IT'S the shop with one of the best window displays in town. Every time you walk or drive past, day or night, there's something amazing to see. And now, there's a subtle change afoot: a new name.
What was known as After Dark Lighting has become the Nottingham Lighting Centre.
Taking pride of place on Maid Marian Way, this independent business is leading the way in lighting.
It's an amazing shop, packed with imaginative designs and creative arrangements – one of those places you can't help but explore.
Huge statement pieces hang proud, while nooks and crannies are lit to perfection. It's almost like a garden in full bloom, with bursts of sparkling light springing up everywhere.
At the helm of the business are husband and wife team, Richard and Nicola O'Neill.
"We re-branded to assign individuality to the shop and differentiate it from the Derby branch," says Richard. "It's a family-run business and we keep these values paramount.
"The business has been in Nottingham some 35 years and we've been here on Maid Marian Way since 1994. I've always been involved in some way, shape or form. Running the shop lets us focus on our strengths: customer service and quality products."
I roam the shop seeing all manner of fabulous lights. It becomes clear there's actually a sense of order here, with zones given to crystal designs, then there's modern creations, traditional styles and the undeniably quirky dotted about too. Lights in all shape and forms festoon every inch of the walls and ceiling.
"Lighting has a powerful and special effect in your home. We're here to help you find the perfect item," says Nicola.
"Tiffany-style lighting is one of our best sellers," she reveals. "We've dedicated an area of the shop to them, so you can see all the designs in one place."
While they're inherently traditional, these distinctive glass lights have the ability to look strikingly fresh, too.
"They're so popular, I think it's because you notice a new aspect to them every time, says Nicola. "They're heavily influenced by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements and really stand out in a room. The Dark Star lamp sold three times more than ever last year. And the Dragonfly design is known to convert people who think they aren't Tiffany fans. The main trend we've noticed is that people are getting braver in their choices, mixing and matching different styles of lighting in their home."
To the windows now, and like a moth to a flame I'm drawn to the beautiful crystal chandeliers.
All shapes and sizes are here, nestling side by side in a twinkling symphony of grandeur. My favourite is a swan-head chandelier, coming in white or black options, the bulbs sitting in the swans' beaks (it's currently £1,769).
Or how about the Eternity design (£293)? Its adjustable loops in loops make it an ideal centrepiece wherever you may put it. Then there's the intricate ribbon design.
"This is a real wow piece," says Nicola. It comes in brushed or polished metal and ranges from £252 to £656.
Among the many surprises at Nottingham Lighting Centre is that it's not expensive. Nicola leads me over to another window, full of colourful acrylic lampshades by Koziol.
"We choose our brands carefully and because we're independent, we pick designs you won't see anywhere else. These vivid lights bring a massive point of interest to your lighting, their intricate shades also reflect dazzling patterns on to your walls. They're true special-effect lighting!"
Richard says: "We have a good working relationship with our suppliers and we're in constant contact with them. We won't buy any stock in without having looked at it first. For instance, we source all our spotlights from German company Paul Neuhaus – they're ideal for all rooms."
The store has lighting solutions for every room in the house.
"The kitchen is the engine room of the house, requiring form and function with the correct bulb strength," says Richard. "You can even bring in the plans of your house for advice on your lighting requirements before building work gets under way."
For the bathroom, you need lighting to withstand moisture.""And perhaps a few Hollywood-style bulbs to make it into your sanctuary?" says Nicola.
And don't forget the outdoors room: the garden. A dedicated decked-out area (it becomes the grotto at Christmas), showcases lanterns, LEDs, tree lights and solar lights. Children are catered for too, with the adorable Paul Neuhaus night lights (£19.95) featuring ponies and princesses. I'm reliably informed they're not just for nippers either.
"We've diversified into other home accessories, too. We've introduced a few Fair Trade animal ornaments, that help organisations in Kenya, and our scented candles by Trapp and WoodWick sell out fast."
Richard does some quick sums: "There are at least 1,000 products in the shop and access to over 10,000 items, with prices from £3 to £3,500. Whether you want to go minimalist or have a massive chandelier, we'll always find a way; it's what we're all about. If you can't find what you're looking for here, we will find it for you, or have it made."
For more details call the centre 0115 953 7088
