Held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, LiGHT 26 is the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification.
Having attracted close to 7,000 visitors in 2025, architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers head to LiGHT in their thousands to see the very latest product innovations and launches from 100s of exhibiting architectural, decorative and technical lighting brands.
The show will once again feature the highly regarded [d]arc thoughts talks programme curated by [d]arc media – the leading media company in lighting design. Featuring moderators from arc magazine’s editorial team, as well as guest moderators, the talks delve deeper into the latest topics and trends affecting lighting and design.
LiGHT also provides endless opportunities for visitors to make new connections. Whether that’s through the late-night drinks party, networking brunch, VIP tours or while working in the dedicated co-working space. There is also the ability to re-energise in the Associations Lounge, which is set to feature, for the third year running, a separate dedicated splinter talks programme.
SBID Members earn 2 x CPD points for attending!
Through live demonstrations, see how intelligent lighting can deliver three key outcomes:
Balance natural and artificial light Discover how artificial light can be tuned to more closely reflect the tone and quality of natural daylight, restoring visual balance within a space and creating a stronger connection between the interior and the outside.
Reveal colour, materials and finishes See how a broader range of warm and cool white light, combined with a high CRI, can reveal subtle undertones within fabrics, finishes and architectural materials—helping colours appear richer, more accurate and closer to the designer’s original intent.
Bring artwork to life Explore how the quality and colour temperature of light can transform the way artwork is experienced, revealing depth, texture and tonal detail that can be diminished or distorted under conventional lighting.
Session 1: 12 pm - 1 pm GMT+1:
Session 2: 2 pm - 3 pm GMT+1:
Session 3: 4 pm - 5 pm GMT+1:
SBID Members earn 4 x CPD points for attending a session!
In each project, there is always a defining moment where it truly comes to life and more often than not, it is the introduction of light. Lighting is invariably the one element that defines the space, but sometimes the final component to be considered.
Beyond function, light shapes the atmosphere and reveals texture. It has both the ability to soften and to elevate, and in many ways it is the most emotive layer of design. Katharine Pooley's close collaborators John Cullen Lighting note that “lighting is not just about visibility - it is about creating atmosphere” and this distinction is essential. A beautifully furnished room can feel jarring without the right lumination, while a simple space thoughtfully lit, can feel deeply inviting.
When creating an interior and architectural design scheme, it is most effective to consider it as a series of subtle gestures. Whether it is the gentle wash of light across a wall, the focused pool of a reading lamp or gallery light, or the quiet glow that lingers in the background of joinery each source contributes to a broader narrative. Lighting should never feel imposed; instead, it should unfold naturally, supporting the rhythm of a space and enhancing how it is lived in.
Wall lighting is functional and atmospheric. Thoughtfully placed sconces soften the vertical planes of a room and create a gentle wash of light that feels intimate and composed. They frame spaces beautifully - flanking a mirror, punctuating a hallway or either side of the bedside - while avoiding the dreaded ‘big light’ effect of harsh, overhead lighting. This type of lighting's strength lies in subtlety. A pair of sculptural sconces can add depth without overwhelming, allowing the eye to move comfortably across a space.
Discreet yet transformative, LED strip lighting allows for seamless integration into the fabric of a space. It has become increasingly popular over the past few years and we love to conceal it within joinery, beneath cabinetry or along architectural lines for effect. It introduces a soft, continuous glow that enhances form without drawing attention to the source itself.
It is true that lighting can be used to emphasise elements and create different atmospheres depending on its intensity and colour and this is particularly true of LED lighting where flexibility allows for precise control. It can gently illuminate a corridor, define a staircase or add depth to shelving with quiet precision.
A chandelier remains one of the most expressive forms of lighting. Its impact lies not in scale alone, but in craftsmanship. Bespoke pieces offer the opportunity to introduce something entirely unique to the client and it really is a joy to collaborate with artisans to create something entirely new and specifically suited.
When done well, a chandelier becomes more than a focal point; it anchors a room while contributing to the overall functionality and composition of light. It should feel harmonious with its surroundings, responding to proportion and materiality rather than completely dominating them. The interplay of light through materials like glass, metal or crystal creates movement and reflection, bringing a sense of life and dynamism to the space as well as beauty of course.
Natural light remains the most compelling element within any interior. Its quality shifts throughout the day, bringing a sense of rhythm and connection to the outside world. The role of design is not to compete with it but to enhance its presence. Sheer drapery, reflective surfaces and considered floorplans and layouts allow daylight to travel more freely, softening shadows and brightening spaces.
