IF YOU'RE thinking of spending this bank holiday weekend getting your home ready for summer, new lighting offers one of the simplest ways to update.

From a new shade to a dramatic and characterful chandelier, here's our guide to the current trends that will ensure your decor is not left in the shade.

CAST A WARM GLOW

"People tend to underestimate the use and importance of light during summer, as we have natural light for so much longer," says lighting expert Chris Jordan, managing director of high-end design store Christopher Wray, on the King's Road, London.

"Whether you're looking to add new lighting indoors or outdoors, the right lighting can really enhance your experience.

"Indoors, it's great to go for fittings and shades that are lighter and airy, something that evokes warm weather and far-off destinations.

"The Floriss, with its colourful, petal-shaped folds, mimics the lush foliage outdoors, while the Planet's fabric sphere is lined in the same way as leaves. The natural form and colour of these pendants create a softer light that works brilliantly in the twilight hours."

Meanwhile, refreshing citrus colours are having their moment at Amara, the luxury homeware brand. The company suggests placing its orange and lime accessories against a white backdrop, to allow the colours to create a bold focal point in the room.

Best buys

- Floriss suspension light, lime green, from £645 (halogen), Christopher Wray (www.christopherwray.com)

- Planet fabric shade, from £694 (50cm), Christopher Wray (www.christopherwray.com)

- Kartell ceiling light, orange, £187, Amara (www.amara.com)

OUR EVER-CHANGING MOODS

When it comes to highlighting certain areas of the room, it's important to consider where the natural light is falling, especially when there's a bright blue sky outside.

Whether it's a neutral background or moody paint effects, if you want to create a brighter, more open feel within the space, the colour of the walls and use of lighting is essential.

"Introducing oversized lighting is a fantastic way to add drama and interest to a living space," says John Sims-Hilditch, co-founder of Wiltshire-based furniture and lighting company Neptune.

"The atmosphere that's created from the light cast by a large pendant light can really alter the mood of a room. The material and colour of the drum is also an effective decorative accessory even when the light is switched off."

Even choosing the correct light bulb for your pendant light is a simple way of altering the feel of the room, suggests John.

"Light has the power to create a peaceful environment, where it can mimic natural pools of light, creating a serene ambience in your own home.

"Using a lower wattage allows for a more calming exposure, perfect for areas of the home that are intended to relax in."

Best buys

- Corinium medium lampstand, £105, Oliver lampshade, warm white, from £16, Neptune (www.neptune.com)

- Keats pendant, small, £78, Neptune (www.neptune.com)

- Grenadier table lamp, saffron, £135, 40cm pleated Phula silk Empire lampshade, £98, Oka (www.oka.com)

SET A HOLIDAY VIBE

"If you don't have any outside space, transform your room into a romantic summer garden with a wooden chandelier, some plants and the gentle glow of candlelight," says Lucinda Waterhouse, founder of home retailer OKA.

Chandeliers made out of wood or beads create a relaxed holiday atmosphere and have a charm of their own, but don't be afraid to consider crystal. Cut glass catches the light (crystal casts a soft glow) and along with being a thing of beauty, it can brighten the darkest of rooms.

Best buys

- Winchelsea wooden chandelier, £1,645, Oka (www.oka.com)

- Luna antique beaded chandelier, £350, Graham and Green (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

- Avery crystal glass flush light, £250, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

SPLASH OF COLOUR

"Lighting is a great carrier for colour," says Sophie Amini, designer for Pooky Lighting, of Chelsea Wharf, London.

"During the summer months, inserting splashes of vibrancy and colour either in bases or shades is a great way to update your decor to complement the warmer weather.

"Using lighting is less risky than doing a whole wall or a set of curtains in one bright colour. It can enhance a room yet allow for flexibility, and does not have to be a huge expense.

"We have a beautiful range of table lamps in a range of materials which are an affordable and simple way of adding colour and interest to your room without breaking the bank. Even when you switch them off, your lamp will still look beautiful."

Best buys

- Aurora table lamp, yellow, with 30cm straight Empire Shade in peacock dupion silk, base £80, shade £55, Pooky (www.pooky.com)

- Palmyra Table Lamp, base only, £80 reduced from £130, Pooky (www.pooky.com)

- Golden Palm lamp, £450, Graham & Green (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

DON'T DORGET

On a final note, remember it's well worth spending as much energy on cleaning the windows as on your new lighting, so they truly sparkle in the sunshine.