More than mere illumination, lighting is a transformative force, capable of shifting the very atmosphere of a room, highlighting cherished details, and guiding the eye through a carefully curated narrative. It is the invisible creator of ambiance, the silent sculptor of mood, and the essential component that turns a house into a truly beautiful home.Â
We believe that the right lighting is not just functional; it's fundamental to creating a home that breathes with warmth, exudes character, and embraces an undeniable sense of belonging.
This insightful guide is designed to unlock the secrets of home lighting, drawing insights from revered design voices like Melissa Penfold and Neale Whitaker, and revealing how Few & Far's curated lighting collection can help you to elevate your space. We'll delve into how different light sources can sculpt dimensionality, enhance textures, and create inviting pockets of warmth, transforming your living spaces into sanctuaries of style and comfort.
Understanding the nuances of light is truly the first step in illuminating the narrative within your home.
At its core, lighting serves to banish darkness, but its true artistry lies in its ability to paint a room, not just illuminate it. Melissa Penfold, a luminary in the world of Australian interior design, eloquently explains the essence of this power. As she often highlights, a lamp is far more than a simple device for casting light. It's a pivotal design element—a strategic opportunity to introduce texture, captivating form, and a layer of intrigue that truly transforms a space. These are the pieces that often catch your eye first, acting as a crucial focal point for your room's narrative, drawing focus and defining areas with their glow.
Light possesses an almost magical ability to shape our perception of a space. It can deceptively expand a small room, create intimate, inviting corners in a sprawling open-plan area, soften harsh architectural edges, and dramatically highlight architectural features or beloved art pieces. It is the silent director of atmosphere, subtly guiding our emotions and enhancing our experiences within a home. A thoughtfully placed lamp can effortlessly transform a humble corner into a serene reading area, or turn a simple dining table into a scene of warmth, connection, and culinary delight. This profound impact goes beyond mere brightness; it's about the quality, direction, and warmth of the light itself, each contributing to the subtle psychology of a room.
Image sourced via Instagram @melissa_penfold
We share Melissa's philosophy that a home should be a deeply personal reflection, a rich tapestry woven from individual experiences and cherished possessions. We believe in blending pieces with history and soul.
As Melissa shared with The Sydney Morning Herald: "My homes are always a mix of things from different times and places, from grand to simple. I choose natural fabrics over synthetics, authentic furniture over reproductions, something battered and weathered with a history that has style simply because it is real."
This authentic approach extends perfectly to our lighting philosophy; a truly inspiring lamp often brings its own story, whether through its vintage-inspired form, its handcrafted material, or its ability to simply feel real and integrated within your space. The recent feature of one of our lamps in House & Garden's esteemed "The Best Lamps from Luxe to Less" series is a powerful testament to this very principle, showcasing how a considered light can be a genuine work of art that enhances your home's unique character and contributes to its authentic narrative.
Images below sourced from The Sydney Morning Herald article.
We loved an Instagram post from Neale Whitaker talking about the importance of lighting and what a big part it plays in his everyday life.
Few voices in Australian interior design are as passionately articulate about the power of lighting as Neale Whitaker. His famous declaration, "I love lamps!", has become a signature phrase, often punctuated by his playful yet earnest plea on The Block: "You would have heard me on The Block saying, 'Where are the lamps?'"
Neale's infectious enthusiasm stems from a profound and intuitive understanding of how lighting dictates the emotional landscape of a room, seamlessly transforming it from a purely functional space into a truly lived-in, nurturing sanctuary. He champions the idea that lighting is not merely about visibility, but about visibility with feeling.
For Neale, lighting is a crucial ritual, a daily transition that signifies the shift from the bustling energy of the day to the tranquil embrace of evening. He openly shares his nighttime routine: walking around his home, drawing the blinds to gently soften the outside world, and systematically turning on his many lamps. This deliberate, almost meditative act allows him to seamlessly guide his home from the vibrant movement of daytime activity to the soothing, intimate atmosphere of evening. This ritual profoundly underscores the psychological impact of light – how a subtle change in illumination can act as a powerful cue for relaxation, fostering intimacy, and cultivating a deeper, more personal connection to our inner world and our immediate surroundings.
