Reclaim The Big Light

Is it time to reevaluate our relationship with overhead lighting?

The "Big Light" is often maligned these days. The overhead light that sits at the centre of most living rooms, kitchens and dining spaces has been decried by social media commentators across the world, and deemed to be an intrusive and even obnoxious part of many homes. We'd like to make a defence of the humble Big Light, which we see as an integral element of any living space, and one that can be bettered through engagement and adaptation rather than written off completely.

The traditional Big Light is seen as problematic for some due to the monotony of the tone of the light itself. In essence a large, directional light that serves to illuminate a vast space, overhead lighting, when used carelessly, can overwhelm and dazzle, resulting in an ambience which is just not comfortable, and, well, not very ambient. It’s a tone often associated with the workplace for many, where being surrounded by an unshifting, flat light for an 8 hour working day can be exhausting. Fortunately, this no longer needs to be the case, with a number of technological innovations such as dimmers and diffusers helping to distort and transform the manner in which we interact with overhead lighting. 

Let’s start with one of the obvious benefits of the big light; it’s simple! While a myriad of smaller lamps require effort, the Big Light offers the inverse, with a single overhead light capable of fully illuminating a room with minimal effort or investment. Thanks to developments with modern technology the Big Light is now capable of actually being a pretty diverse piece of equipment. Simple adaptations such as changing to a softer bulb, or adding a diffuser or a dimmer into a set-up means that one note, oppressive overhead lighting is a thing of the past. 

Not only is it easier and cheaper to install one main light, but a central light fitting is also more affordable to run, and serves a purpose in terms of energy efficiency too. The Big Light is also very comforting. There’s a reason that we  instinctively turn the big light on when we return home late at night, or enter a new room for the first time.

Perhaps the greatest argument in favour of the Big Light for those of us that appreciate great design is that itself; for the sake of great design. Some of the most iconic pieces of lighting of all time fall under the Big Light banner. Chandeliers and iconic pendants like the PH5 from Louis Poulsen and George Nelson’s classic Bubble Lamps are objectively important pieces of design history. In addition to providing illumination these lights carry a sculptural value that is really important to the design of a space too. The Artichoke, for example, is a real showstopper, and an absolute statement piece that defines whichever space it is placed within.

Ultimately the key to embracing the big light is balance. Rather than simply dismissing the Big Light as a thing of the past we'd argue that it is best used in moderation, in conjunction with other pieces of lighting that together create a palette of light. When sensitively employed alongside a range of other smaller lamps the overhead light can be an invaluable tool, and the key to a successfully and thoughtfully lit environment. Think of the Big Light as a base layer, from which to build a patina of light. Sometimes you may never have it on, or it may be dimmed so low as to be seen as inconsequential, but it’s a practical necessity and a great primer from which to build your lighting around.  There’s a fine line between cosy and gloomy, and the Big Light helps us to navigate this, with thoughtful light capable of influencing and shaping an environment just as much as any piece of furniture.

Where do you stand on the Big Light debate?