Think of luxury, and you think of velvet, and bubble baths, and caviar, and exquisite bed linen. You think of leather seats, of truffle oil, of perfect white beaches and blue unsullied seas. And you think of dimmer switches, right? Because dimmer switches are pretty luxurious.
That's according to interior design guru Cathryn Bishop, founder of Cornish Interiors and expert on all things luxurious. And as Cathryn notes, adding a touch of luxury to your home is as simple as fitting a new light switch.
"For the ultimate in luxury, invest in a dimmer control system," says the expert. "Although this will cost more than a basic dimmer switch, it is a great way to create atmosphere as you can choose the amount of light to suit your mood and the time of day."
And as Ms Bishop notes, a sophisticated dimmer control system can now accommodate energy-saving LED lights. Previous incarnations of the technology have been notably prone to faults when teamed with a dimmer switch, but since EU regulations tightened up the sale of traditional incandescent bulbs, manufacturers have focused on making LED lamps as practical as possible. And that now means they can be dimmed.
"The LED (light emitting diode) market is changing quickly," said Cathryn. "A reputable lighting showroom will be able to advise you on the latest options available and provide useful tips on how to incorporate LED lighting into your home.
"When having electrical work done in your home, always use a competent electrician who is registered with a recognised trade organisation."
For that reason, LEDs can now be installed anywhere in the home - from flush ceiling lights in your hallway or LED bathroom lights for your… well, bathroom. And while dimmer switches might not get on too well with your bath, they'll fit in nicely as a moody addition to a lounge or dining room.
