Eco–friendly lighting

2. Cotton on to the dangers

If you think cotton is a ‘natural’, safe choice for domestic decorating, think again. During production it is often subject to a myriad of toxic chemicals, including bleach, heavy metal dyes and formaldehyde resins. Help out the environment and opt for eco–friendly, unbleached cotton lampshades (£80) from notonthehighstreet.com. Cast a hot pink glow over your living room.

3. Super Saver

Did you know that 30% of carbon emissions in this country are emitted from our homes? Consign old–fashioned incandescents to the scrap heap and snap up these dimmable light bulbs (£11.95) from Natural Collection. They last for 16,000 hours and save over £100 on energy bills, so you’d be dim not to invest in them!

4. The future’s bright. The future’s LED.

When it comes to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), designer Oliver Health is positively bursting with enthusiasm. ‘LEDs are developing more every week. They last for 100,000 hours – an amazing life span – and they use only two watts,’ he exclaims. As we all know, life’s too short to change a light bulb. Save yourself the hassle with this stylish LED lamp – now £51.19, was £63.99 – from Ascott Lighting.

5. Glass act

On average, each UK household consumes around 330 glass bottles and jars a year. Buying recycled goods reduces waste and conserve resources. If the facts haven’t convinced you, then we’re sure this stunning glass grape light (£132) from Biome Lifestyle will do the job. Each bulb is handmade using 100% recycled glass by traditional Syrian craftsmen. Indulge with a clear conscience!

6. Soy to the rescue

It’s hard to believe that the candle, the provider of sweet smells and romantic evenings, is an eco hazard. Many release toxic greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide when they burn. With natural soy based wax and lead free wicks, the Max Benjamin fig leaf candles (£18) from Abode are your solution for a fragrant home.

7. Banish the battery

The facts say it all: each year, over 30,000 tonnes of single–use batteries end up in our domestic rubbish. So forget batteries and set your sights on rechargeable electrical appliances like this fun flash light (£10) from Heal’s. Its super powerful LED cat’s eyes will glow as brightly as your conscience.

8. Cool to be cardboard

Earn eco brownie points and boost your design cred by buying into the hot new cardboard trend. Unlike plastic, cardboard is completely recyclable and fully biodegradable. It can be decorative too, like this intricately patterned cardboard lampshade (£360) from Farm – a leading light in the eco game.

9. Solar energy

10. Go nuts for ethical design

Bring the beach to your home with this unique coconut tooth light (£160) from Object Havoc. Handmade in the Philippines, it features shell slivers from coconuts that have been sourced from ethical growers. Mother nature knows best!

Lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.