Introducing the Inspiration Gallery!Posted on 24 Jun 00:00 Read more

HANG. LOVE. SHARE. 

We are excited to announce that we have launched the Bright Goods' Inspiration Gallery. We have received beautiful photographs from customers of their LED filament light bulbs in their spaces and we need more! So, if you have purchased our bulbs, get in touch and send us a photo along with your name, telephone number and quote to accompany the photo and you could find yourself on the Inspiration Gallery - and be in with the chance to win £100 worth of vintage home accessories. To find out more about the competition, visit here.

Lighting a RevolutionPosted on 23 Jun 00:00 Read more

"I had the mortification one fine morning of finding you on my track and in several particulars ahead of me -- but now I think I have shot ahead of you and yet I feel there is almost an infinity of detail to be wrought out in the large application now awaiting development and that your inventive genius as well as my own will find very ample room for exercise in carrying out this gigantic work that awaits execution."

- Joseph Swan in a letter to Thomas Edison, 24 September 1880

Inventor Thomas Edison was originally credited for inventing the light bulb, being the smart business man that he was. However, it was Englishman Joseph Swan’s breakthrough that initially shone the light on the first electrical light bulb a whole year earlier than Edison in 1878.

The quote was an extract from a letter written by Joseph Swan to Thomas Edison, while it appears it was never sent, Swan was able to achieve his well deserved recognition for inventing the first electrical light bulb and we have chosen to honour him too.

An inventor is someone who not only thinks outside the box, but also applies the right means to take it that step further.  Someone who explores their mind to create an existence out of just a thought. An inventor is an opportunist, one who prides himself on originality by creating or discovering something new and unique.

Joseph Swan was born in Sunderland, England on the 31^st October 1828. An inventor and physicist that spent years perfecting the incandescent light bulb – his house was the first to be lit up by his invention. However, across the pond in America, Thomas Edison was also working on creating his light bulb.  Many people, even to this day still believe that Edison was the original inventor. It was for his realisation about high resistance, understanding that a very thin ‘filament’ with high resistance would make it practical. Whereas, Swan used a carbon rod with low electrical resistance that meant the lamp wouldn’t stay lit for very long. Acceptable for experimental use but wouldn’t have lasted as long for commercial use. Due to this, Swan didn’t get his recognition at the time (as seen in the quote) and the breakthrough idea went to Edison.

Therefore, we pay homage to Sir Joseph Swan (1828-1914) with our Joseph light bulb. It is a GLS shaped bulb - the same shape as Sir Joseph Swan's light bulbs.

Join in with the conversation on Twitter #lightmytuesday.

A British Approach to Summer Conservatory DecorPosted on 16 Jun 00:00 Read more

With summer just around the corner and the promise of glorious sunshine, now is the perfect time to decorate your home to get you in the summer spirit. So, before the UK heats up, let’s have a look at the latest summer décor trends for 2015.

I will be looking at summer furnishings for the conservatory from British retailers. The conservatory is the perfect room to spruce up this season as it overlooks the garden and lets in the sunshine. When the evenings get cooler, it is THE room to host your evening parties in, especially when it’s kitted out with the latest summer fashions.

Rattan Suite

The flowers are in full bloom and what better way to admire them by relaxing on a cosy rattan sofa. This lovely 'Barcelona Modular Sofa' suite (£499) from Living It Up is ideal for the conservatory. The suite comprises of two corner sections, a middle section, a footstool and a glass top coffee table - ideal for entertaining. I prefer the ‘natural’ light brown suite paired with the cream coloured cushions.

As the rattan suite is quite neutral, you can get away with adding vibrant coloured cushions just to add that pop of colour to your conservatory. I like unique patterned fabrics, especially with embellishments and embroidery. I recommend pairing the suite with these gorgeous cushions from BHS. This suite can easily fit 5 people (perhaps 7 cosily) and I have picked 2 of the Flower Cart Cushions (£20 each) which features beautiful embroidery and applique - giving the cushion that 3D effect. To go alongside the two Flower Cart Cushions, I have chosen 3 plainer cushions – the Neon Orange Texture Chenille Cushion (now in the sale at £8 each) which pick up the summery, orange colours from the Flower Cart Cushion.

These rattan suites are also suitable for gardens (weather resistant) – just remember to bring the cushions inside when it rains!

Floral Coasters

These pretty, ceramic floral coasters from Alphabet Interiors match the Flower Cart Cushions perfectly. They really stand out and will look delightful on the rattan coffee table. Match them with plain coloured mugs (e.g. white, pale blue or pink) to complement the floral cushions and you have a complete summer feel-good suite complete with coasters.

The ceramic, floral coasters are available to purchase from Sass & Belle (£7/set of 4).

