The lighting is on the wall: fittings for a 15th-century cottage

We have just bought a 15th-century cottage which only has wall light fittings — no pendants — as there are too many beams and low ceilings. I need many, many replacements for the faux wood fittings left by the previous owner. I have sourced a few lovely vintage pieces but would like options for chic new wall lights.

An interesting conundrum. I enjoy sourcing antique and vintage lighting too, but it can be a difficult and lengthy process to kit out an entire house with old fittings alone. Also, sometimes you might want a run of a particular style, which might prove frustrating if you come across, say, a perfect antique picture light but you’re after six matching ones for a room.

So, where to look for new alternatives? I’m a big fan of the English Lamp Company, which sells handcrafted reproduction lights in Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau styles. You name it, they’ve got it, from cut-glass and prismatic shades to desk, library and standard lamps, hallway lanterns and picture lights.

The website is pleasingly old-fashioned and easy to use. No pop-up videos or whizzing graphics here, just a well-organised catalogue. The prices are good, too.

I like its shell wall sconce which, like many of the other offerings, can be ordered to fit a bulb or a candle. And it comes in three metal finishes. I like its Dutch bracket too — the delicately paired-back scrolling arm and candle bulb would suit an ancient, rickety and beam-filled cottage delightfully.

But it’s not all frilly cut glass: its elegant swan neck gas bracket with coolie shade (I love a coolie shade) would work in a contemporary interior just as well as a period one.

I personally love the idea of a mix of lighting styles in your 15th-century cottage. Of course, classic picture lights and elegant sconces will work beautifully, but I would throw in some contemporary fittings to create a sense of exciting contrast. Utilitarian spaces in particular — kitchens, pantries, corridors — can definitely take cleaner, simpler fittings.

So, sidestepping reproductions for the moment, look to Original BTC for good-quality and well-designed lighting. Original BTC makes its fittings across six factories in the UK, but it is very much an international company and supplies more than 85 countries.

Its Hector wall light is a classic. The white ceramic shade is smart and beautifully shaped, and would give a contemporary touch to a bedroom, say, when used as a bedside lamp.

My other favourites? The Hampton wall light with its globe-shaped shade would contrast wonderfully with a wonky old bathroom, and I like the Miniature Ship’s Well wall light, which could be just the ticket in a small space such as a downstairs loo.

On the other side of the pond, South Carolina’s brilliant Urban Electric Company makes elegant, contemporary and highly original lighting. Craftsmanship is the name of the game here, and its fittings come with a lifetime guarantee.

I am a fan of many of the company’s wall lights, but I am particularly enjoying the Hand Sconce V. 2, which features an opal glass shade that would provide a lovely, glowing light. It is witty and whimsical.

I do not usually like lights and door knobs shaped like human limbs — I find them a bit creepy, unless we’re talking about real arms and hands and candelabra, à la Jean Cocteau. However, this hand-shaped fitting is certainly cute, not creepy.

The Mazarine light, in comparison, has a crisp, tailored appearance, and comes with a perforated metal shade that can be painted any RAL colour.

What else? Vaughan is my absolute go-to when it comes to new lighting with a traditional feeling. Its catalogue of fittings is exemplary, particularly in the swing-arm department. Swing-arm wall lights can be a good choice for bedside lamps, particularly if you’re short on space in smaller bedrooms (often the case in cottages).

Its Preston Swing Arm light is based on a 19th-century example from the company’s archives and features a rectangular backplate. I like the Chetham Library light, too, which takes its inspiration from a 1950s French number, and comes with a spun-metal shade.

Last, look to Pooky for some really fantastic and well-priced fittings. The brand’s range is huge and covers all bases: traditional, contemporary, refined, highly decorative. A good number of sensible, practical things, and the odd charmingly wacky thing. I love its Single Astor light, which has an exquisite diagonal backplate and highly satisfying detailing.

I hope this list might give you some initial inspiration to mix a good selection of new pieces with your antique finds. My favourite fitting of them all? The Dracool is one of my top wall fittings on Pooky’s website. It’s all ebony and gold wood and convexed glass, with a single candleholder. Miniature scale, maximum atmosphere: High Gothic melodrama on a budget!

If you have a question for Luke about design and stylish living, email him at lukeedward.hall@ft.com. Follow him on Instagram @lukeedwardhall

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