Cottage lighting ideas – 18 pretty ways to brighten your cottage

If you're redesigning your cottage, then cottage lighting ideas are a must. Often overlooked, lighting is a vital aspect of renovating a room and should be considered from the outset rather than added as a finishing touch.

When opting for the perfect lights to complement your cottage decorating, it is important to select pieces that will both sing against your decor and illuminate your space.

'If you have a classic rustic vibe in your cottage, then something like a steel and oak chandelier could be the perfect touch. Alternatively, if you have a more rustic look then an industrial wall light may appeal to you more,' says Mark Feldman, Chief Home Officer of Riverbend Home. 'Coastal cottage style is always popular and adding a pair of white seashell lamps is a great way to instil the coastal style in a subtle way. There are a lot of great options out there, stay true to your style, and the lighting needs of the room and you can’t go wrong.' 

Of course, cottage lighting ideas aren't just about pretty designs – though that's a big part of it – you must also think about the practical purpose your lighting needs to play.

'Begin by thinking about how you use the room,' says Period Living magazine editor Melanie Griffiths. 'If it's a space where you like to relax, then create layers with dimmable lamps and wall lights that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Alternatively, if it's somewhere like the kitchen, then good task lighting is a must.' 

BY HOLLY REANEY