style in a room.
Of course, when we talk about hanging lights, we don’t just mean chandeliers… As hanging lights, you can find a wide range of designs: contemporary, retro, boho, classic, art deco pendants, etc. I can’t tell you what they add to the room. Basically, they add source of light, because if you haven’t added drywall with spotlights or hidden lighting, then you’ll definitely have at least one hanging light as your primary light source.
As for ceiling fixtures (which are not hanging), they are installed in the ceiling, but with a small distance from it, unlike hanging lights. They are the go-to solution if your space has a low ceiling. No one wants to bump into a light fixture every time they pass by.
Calypso So pendants, Contardi, Casa di Patsi
Wall Fixtures
My second favourite type. They are also known as appliqués and are a type of light fixture that was a major trend in the 70s and then faded for a while. But what did I teach you in the last article? The 70s trend is coming back, and along with it, so are the appliqués. However, these are updated in very cool designs. They provide indirect lighting in the room, and by choosing the right design, they can elevate a room, exactly because you don’t expect to see them there, and when you do, you realise that a professional must have designed the space. If you’re completely renovating your place, I’d definitely recommend including wall fixtures in some areas.
Tico wall lights, Pygolampida
Floor Lamps
Next to your sofa… next to your armchair… next to the dining table… or wherever else, floor lamps are definitely independent as they stand alone without the need for furniture or a special fixture in the ceiling or wall, as long as there’s an outlet nearby. And as easy as that might sound, it also requires caution, so the cord isn’t exposed over a large area and you trip over it every time you walk by.
Cadmo led floor lamp, Artemide, Light Plus Lighting furniture
Table Lamps
Table lamps still have great functionality. You definitely need one on desks and nightstands (unless you’ve planned ahead during renovations and installed wall fixtures or reading lights on both sides of the headboard) so you don’t strain your eyes while reading. It also creates a cozy atmosphere on a buffet when you turn on this light instead of the main room lights.
Snoopy table lamp, Flos, Riche
Cold Light vs Warm Light
Both are used depending on the purpose. Warm light, as the name suggests, gives warmth to the environment and is preferred in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Cold light, on the other hand, helps in spaces that need strong and clear lighting, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces.
As for lighting types like ambient, task, accent, and decorative etc., I don’t think it’s within the scope of this blog, because even if you learn what each one means, I believe it’s useless if you don’t have the specialist knowledge to design your space. I hope in future articles, we’ll host some lighting design professionals who can give us practical tips and explain some things.
Now, after explaining few things about lighting, here are some stores where you can find beautiful lighting fixtures.
Placed: Kifisia Avenue 98, Marousi. A company that exclusively distributes certain well-known Spanish and Italian brands in the Greek market and also undertakes lighting studies for private and professional spaces. They offer products from Martinelli Luce, Karman, De Majo, Foscarini, Vibia, Axo light, Eumenes, and Twenty First, among many others. Bell is a very beautiful hanging light from a fantastic company, Aromas del Campo. Similarly special are the ceramic hanging lights Third by Pott.
Bell pendants, Aromas del Campo, Placed
Chris Basias: Panagiotou Anagnostopoulou 42, Athens. A product designer in Athens, who has been designing his own lighting since 2012. A talented creator who has won several international awards. Among his works, I have singled out the Lua – wall/ceiling lamp, made by marble and has a matte white glass sphere, which would give a classy feeling to any room, and the pendant Noufaro, which can be customised to fit your needs.
Lua – wall/ceiling lamps, Chris Basias
To fws: Skoufa 26, Athens. A store with a 30-year history where one can find various lighting styles, from more classic to modern. Notable is the Beam, a floor lamp so minimalistic it’s ideal for those who want something discreet in their space (382 euros), while the portable table lamp Hypsos, with 9 hours of autonomy, offers a very chic solution for both indoors and outdoors (269 euros).
Beam floor lamp, tofws.gr
Pygolampida: Kifisias Avenue 360, Chalandri. With a great variety of both contemporary and classic lighting, there is plenty to choose from. Since I tend to lean more towards contemporary style, I would recommend the Glo C series, which combines metal and glass in various colours and sizes (from 310 to 1550 euros). And if someone wants to decorate their wall with a light that is also sound-absorbing and incredibly stylish, they should choose the Tico wall, which allows endless combinations of bronze and matte black metal, and a variety of colours for the fabric part (from 270 to 445 euros).