This devotion to lamps passionately champions the immense benefits of soft, layered lighting. In stark contrast to the often harsh, unforgiving glare of single overhead lights that cast unflattering shadows and create a sterile, almost clinical atmosphere, lamps offer a symphony of warmth, depth, and an inviting glow. They strategically create pools of light that define distinct zones within a room, draw attention to specific features, and effortlessly conjure a sense of intimacy and coziness that is utterly essential for true comfort and well-being. This thoughtful, nuanced approach to illumination is unequivocally key to crafting a home that feels not just seen, but profoundly felt, creating an ambiance that wraps around you like a warm embrace.
Images captured by Rachael Tagg at the opening of our Sydney store at the Rosebery Engine Yards.
To truly master the art of home illumination and unlock its unparalleled transformative power, one must embrace and understand the fundamental principle of layered lighting. This sophisticated approach involves the deliberate combination of different types of light sources to create a dynamic, adaptable, and emotionally resonant lighting scheme that flawlessly serves various purposes throughout the day and into the evening. There are three fundamental types of lighting, each playing a vital and distinct role in sculpting your space:
Ambient Lighting: This is your overarching general illumination, providing a foundational glow that sets the base mood for the entire room. It should be soft, diffuse, and inviting, replacing the often harsh and unflattering glare of single overhead fixtures. Think of ceiling-mounted fixtures equipped with dimmers for ultimate control, discreet cove lighting that casts a gentle glow, or strategically placed floor lamps that softly wash the walls and ceiling, bathing the room in a serene, inviting light. Ambient lighting provides the essential warmth and ensures no part of the room feels like a dark, neglected void, laying the groundwork for comfortable living.
Task Lighting: As its name inherently suggests, task lighting is both functional and focused illumination, meticulously designed for specific activities that require clear visibility. Its importance for practicality and efficiency cannot be overstated. This category includes elegant table lamps strategically placed next to your favourite armchair for immersive reading sessions, adjustable floor lamps providing optimal light for hobbies like intricate crafting or detailed work, or discreet under-cabinet lighting in a kitchen ensuring clear visibility for meal preparation. Task lighting is about precision and ensuring you have adequate, comfortable light precisely where and when you need it, preventing eye strain and significantly enhancing productivity and enjoyment of activities.
Accent Lighting: This is truly where the drama, the artistry, and the curated intention of lighting truly shine. Accent lighting is meticulously designed to highlight specific features within a room, adding profound depth, captivating dimensionality, and a sophisticated, gallery-like feel. Use it to deliberately draw attention to a beloved piece of artwork, an architectural detail like a beautifully textured wall or a recessed niche, a cherished sculpture, or any unique decor item that holds special significance. Think of carefully positioned picture lights, subtle spotlights, or strategically placed narrow-beam lamps. Accent lighting creates profound visual interest, guides the eye through your curated narrative, and adds a layer of unexpected sophistication, effortlessly transforming your home into a personal gallery of your unique style and treasured possessions.
Mastering layered lighting means understanding how these three distinct types of light work in seamless harmony, creating a symphony of illumination. You might begin by setting a soft ambient glow to invite calm, then activate task lighting for focused work in a specific zone, and finally, employ accent lighting to beautifully highlight a favourite piece of art or a family heirloom. This dynamic interplay allows you to effortlessly adapt the room's mood from bright and highly functional during the day to intimate, relaxing, and utterly inviting in the evening, ensuring your space is always perfectly lit for every occasion and every story.
The selection of your lamps transcends the mere utilitarian choice of a light source; it is a profound act of choosing pieces that profoundly contribute to the very form, texture, and narrative of your home. At Few & Far, our meticulously curated lighting collection embodies this philosophy, offering pieces where striking design purposefully meets function.
Form (Shape & Silhouette): The inherent silhouette of a lamp is a powerful aesthetic statement, capable of defining the character of a space. Our collection spans a diverse and inspiring range of forms, from sleek, minimalist designs that effortlessly speak to modern sensibilities, to bold, sculptural pieces that command attention and spark conversation, and organic, handcrafted silhouettes that bring a natural softness and warmth. A lamp's shape can subtly echo architectural lines, introduce an unexpected whimsical element, or simply add a pleasing visual rhythm that perfectly complements your existing furniture and decor, creating a cohesive and intentional look.
