The Best Way To Style Neon Lighting

If you like your lighting fun, you’re in the right place. Lighting is SO much more than a functional necessity in your home - it’s a design choice that can transform the feel of a room, influence your mood and reflect your personality. Nothing does this better than neon lighting, which has emerged as a bold, vibrant trend in decorative lighting, and offers an eclectic and colourful way to light a room. Whether you're thinking of upgrading your living room lighting , revamping your outdoor lights, or exploring quirky and unusual lamps, neon lighting offers versatile and visually stunning options. Join us for a closer look...

Originally associated with shop signs and retro diners, neon lights have found their way into our homes (and hearts) as trend-led elements of decorative lighting. Thanks to LED technology, today’s neon-style lights are energy-efficient, safe to use indoors, and available in endless colours and designs. These lights make a statement, acting as both art and illumination.

Whether you're using them as wall lights for the living room or integrating them into your mood lighting set-up, neon lighting serves as a dynamic component in contemporary home decor.

When lighting a room, it’s important to balance functionality with aesthetics. Neon lights work best as accent or mood lighting, contributing to the ambiance of a room rather than providing the main source of illumination. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate neon lighting into various parts of your home:

• Living room: Use a bright neon word or icon above a sofa as a centrepiece. This works particularly well in eclectic or modern spaces.

• Bedroom: A subtle glow from a pink or purple neon heart can add a rock n' roll yet romantic feel.

• Home office: A motivational quote in neon can enhance energy and productivity while adding a splash of personality.

Neon works especially well when layered with other cordless lighting solutions, such as portable lamps or LED strips, to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Neon lights are the epitome of statement lighting (often literally!) They focus the attention, start conversations, and set the tone of a room.

To use neon lighting effectively, you should:

1. Choose a theme – Whether it's your home bar, the kitchen or the downstairs loo, there’s a neon lighting solution for that! Browse at your leisure to find a design that complements your decor.

2. Mix materials – Style your neon lighting next to or with wooden or metal fixtures to create contrast and texture. Greenery works brilliantly, too.

3. Consider placement – Mount neon lights on blank walls to draw the eye, or use them to highlight architectural features like alcoves or shelves.

This guide to statement lighting wouldn’t be complete without recommending the pairing of neon lighting with quirky and unusual lamps. Mixing a fun neon sign with unusual and quirky table lamps can create a dynamic lighting scheme perfect for creative spaces.

Neon lighting is at the heart of funky lighting - designs are generally bold, colourful, and unconventional. Funky lighting doesn’t follow traditional rules. Instead, it’s all about personality.
For example:

• A cactus-shaped neon lamp brings a touch of desert whimsy to a minimalist room.

• Lightning bolt neon lighting work perfectly in a teen’s room or games room. Experiment with different designs to see what works best for your home.

Small rooms can feel cramped and dark if not lit properly. Neon lighting can help open up these spaces with their soft, radiant glow and vibrant colours. One of the best lighting tips for small rooms is to avoid bulky floor lamps or overly ornate chandeliers. Instead, consider:

• Wall lights to free up floor space.

• Slim, vertical neon lighting solutions elongate walls and create a sense of height.

• Light-coloured neon lights, such as white or pastel, help to reflect more light.

Combining neon lighting with decorative pieces like mirrors and reflective surfaces can amplify light and create an illusion of spaciousness.

Mood lighting is all about setting the tone. Neon lighting is great for creating a party vibe, but styled in the right way, it can also make a space feel relaxed or energising. Consider dimmable neon signs or lights with remote controls, which allow you to shift colours based on time of day or mood.

For example:

• Neon lighting that features warm colours (orange, pink and sunset corals) create a cosy feel.

• Cool colours (blue, green) give all the calm and tranquil feels.

• Bright or mixed colours can energise and uplift you.

Using neon as mood lighting for the living room, for example, not only adds a fun and contemporary twist but also helps you tailor the atmosphere to different occasions.

If you're on the hunt for wall lights for the living room, kitchen or even the hallway, neon lighting presents a quirky alternative to traditional wall sconces. Unlike conventional lights, neon wall lights are both artistic and functional. Mounting a neon sign or shape above a console table, behind the TV, or next to a bookshelf can subtly illuminate the room while adding an artful touch.

Wall-mounted neon lighting also works really well in hallways, staircases, and landings – in other words, transitional areas that often lack visual interest.

Neon lighting isn’t just for interiors - it's increasingly used as outdoor lighting, too. Weatherproof LED neon lights can turn your patio, balcony, or garden into the most fabulous entertaining space that pops with personality.

Neon lighting ideas for outdoors include:

• Using neon signs to illuminate the function of certain areas – bar, dance floor, or a cosy corner.

• Framing garden entrances with neon to create a superstar welcome.

• Hanging festive neon signs as part of your outdoor Christmas lights for a modern holiday look.

Pair neon with traditional garden lighting to balance form and function. While neon lighting adds style, colour and quirkiness, conventional garden lights ensure sufficient brightness and visibility.

One of the biggest challenges in lighting design is dealing with wires and power outlets. Cordless lighting solves this problem completely and looks effortlessly stylish at the same time. Neon lights come in battery-powered and rechargeable versions, making them easier to install in unconventional spaces.

Whether you're shining a light on your favourite tomes on a bookshelf, decorating for a party, or enhancing your existing lighting set-up, cordless neon options offer freedom of placement and easy portability.

If you’re already using neon lighting, why not double down on the uniqueness with quirky and unusual lamps ? Think lava lamps, mushroom-shaped lights, or animal-inspired designs. These unusual and quirky table lamps pair well with neon lights to create rooms full of character and creativity.

In eclectic or bohemian spaces, this mix-and-match approach to lighting breaks all the rules - in the best way. Use a variety of textures, colours, and shapes to build a lighting scheme that feels curated and expressive.

Neon lighting has evolved from retro signage to one of the most versatile and stylish decorative lighting options. Whether you're exploring lighting ideas for the living room, kitchen, home bar or hallway, refreshing your outdoor Christmas lights, or experimenting with funky lighting, neon adds flair, colour, and personality to any space. You won't regret it!