Rug

Keep those feet warm by placing a rug under the rattan suite. Lets face it, flooring in conservatories can get cold - especially in the evening, so pick out a colour which matches your scheme and find a plain rug which complements the décor.

As we are going for a summer feel-good theme of vibrant oranges, I suggest an ivory coloured rug which will lift wooden floors. However, if you have a light coloured floor (white/grey/stone), I suggest going for a warm coloured rug which will definitely add some warmth to the room.

I've picked this Royale Cream Rug from Rug & Roll (sizes vary from £60 - £250). It features a delicate pattern and is made from 100% wool, so it is perfect for keeping your toes warm!

Tiffany Lamps

If you love unusual, vintage styles like me then you will love Tiffany Lamps. Tiffany Lamps were part of the Art Nouveau movement during the 19th Century and early 20th Century. They were designed by American artist and designer, Louis Comfort Tiffany. The lamp shades are made from stained, leaded glass and feature bright colours - perfect for lifting your room.

As the seat cushions on the rattan suite are cream and the rest of the back cushions are orange, I suggest finding a lamp which incorporates one or both of these colours. There are so many different styles and colours available on the market and here are my favourites:

This ivory coloured Tiffany lamp is perfect as it tones down the brightness of the room, it also will complement any décor year after year when you fancy a change! Named Lucia, it is available to buy from the Tiffany Lighting Company (£64.95).

If you are feeling adventurous with your décor, then choose an orange Tiffany lamp. My favourite is this Orsino Tiffany Lamp from Castle Gate Lights (£99). The Orsino is gorgeous, it features all those summer reds, oranges and yellows that we have already picked up in the colour scheme already and when turned on, it is going to look even more beautiful.

Simply place the Tiffany Lamp on your coffee table and for that extra cosy, warm light, add one of our LED filament light bulbs to achieve that complete vintage look. I recommend Joseph, our classic GLS bulb (£18.99).
Orchid

And to finish the conservatory look, add a beautiful orchid to the room. Not only are they stunning to look at, they are colourful and fragrant - bringing that sense of 'home' to the room. Any colour orchid would suit the conservatory, be bold and add a pink coloured orchid for a pop of colour, or go neutral and add a cream orchid. And what's more, they are so easy to care for!

My choice is this cream orchid from iFlorist (£19.90) complete in gift bag. The gift bag can always be changed to a lovely, coloured ceramic plant pot.

Like this post? Have you or are you going to style your conservatory? I would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts on Twitter: #lightmytuesday @Bright_Goods

Vintage items for RestaurantsPosted on 9 Jun 00:00 Read more

In keeping with the theme of my first post, I have chosen my top 5 vintage styles for restaurants.  I love eating out – yes the food is great but a beautifully styled restaurant can go a long way too. What I look for most is a welcoming warmth as soon as I walk through the front door that you can only get with that vintage vibe. The feel of an old fashioned restaurant with its dim lighting, soft music playing and candles lit up around the room brings an authentic touch that you wouldn’t get from any fast food place.

1. BIG VINTAGE RUSTIC LIGHTS – Becoming a favourite in restaurants and bars across the UK, these big rustic lights that hang low from the ceiling with vintage barn hooks bring warmth that you would only find from old bars allowing for that classic meets contemporary ambiance.

Even better if they were our LED filament lamps!

2. CLASSIC MEMORABILIA - The Breakfast Club in Soho is the perfect example, it has a 1980s vibe – with funky furniture, quotes written on the walls, a big fridge that opens and leads you to the bar downstairs and even a Nintendo game area situated in the corner of the restaurant. Not only is the food amazing, the décor will leave you feeling as if you’ve gone back in time to your childhood (or parent's childhood) and offer a sense of nostalgia from its entire memorabilia.

3. FLOORING TILES – Bring a pop of colour to your restaurant floor with colourful tiles. No matter what theme you have or the type of restaurant it is, bright tiles can bring life to restaurants that have less going on. Seen in vintage food joints from the 1950s or classic Italian pizzerias, tiles are a statement all of their own.

4. BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS/ BOOKS – In a few restaurants I have been to recently, I have noticed a trend which seems to extend beyond your typical picture on the wall. There seems to be a lot of black and white photos hanging on more than one wall. Having a picture(s) in either black or white or this sepia filter brings a very 1920s old Hollywood feel that you would get walking into a smoky bar downtown. Top it off with a few warn out books on a large shelf covering a whole wall and you have the perfect classic vibe.

5. CANDLES – I’m a sucker for romance – and there’s nothing I love seeing more than beautiful candles lit up on the table in fancy holders. It brings an element of romance which is great if you’re on a date. Having dim lights with just a candle lit on each table gives you the feel you’re in a swanky restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower (even if your view is of McDonalds across the street). Having long vintage style candles placed in glass bottles or holders made from kitchen utensils is a must for that elegant and sophisticated feel.