Texture & Materiality: The materials from which a lamp is crafted add significant tactile and visual interest, profoundly influencing how light is diffused, reflected, and absorbed. You'll find lamps meticulously crafted from gleaming metals (like the warm lustre of brass, the grounding presence of iron, or the sophisticated glint of subtle hints of chrome) that add a touch of modern luxury or industrial edge. Our collection also features the earthy warmth of ceramics, the organic beauty of rich woods, the delicate clarity of exquisite glass, and the inviting softness of natural fabric shades. Mixing these diverse textures within your lighting scheme can create a rich, layered display that deeply engages the senses and adds profound dimensionality to your space.
Scale & Proportion: Choosing the right size lamp for its intended location is absolutely crucial for achieving visual harmony and balance within a room. A towering floor lamp can majestically anchor a large living room, creating a powerful vertical element, while a petite table lamp might be the perfect, intimate accent for a cozy bedside nook. Carefully consider the height of your sideboards, the dimensions of your coffee tables, and the overall volume of the room when selecting your lighting to ensure a perfectly balanced and appealing display that feels just right.
The "Collected" Look: Echoing Melissa Penfold's timeless philosophy of blending pieces from "different times and places," Few & Far passionately encourages creating a curated, "collected" look with your lamps. Don't be afraid to fearlessly mix different lamp styles, periods, and materials – perhaps a vintage-inspired table lamp might sit harmoniously next to a sleek, modern floor lamp, or an antique-finished piece beside a contemporary ceramic form. The key to this eclectic approach is to find a cohesive thread, whether it’s a shared material, a similar colour tone, or an overarching design philosophy, that subtly ties these diverse pieces together into a unique, personal statement that authentically tells your story. This approach transforms your lighting from mere purchases into cherished, collected narratives.
Our curated collection of lamps at Few & Far includes an inspiring array of options: versatile floor lamps that command presence, elegant table lamps perfect for intimate vignettes, and captivating pendants that serve as sculptural focal points. From our new arrivals designed to instantly elevate your loungeroom story to timeless classics that transcend trends, each piece is meticulously selected for its inherent beauty, its impeccable craftsmanship, and its remarkable ability to infuse your home with the perfect blend of illumination, colour, and texture. These are not just lights; they are expressions of artistry and personal style.
The profound power of thoughtful lighting extends its transformative touch to every corner of your home, allowing you to meticulously sculpt the atmosphere and significantly enhance functionality in diverse spaces, ensuring each room feels uniquely tailored to its purpose.
To ensure your cherished lamps continue to bring joy, beauty, and optimal illumination to your home for many years to come, mindful and consistent care is absolutely essential:
Dust Regularly: Make it a habit to use a soft, dry cloth or a gentle feather duster to regularly remove dust from lamp shades, bases, and bulbs. This not only keeps them looking pristine but also ensures maximum light output.
Clean Shades Appropriately: Fabric shades can often be gently vacuumed with a brush attachment or carefully dabbed with a slightly damp cloth to remove marks. Glass or metal shades can be effectively wiped clean with a suitable, non-abrasive cleaner and a lint-free cloth for a sparkling, streak-free shine. Always refer to manufacturer's instructions for specific care.
Bulb Replacement: Always use the correct wattage and bulb type recommended by the lamp manufacturer to prevent damage and ensure safety. Consider investing in energy-efficient LED bulbs; they offer superior longevity, consume less energy, and reduce heat output, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.
Cord Safety: Regularly inspect lamp cords for any signs of fraying, cracks, or damage. If any issues are found, replace the cord immediately or have it professionally repaired to prevent electrical hazards.
Protect Surfaces: Place lamps on coasters or protective pads to prevent scratching or marking furniture surfaces, especially with heavier or metal-based lamps.
Lighting is truly the quiet hero of home design, an investment not just in brightness, but in atmosphere, well-being, and the very soul of your space. By understanding the intricate language of light and diligently applying thoughtful layering techniques, you can transform any room into a sanctuary that perfectly reflects your personal style and unique narrative. It's about harnessing light to create moments, evoke emotions, and tell the story of your home.
Explore Few & Far's curated collection of lamps – from versatile floor lamps that command presence, to elegant table lamps perfect for intimate vignettes, and captivating pendants that serve as sculptural focal points. Discover the pieces specifically designed to bring that perfect blend of illumination, colour, and texture to your home, enhancing its beauty and functionality.
We invite you to visit our stores or browse our comprehensive selection online, and let the light define your story, chapter by chapter.