Layered lighting creates a more dynamic and flexible environment and this begins with understanding how natural and artificial light work in harmony. When the day is done, artificial lighting takes over, maintaining that same sense of balance and continuity. The transition should feel seamless with spaces gently shifting to soft and intimate twilight without disruption.
Lighting is the language through which a space speaks. It is never merely functional - it is emotive, sculptural and transformative. When considered with care each source becomes part of a quiet choreography that guides the eye and shapes the atmosphere. Good lighting enhances the experience of living and life and should always be an initial consideration when planning any interior design or architectural project.
About Katharine Pooley London
Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer of the Year in Asia’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine Pooley has in a short space of time become one of Europe's leading designers. Her portfolio encompasses a multitude of interior styles and architectural genres and her design ethos is one of luxurious eclecticism. No two projects are ever alike, but they are universally beautiful and timeless.
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Lighting has long been an important feature of the kitchen, but as the space evolves into something more multifunctional, the latest lighting trends are shaping it more than ever. Lighting is now shaping layouts, zoning areas and defining the overall ambience of the home – illumination is now becoming a seamless blend of architecture and art, and that fusion is unlocking extraordinary creative potential.
Roundhouse is predicting a move away from the traditional spotlight-and-pendant formula and towards lighting schemes that feel more layered, expressive and character-driven. From sculptural statement pieces to illumination that almost behaves like furniture, lighting is proving to be one of the most transformative tools in bespoke kitchen design.
Softer, more organic lighting is influencing kitchens for the year ahead. Crescent profiles, arcs and rounded silhouettes are becoming more prominent, offering a gentle counterbalance to the clean lines of modern cabinetry. This direction has been led by designers such as Tom Raffield, John Pomp and Lindsey Adelman, whose work explores sculptural circularity, curved glass and halo-like forms. Their pieces demonstrate how circular lighting can create a warm, atmospheric glow with refined, architectural impact.
Roundhouse’s Ashbury Project highlights this beautifully. Tom Raffield’s Loer Crescent Pendant, suspended over the breakfast bar, introduces quiet drama without asserting itself too strongly. Curved lighting works particularly well in busy family kitchens, encouraging a more soothing, inviting atmosphere. These rounded shapes also pair effortlessly with natural materials like timber, stone and plaster, which are hallmarks of many of Roundhouse’s bespoke designs.
Another key movement for bespoke kitchens in 2026 is the integration of lighting traditionally associated with living rooms. Designers such as Bert Frank, Matteo Bianchi and Gabriel Scott have helped champion this evolution, showing that decorative lighting can actually enhance practicality. Kitchens are now beginning to borrow the warmth and intimacy of lounge environments - not just through sconces or wall lights but increasingly through table lamps. A table lamp in a kitchen immediately softens the aesthetic, creating a sense of comfort and intentionality.
Roundhouse’s Ling Project illustrates this shift with Vibia’s Mayfair table lamp in gold satin placed on the island. Its soft glow and touch-dimmer control offer a salon-like refinement, demonstrating how ambient lighting can add depth and cohesion in open-plan settings.
Personalisation continues to be a defining theme in interior design, and lighting is following suit. Brands such as Buster + Punch, Martin Huxford and Porta Romana have pushed forward with modular systems, mix-and-match components and adaptable silhouettes, enabling lighting to evolve alongside the demands of multifunctional family homes.
This appetite for customisation reflects an evolving desire for flexibility - designers are embracing adjustable cords, pivoting heads, interchangeable shades and modular assemblies.
Roundhouse’s Weir Project captures this versatility with Buster + Punch’s Hooked 6.0 Pendant Nude. Each element can be repositioned or reconfigured, allowing the piece to serve different roles within the same space. In bespoke design, this adaptability is especially valuable, responding to unique architecture and varied family routines.
A more curated form of eclecticism is emerging, driven by a desire for spaces with narrative depth and authenticity. Designers such as Kelly Wearstler, Beata Heuman and Martyn Lawrence Bullard have embraced the dialogue between past and present, blending vintage lighting with contemporary architecture to create interiors with soul.
Roundhouse’s Moony Project with Webb Architects demonstrates the strength of this approach. A vintage chandelier is suspended within a modern take on an Arts & Crafts kitchen, adding instant character and a sense of history. This interplay works particularly well where the kitchen forms part of a wider architectural storyline. A heritage light can anchor a streamlined contemporary space, while surrounding modern elements keep the overall design feeling balanced and current.