Join in with the conversation on Twitter #lightmytuesday and look out for next weeks' blog post with Sophia.

Royal of the Month: JosephPosted on 2 Jun 00:00 Read more

By: Sophia

As you may have noticed, all of our Bright Goods bulbs are named after members of the Royal family - past and present. Each month, Aida and myself will choose one of our lamps for to be featured in a blog post for 'Royal of the Month'. We will discuss the idea behind our Bright Goods' lamps names.

Royal of the Month: Joseph

Lets go back in time to 1878 in Gateshead, a large town in Tyne and Wear. A time where there was no central heating, double-glazing nor any technological luxuries, like iPads, for example. Englishman Joseph Swan, a physicist and chemist, was busy at work in his home. He had been working for many, long hard years. At last - a breakthrough, Joseph had cracked it! He had just built and installed the first electric light bulb.

Joseph was so thrilled with his latest invention that he continued creating light bulbs until his whole house was beautifully lit. His house was the very first in the world to be lit by light bulbs! And so England waved farewell to candle light and welcomed the light bulb into their homes. For his great achievement, he was Knighted by King Edward VII in 1904.

Unfortunately for Joseph, another gentleman was working on the light bulb, at the same time in America. Inventor and businessman, Thomas Edison, and it is Edison who the light bulb is generally associated with. Edison had created his light bulb a whole year later in 1878 and managed to get the publicity that Joseph had deserved.

Our Bright Goods story pays homage to Sir Joseph Swan, the original inventor of the electric light bulb. And it only seemed fitting that when it came to naming our range of LED filament lamps that we would name our very first lamp afterJoseph. Our Joseph is a GLS shaped bulb - the same shape as Sir Joseph Swan's light bulbs. This shape is the most recognised bulb shape associated with homes.

See the full details about our Joseph GLS Lamp by visiting here.

Join in with the conversation on Twitter by using #lightmytuesday

Look out for next month's Royal of the Month with Aida.

Aida's Top 5 Interior Design TrendsPosted on 26 May 00:00 Read more

In this modern age of technology, gadgets and weirdly shaped furniture you would think more people would be opting to have this style reflect in their homes too? However, on my search to find the top 5 interior design trends - I discovered there is still a need for comfort, reflection and visual delight which offers more of classic warmth to any modern home.  So, here are the 5 must-have designs that will never go out of style.

1. Natural Minerals – this is a trend which has taken interior design to a whole new creative level. Styles such as; stone, wood, metal and glass is becoming the new ‘big thing’ for design in 2015. Having the feel of organic shapes and textures that represent an eco friendly style enables the fusion of modern and vintage designs for any room in your home.

2. Picture Frames and Writing - this is a trend that will never go out of style. Having a wall full of photographs on a plain background can bring any room to life. However, it doesn’t stop there – a new trend which has become popular over the last year or so is ‘writing on the wall’. Having a quote (or a few) on a nice white wall either in your living room or bedroom can enhance the ambiance of any dull area.

3. Big Comfy Sectionals - a living room is a place to put your feet up and relax, so why would you settle for a formal sofa that doesn't offer much room to lay down? The sectional has been a favourite in homes for many years and has become an even bigger trend in the last few years – as families get bigger, so do our sofas! Add a few large cushions with a plush throw and you've got the complete look.

4. Vintage Tubs - there is nothing more relaxing than having a nice long bubble bath after a hard day and there is something rather luxurious about these large stand-alone tubs that just sit in the middle of the bathroom. Although we are part of this high-tech, fast-paced generation, sometimes a little escape into a vintage style bathroom can set the mood for a relaxing soak with a nice glass of wine.

5. The Statement Light - there is nothing that stands out more when you walk into a room then a funky, unique looking light shade. This works well for a room that has less going on as it can enhance the whole look with just one statement. A resemblance to modern sculptures that can also create beautiful shadows that reflect of the walls and ceiling when turned on.

Don’t forget to send your favourite interior design photos and leave a comment with your thoughts on this week’s#LightMyTuesday

5 Must - haves to recreate a Bygone EraPosted on 19 May 00:00 Read more

Ever wanted to restyle your home by taking it back in time? With more and more people opting for timeless designs, antique and vintage pieces have soared - both in price and popularity. Whether it’s a local restaurant or cosy cottage, you are bound to find a vintage item setting the scene. Relive the past with these 5 must-haves to recreate a bygone era in your home:

1. Chaise Lounge – also known as ‘the long chair’, it is most associated in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. These beautiful loungers were, and still are, upholstered in the most delicate and finest fabrics. The chaise lounge supports your entire body, especially your back, making it ideal for ‘me time’.

Comfortable and stylish, the chaise lounge is the perfect recliner and a beautiful piece to complement any room, whether a living room, study or bedroom. Add a vibrant coloured cushion, sit back and relax with your favourite book, or my personal favourite, a cup of tea in a fine china mug.

