Light up every room this Christmas

The tree might seem like the ultimate symbol of Christmas, but it’s not really a Christmas tree until it’s all lit up and shining bright. Towns and cities across the nation gather for the annual switching on of the lights and even the most bah humbug among us has their frozen hearts melted by the soft glow of a festive illumination. In the depths of winter, decorative lights are little beacons of joy. 

So what's the best way to plan a successful Christmas lighting scheme? Start with the natural focal points – the tree, the mantelpiece and the bannisters in a hall or open-plan living space. It’s easier to spot the black holes elsewhere in the room once these key features are lit.

Count your regular lamps and mood lighting into the scheme, knowing that you may need to move these around a free up power sockets and create some balance. The final flourishes are the ‘occasion’ illuminations such as little strings of LEDS on the bar cart or candles on the table for dinner.

Line lights are the brilliant go-to for everything from the tree to the mantelpiece, across walls and around mirrors, as well as around architectural features such as bannisters, door frames and windows. Hanging lights are also a great option for windows, alcoves or above a sideboard.

In the past, line lights could be quite a hit-and-miss affair with bulbs that blew and caused untold anguish as you tried to find the culprit among 40 or 50 lamps. Modern LEDS are thankfully less hassle. These long-lasting bulbs power on and on and remain cool to touch, making them much safer.

Most are also extra-low voltage and fitted with a transformer plug. This can get hot so take care not to cover it and always unplug lights at night before you head off to bed. Electrical Safety First has a useful leaflet on how to use, store and look after your lights so they'll last for many Christmases to come.

Bulbs come in cool white and warm white as well as a range of colours, while the cable options include everything from transparent to copper wire as well as green for the tree. Warm white bulbs are the most popular for indoors as they create a cosy glow but the brightness of cool light has its place in party spaces and on a white Christmas tree.

Coloured lights are making a real comeback for more creative effects – pick one or two colours and balance coloured lines on a tree with a matching lit feature elsewhere in the room. Most lights have a choice of twinkle patterns with the soft transitions giving a comforting glow, while the kids will always find the one setting with furious flashing, making your Christmas tree look like a spacecraft coming in to land.

One last safety consideration is the inevitable trail of cables. Avoid over-loading sockets and power extensions, and secure trailing cables close to walls, floors and fixtures. 

Neon has been a brilliant addition to Christmas lights over the last few years, ready to hang on walls and at windows. These glass tubes of neon and argon gas can be formed into a wide variety of shapes so take your pick from a simple star to leaping reindeers and a whole host of Christmas characters from our Technicolour Supernature theme.

Battery-lights are one of the unsung heroes in the Christmas lighting scheme. They may be small but they pack a punch and can go just about anywhere without leaving a trailing cable across to a power socket. Arrange a twinkle of line lights among foliage on the table, around a display in a side table, in a glass vase of baubles or in a lantern. Tuck the power pack out of sight but make sure it’s still accessible for easy switching off and on (stock up on good quality batteries too). Most LED lights will last 18-24 hours on 3 x AA batteries (micro lights last significantly longer). Most light up wreaths, mini trees and room decorations will be battery-operated so take the opportunity to be creative with where you place them.

The flicker of a natural flame is irresistible and Christmas is the golden opportunity to fill the house with candles and tealights. Lanterns and novelty festive holders make wonderful displays while candles on the table will always help a a meal to feel special. Try clustering a few on a vintage silver tray for added twinkle.

Festive fragrance is an extra bonus with candles and warming spices such as cinnamon and cloves, the citrus zing of orange and the green notes of spruce, eucalyptus and woody herbs such as rosemary are all popular at this time of year. Do be candle safe – don’t place them near soft furnishings, keep them out of the reach of children and extinguish them safely when you leave the room.

Lights really are one of the most warming Christmas spectacles so get the whole family involved in creating a scheme. Stock up on picture strips and clear hooks from the picture hanging department. Most are designed to peel away without damaging the wall when the light show is over for another year.