For homeowners seeking boldness, oversized pendants continue to make a commanding statement. Influenced by the sculptural, gallery-led collections of brands including Tom Dixon, Bomma and Moooi, these larger-scale fittings combine visual drama with generous illumination.
In a recent Roundhouse kitchen project created in collaboration with QWC Stone (photographed by Carmody Creative), Tom Dixon’s Beat Stout LED pendants take centre stage. At more than 50cm tall and wide, they offer architectural presence while delivering focused light. Oversized pendants work best when given space to breathe, with clean sightlines and complementary materials ensuring the scale feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Explore these evolving trends first-hand by visiting one of Roundhouse’s seven showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford, Cambridge or Cheltenham, where Roundhouse’s expert designers can help you reimagine lighting for 2026.
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
LiGHT 25 - the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet.
Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show continues to evolve with a dynamic new addition to the layout. To reflect the scale and scope of the lighting industry today, LiGHT 25 will be divided into three distinct zones, helping visitors easily explore the vast range of brands, technologies, and innovations on display.
Architectural Zone – bringing together high-end international brands showcasing lighting solutions tailored for commercial, hospitality, architectural and beyond.
Decorative Zone – where you’ll find the very best in statement and designer lighting.
Technical Zone – a hub of innovation, featuring advanced control systems, emergency lighting, components, lamps, and the mechanical and technical gear that underpins great lighting design.
SBID Members can redeem VIP Design Tour tickets!*
*Email [email protected] to claim or click here to discover the benefits of SBID membership.
LiGHT 25 is about far more than just product displays. Alongside hundreds of architectural, decorative, and technical lighting brands, attendees can enjoy an array of engaging content, including the return of the dedicated two-day [d]arc thoughts talks programme, which, for another year running, is in collaboration with Lutron. This two-day content stream features influential voices and thought-provoking discussions tackling the most pressing issues in lighting, technology, and design.
The exhibition offers unrivalled opportunities for networking, branding, and social engagement. Visitors can connect with exhibitors directly on their stands, enjoy late-night welcome drinks on the opening evening, and take part in the much-loved LiGHT Lunch on day two. More informal catchups can happen over coffee at Jacks, the on-site gallery-level café, or in the LiGHT WORK lounge — a calm, dedicated space designed for deeper conversations and collaborative meetings.
Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media, said: “We are delighted to bring the lighting and design communities together for the most anticipated UK event in the lighting industry for the fourth year running. LiGHT 25 is not just for lighting designers - we value bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the entire industry. A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists, yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and other professionals in the community, with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 25 is the perfect opportunity to network and seek inspiration, whatever role you play in a project.”
Completely free to attend, LiGHT 25 continues to set the standard for lighting exhibitions in the UK.
Register for your free ticket to the show today.
About LiGHT Expo
The LiGHT exhibition is held over two days at the Business Design Centre. The show highlights include the [d]arc thoughts talks programme, with a stream of guests keen to learn more about the hot topics from interior design, architecture and lighting. The event features a bespoke decorative lighting hub showcasing a range of brands, as well as an exclusive designers lounge.
This autumn, Forbes & Lomax is excited to launch its new Micro Dimmer pack. The micro dimmer pack allows you to adjust the brightness of LED lights when used in conjunction with fully retractive switches, such as the Forbes & Lomax retractive dolly switch and momentary button.
It is the first-of-its-kind for centre-off retractive switches and is perfectly suited for use with the Forbes & Lomax centre-off retractive dolly switch. Micro dimmer packs can be installed directly behind the switch and controlled at the touch of a button. Due to their compact size, they are ideal where space is limited.
Micro dimmer packs can be retrofitted and therefore offer an uncomplicated way of updating switches, as no extra wiring is required.
All plates are handcrafted in the UK and assembled at the Forbes & Lomax workshop in South West London.
About Forbes & Lomax
Forbes & Lomax has been producing elegant, innovative light switches and sockets for over thirty-five years. Renowned for launching The Invisible Lightswitch®, it has always approached lighting control from an aesthetic point of view. The Forbes & Lomax collection comprises nine carefully chosen finishes, which are suitable for traditional and contemporary interiors, making it the brand of choice for many top interior designers, architects and decorators. The range includes push buttons and dolly switches for integrating with intelligent lighting control and home automation systems. It also offers a bespoke engraving service. Visit the showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Tailored specifically for interior designers and architects, this session will explore the intersection of technology and design, demonstrating how the seamless integration of environmental systems can create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable.