2. Rotary Telephone - no room is complete without a telephone and why not go back to basics – forget the hands-free, caller ID and the choice of ringtones, this classic piece is timeless. Works just like a normal telephone, except you have to ‘dial in’ the telephone numbers.

These telephones have made a reappearance by coming back into fashion and can be found in many online stores in a variety of colours and finishes. Place it proudly on your side table and answer your calls in style!

3. Striking Rug – vibrant coloured rugs from the East were widely used in Victorian houses. Owning something from the East was highly desirable during the nineteenth century and was associated with wealth and status.

Choose a rug rich in colour and heavy in design and place in the centre of your room against the contrasting dark wood floor for that perfect period essence. Guaranteed to lift and enhance your room.

4.  Statement Mirror - in the Victorian period, gilded, ornate mirrors were all the fashion. Featuring craftsmanship twists, fine filigree detail and styled edges, create a bold impact in your room with a statement mirror.

Do you have a small room? By placing a large, statement mirror in your room, not only will it give the illusion of space and depth in your room and reflect your beautiful room’s surroundings, it also lifts dull painted walls.

 5. Crystallised Chandelier – no antique-style room is complete without a grand chandelier. Of course, most modern houses do not feature high ceilings so improvisation is needed. Chandeliers which feature crystal pendants reflect the light more than simple glass pendants.

Instead of a magnificent, three tier chandelier, choose a single tier chandelier which has the same amount of impact. For that ‘wow factor’, hang it in the centre of your room and make sure the sunlight catches the crystal pendants.

Don't forget to send your photos of your newly styled room and join in with the conversation on Twitter #lightmytuesday

The beautiful vintage sofa next to the wall (retro-style illustration)

Introducing CharlottePosted on 11 May 00:00 Read more

Last week, Prince William and Kate welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born on Saturday 2 May, weighing 8lb 3oz. The new Princess - whose name honours her great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and of course, her famous grandmother, Princess Diana, is the fourth in-line to the throne.

In celebration of the new Princess' birth, we have named our brand new filament LED lamp after her, The Charlotte. The Charlotte is a classic, pearlised GLS bulb shape, available in 8W and provides 800 lumens per watt. Our new lamp isLIMITED EDITION - so do not miss the chance to have her!

Hang our Charlotte bulb bare or in a beautiful lamp shade / fitting - she will shine brightly and create ambience to your room. Ideal for homes (living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens etc), restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, reception areas and a multitude of other applications which require mood lighting.

Learn more about Charlotte here

Bright Goods are Hex Creative Retail Design Expo's Highlights!Posted on 3 May 00:00 Read more

The response we have had from the Retail Design Expo and communications online since we launched our Bright Goods brand has been absolutely overwhelming! We have had so many visitors and exhibitors who took part at the Retail Design Expo comment about our beautiful stand and LED filament lamps.

HEX Creative, a forward thinking design company based in London , specialise in 3D design, event branding, exhibition stands, graphic and web design, concept design, retail and interiors, technical drawings and project management. HEX visited us at The Retail Design Expo in March 2015 and mentioned us on their blog as their '2015 Highlight' for 'Overall Brand Communication'.

They have commented that our brand identity has come across well in the design and materials that made up our stand and our staff uniform - which were black aprons bearing the Bright Goods logo. Thank you HEX Creative for a wonderful write-up, we are so pleased that you enjoyed the exhibition and found the time to write about us as your Retail Design Expo 2015 "Highlight".

Read the full article here

2018 - The Year the Halogen Light Bulb will be bannedPosted on 21 Apr 00:00 Read more

It follows the UAE's initiative of banning inefficient light bulbs last year. The European Commission have delayed the ban of the halogen for two years as they mention that "LED technology would not be ready to replace halogen lamps by 2016". Contrary to what the EU Commission has said, there are many LED lamps on the European market, all of which offering substantial benefits to businesses, homes and of course, the world. Realistically, may be the ban has been delayed because the EU Commission needs to get Europe ready for the ban, rather than quickly phasing out these inefficient light bulbs by 2016.

Impressively, the EU Commission have stated that by switching the EU to LED lighting, Portugal's annual electricity consumption will be saved by 2018 - and not forgetting a whopping 15.2m tonnes in carbon savings by 2025!

So why switch to LED Filament technology? Here are Bright Goods' TOP 5 reasons:

• Simply and easily retrofit into existing fittings (we have Edison Screw and Bayonet fittings available on all lamps)
• Last 10 times longer than traditional filament lamps
• Uses 10 times less energy
• Environmentally-friendly
• Fully dimmable

Thinking of switching your filament lamps to LED? Why not check out our product range or give us a call on 01276 691 230.