Glo C pendants, Πυγολαμπίδα
Riche: Kifisias Avenue 204, Kifisia. A company that represents major brands and offers consulting for various projects. Furthermore, the founder’s vision, Markos Vouzounerakis, created Riche Gallery, where various artworks are exhibited, and artists collaborate with Mr. Vouzounerakis to present lighting as integral part of the artwork. The Doma floor indoor by Venicem adds color while being very discreet (3100 euros). And I couldn’t skip mentioning the iconic table lamp, Snoopy by Flos (1,118 euros), which will beautify your desk or a corner of your home.
Doma floor indoor, Venicem, Riche
Bright Light: Kifisias Avenue 119, Marousi. A lighting manufacturing company based in Greece with 40 years of experience, which has undertaken many projects over the years and exports lighting to 42 countries. If you’re looking for the most creative solutions in spotlights, hidden lighting, recessed lights, then you are in the right place with a variety of options. Of course, in their store, you can find many other lighting pieces, such as hanging, floor-standing, etc. What I liked the most are the Ravus ceiling 2 lights, which are minimalistic and break away from the ordinary, available in white and black. Also very impressive is the Ferio 3 wall light, a round plaster light that creates ambience in any room.
Ravus ceiling 2, Bright light
Delight – Zevkili Bros.: Piraeus 22, Moschato. Another company that manufactures lighting and has 35 years of experience in the lighting industry. If you want to give an industrial feel to your space, the Beluga floor lamp is an excellent choice. The Django hanging lamp adds a splash of intense yellow to the industrial look.
Solar outdoors lights, Foscarini, Casa di Patsi
Light Plus Lighting Furniture: Markou Botsari 11, Glyfada. Founded in 2007, they specialise in lighting studies and decoration, bringing pieces from internationally recognised companies such as Artemide, Flos, Foscarini, Slamp, Studio Italia, LEDS C4, Wever & Ducré. Here, I’d particularly highlight the Artemide lights, such as the stunning Mercury, which is available in various sizes. Another favourite of mine is the Cadmo Led floor lamp. From the company Slamp, I have singled out the Odeon ceiling light, which gives a modern feel to a classic design.
Mercury, Artemide, Light Plus Lighting furniture
Reywal by Joy Stathopoulou: Charitos 26, Kolonaki. If you are looking for very unique handmade lighting fixtures made by colourful threads by a talented creator, you need to look for the brand Reywal. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, and honestly, you won’t know which one to choose.
Πυθάρι 1, Reywal by Joy Stathopoulou
Now, I’d like to mention some furniture stores that collaborate with incredible international lighting brands and might meet your needs if you’re looking for designer lighting.
Room: Alimos Avenue 91, Alimos. This store really stands out because they have chosen very beautiful pieces from various designers for their lighting collection. Notable among them are the futuristic Afrodite lights, suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. The Aim by Flos is also one of the pieces that has become a classic over time.
Aim pendants, Flos, Room
Kave Home: Alimos Avenue 14, Alimos. This store has already been mentioned for its furniture, but they also have great lighting fixtures apart from furniture. If you want to bring zen to your space with style, you’ll love the Hila series, a ceiling light made of white paper and natural wood veneer, available in various sizes, which, when combined, create an impressive focal point for a living room or above a dining table (from 56 to 98 euros). The Makai ceiling lamp, made of metal with a black finish, gives a boho look but in black for those who are tired of beige (216 euros).
Hila pendants, Kave home
Casa di Patsi: Kifisias Avenue 188, Kifisia. In addition to stunning furniture, this store has lighting from renowned brands such as Contardi, Tom Dixon, Foscarini, and many more. If you want to create lighting focal points in your garden, the most impressive light is the Solar by Foscarini. As for the Mesh pendant by Luceplan… something between a net… or a chandelier… however you see it, it will become the central piece in your home. And lastly, the Calypso So pendants from Contardi, available in various colour combinations, are so unique, as you rarely see such an ethnic design that’s also so classy.
Mesh pendant, Luceplan, Casa di Patsi
Whether you decide to hire specialists to do the lighting design or simply choose the lights you like, just remember that a home can accommodate many types, and combining spotlights, hanging or wall-mounted lights, and floor lamps is never too much. In fact, it’s essential. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from the experts at the stores you visit. And as a final tip: dare to choose some striking pieces, because rest assured, they’ll reward you by elevating your space, even if your space is otherwise very minimal.
Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens
Note: Some of the brands mentioned in various stores are not necessarily available exclusively at those stores, but you may find them elsewhere unless specifically noted as exclusive.