In love with the on-trend lighting on TV's First Dates? How to create the look, from a designer fitting to a budget choice
- Long-hanging lighting at TV's First Dates restaurant is described as 'on-trend'
- Lights with bulbs hung at different heights offer a striking look
- We asked interior designer Sarah Ward to find designs for a range of budgets
- These lights are an effective way of defining a zone in an interior, without the formality of a chandelier, she says
TV's First Dates has captured the nation's hearts as millions of viewers each week watch singletons put their hearts on the line.
But it's not just the successful love matches, or the advice from the watchful eye of the restaurant's maitre d' Fred Sirieix about how to 'make love happen' that has helped to make the Channel 4 show such a success.
The interiors have also played their part with the fashionable lighting making the restaurant instantly recognisable.
First Dates has captured the nation's hearts as millions of viewers each week watch singletons put their hearts on the line
Singletons are paired up over a meal at the restaurant - at a table under the distinctive lights.
The show then captures the relationship unfold as they eat and reveals at the end whether the pair intend to meet up again for a second date once they step outside of the London venue. (The programme is filmed at the Paternoster Chop House, next to St Paul's Cathedral.)
Sarah Ward, of interior designers Interiors by Sarah Ward, said: 'This is a very on-trend way of lighting a task area.
'You can place the bulbs at different heights to add visual drama and use with a dimmer switch to instantly change the ambience.
'Lights like these are an effective way of defining a zone in an interior, without the formality of a chandelier.'
But what can you do, if you are captured by the look and want to recreate it?
We have found three versions to suit different budgets, whether that's a top of the range one costing £2,199 or a significantly cheaper one at only £42.
1. Luxury version
Heavy metal chandelier, from £2,199, busterandpunch.com
This heavy metal chandelier from Buster + Punch is available from £2,199
This light does exactly what it says on the tin; it is extremely heavy. This is due to the large number of cables and the higher quality light bulb holders.
The light bulb holders are significantly larger and heavier than the other versions we considered. They also require their own special lightbulbs, which cost £40 each.
The cables vary in length to create a beautiful chandelier effect. However, some of them are so long that only a room or staircase with high ceilings would reasonably accommodate the light. It will also require a lot of dusting.
Score: 6/10
2. Affordable
Starkey cluster pendant light available in brass and nickel, £79, made.com
Our mid-budget choice is this Starkey cluster pendant light from Made.com, priced at £79
This stripped-back light nails the current industrial trend with its simple naked bulbs and the brushed nickel-finish.
However, you'll need to be careful that the lights don't bash against one another due to the cluster design.
It is our mid-priced choice for those who are seeking a similar look found at the First Dates restaurant, and who have a budget of less than £100.
Score: 9/10
3. Budget
Vintage style pendant set with an antique and elephant grey cable, £42, graceandgloryhome.co.uk
This vintage style pendant light costs £42 and is available from Grace & Glory
This version is the cheapest of the three lights and much more basic in design, with a single cable.
It comes with three metres of three core, twisted fabric cable, an Edison screw plain skirt cable grip lamp holder and a black steel ceiling rose.
It is good for those seeking a minimalist look - and it is a ideal solution for those on a much smaller budget.
Score: 8/10