From practical applications to inspiring case studies, attendees will gain valuable insight into how invisible yet essential elements such as heating, cooling, lighting, and automation can enhance the client experience while supporting design integrity.
This is a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge of integrated environmental design and connect with peers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the built environment.
Agenda: - 10:30am – 11am: Arrivals, Coffee & Networking - 11am – 12pm: Presentation with John Cullen Lighting, Polar Bear Design, Homeplay, and Forbes & Lomax
Please note: The presentation will begin promptly at 11am. Due to the blackout conditions created as part of the experience, late arrivals will not be admitted.
LiGHT 25 returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet.
VIP Design Tour available for SBID Members. Email [email protected] to redeem!
“Transforming Your Space with Light” is designed to give professionals a deeper understanding of the power of lighting design and control, with a focus on human-centric solutions, energy efficiency, and aesthetic impact.
Whether you’re working on high-end residential projects or commercial environments, this course will explore how Lutron’s innovative lighting control technologies—like Ketra, Palladiom, and HomeWorks—can bring spaces to life. You’ll learn how to create scenes, manage natural and artificial light, and design environments that adapt to the needs and moods of their occupants.
Ideal for integrators, designers, architects, and consultants, this course will inspire you to see lighting not just as illumination—but as an experience
SBID Members earn 5 x CPD points for attending!
Our new Catalogue 27 is more than just a collection of lighting pieces. Whether you’re seeking subtle elegance, bold statements or simple functionality, our decorative lighting ranges are designed to inspire and illuminate your world. Explore our curated collection featuring both beloved classics that have stood the test of time and new innovative pieces that will transform your space. With emphasis on dedicated LED products there are a number of ranges in the catalogue that provide optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics, one of our core values.
Eternity was hand selected to feature on our catalogue cover as it represents the ultimate statement piece. The curved edges enhance the upwards illumination of these dedicated and dimmable LED pendants.
The new brushed bronze finish elevates the overall aesthetics of the Beatrice range. With its original shape and style of the delicate angled cut crystal glasses, this impressive range includes single, double and triple tiered LED pendants and a matching wall light.
The combination of a matt black finish and layered crystal design creates a striking contrast for the Coral range. With two layers of crystals – an octagonal layer at the back and the coral-like formation in the front add depth and visual interest. This design not only highlights the elegance of the crystals but also introduces an organic, textured feel.
A first for us and making a debut in this catalogue is our portable table lamp collection. A variety of cast aluminium rechargeable lamps in various sizes and finishes featuring colour temperature options and a dimmer setting memory function that memorises the dimming level. Sleek and functional these table lamps can be for interior and exterior use.
The addition of a remote control and multi-way charging pad for the portable table lamps in a hospitality setting significantly enhances both convenience and functionality. The remote can sync multiple table lamps and control a variety of functions simultaneously whilst the six-way charging pad makes it very easy to charge multiple units.
The Newton rise and fall pendant seamlessly blends artistry with functionality. Its distressed bronze finish and frosted glass offer a vintage charm, while the cage detail adds a modern edge. The adjustable design ensures you can effortlessly control the level of light.
From sophisticated flush ceiling fittings and wall lights that bring an elegant glow to any room, to decorative table and floor lamps that combine style and practicality, there’s something to complement every interior.
For more information about the availability of Catalogue 27 please contact us on 01908691818 or visit our website.
About Franklite Limited
Founded in 1973, award winning Franklite is one of the leading innovators in high-quality decorative lighting. Working with clients, architects, lighting consultants, interior designers, M & E consultants and distributors for the residential, hospitality and commercial markets throughout the UK, Europe, Middle and Far East. Franklite has a story to tell. They are far more than just a lighting manufacturer; they are creators, visionaries and craftspeople who continue to pride themselves on their manufacturing methods and excellent service. This includes offering products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics and have successfully supplied exceptional luminaires to palaces, embassies, hotels, private residences and multi-residential projects. Franklite remains at the forefront of the lighting industry with incredible in-house technology which includes the Rigo Near-Field Goniophotometer and highly-skilled design and technical teams who continue to develop signature products. Our LED plates and most recently award winning tuneable light engines are manufactured in-house and compatible with many of our luminaires.
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