With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in now is the perfect time to think about investing in a new ceiling light. Whether it’s for the living room, the hall, the kitchen or a bedroom, at Design 55 we stock what is arguably the world’s finest selection of genuine designer pendants.

From bang on sixties modernism through retro, shabby chic and good old traditional – there’s a lighting installation to suit you and your décor.

To whet your appetite and get your imagination going – take a look at our top ten ceiling lights.

We’ll start with the gorgeous Aperture Pendant.

This to-die-for design comes from Claire Norcross. Undoubtedly beautiful in appearance, it is also stunningly clever. Each of the shutter-like apertures can be twisted open to direct more light to where you want it. This enables it to pull off the rare feat of being a technical delight and seductively feminine at the same time. It goes in any room in any style and its popularity shows no signs of waning.

Available in two finishes and a host of great colours, it’s no wonder the Frandsen Ball Pendant ceiling light is so sought after.

The Ball has been on the market since 1969 – and remains to this day the most iconic of Danish designer Benny Frandsen’s many creations. You can mix this superbly clean-lined classic with matching wall lights and table lamps – or you can hang it anywhere on its own. Why not try it doubled or tripled up over a dining table? This pendant light has epitomised cool for so long owning one is like joining an exclusive club. Apply for membership now here at Design 55.

The Scandinavians are still at it with Verpan’s elegant Spiral SP1 Pendant Light.

Also from 1969, this show-stopping light utilises twisting, cork-screw shapes to fling dancing patterns of light onto weary winter walls  – brightening them up like magic. More relaxing than razzmatazz, this gentle light show is disarmingly restive – just right for the long nights ahead. With its unmistakeable presence and massive wow factor, the Spiral SP1 confers on its owner considerable design credentials.

Then there’s the famous Kartell Fly Ceiling Light.

Form and function hold hands and cuddle up and kiss with this exquisite little number. Inspired by the simple soap bubble, this high Italian design makes the most of its striking hemispherical shade and the iridescent reflections it creates. Beautiful and useful it can be hung anywhere at any height – thanks to its adjustable cable.

Soft and more mellow, but just as desirable, is the Innermost Delight by Mixko.

Butterflies perch beautifully on this great-looking pendant light. It’s so peaceful and restive many a soul would fight tooth and claw to get their hands on one. Stunning as a centrepiece in the bedroom or living room yet gentle and welcoming in a hall or hallway, the Delight is aptly named.

Less traditional but just as timeless is the Fuscia range from those fantastic lighting people at Flos.

Featuring cone shaped glass diffusers hanging from slender cords this great light looks good and what’s more it does a good job. It’s from the designer’s designer – Achille Castiglioni – and it comes in four versions (with one, three, eight or twelve diffusers). Big on compatibility, it looks good with all manner of decors and it’s as happy in a thirties-built semi as it is in a loft apartment or industrial conversion.

And now for something completely different: the Jeeves Bowler Hat Light and the Wooster Top Hat Light by Innermost.

This witty, post-modern suspension light is a real ice-breaker and conversation point. As surreal as anything by Rene Magritte, it references the same artist’s “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”. Except this is a case of a pendant light not being a bowler hat. There’s a matching table lamp also available. A further irony is this is thoughtful, inventive design – not mere novelty. The felt-covered, bowler hat shaped light is lined with softly reflective brushed aluminium for a uniformly dense, warm lighting effect. Use to equally striking effect in any room in the house.

Humble in its inspiration – the acorn – the Normann Copenhagen Norm 69 Pendant light is truly revolutionary.

Designed way back in the sixties by Simon Kharkov, this was the first flat-packed self-assembly pendant light ever to be mass-produced – ultimately paving the way for the likes of Ikea. But let’s not hold this against it. The Norm 69 (made of 69 easy to assemble parts) is as fresh and fabulous as ever, and it’s no wonder it has won so many design awards. It goes with any style of décor, wipes clean, takes energy-saving bulbs and comes in four different sizes.

If you prefer a fully constructed light with similar output and effect, prepare to swoon over Le Klint’s rose-inspired 172 Ceiling Pendant by Poul Christianson.

Made of sleek, smooth moulded plastic, it’s hard to imagine that this design harks back over forty years. It looks so contemporary and yet it’s a modern classic. Graceful and serene, it has a refreshing and inviting appearance – perfect for the cold, dark nights ahead.

Or why not avail yourself of a contemporary design evolved from a timeless classic? A fine example of this is the British-made Aimbry Shimmer Ceiling Pendant.

This drool-inducing crystal glass chandelier unashamedly invokes the excesses of the Roccoco Era. Hang it over your dining table and demand that the peasants eat cake. Utterly beautiful and so simple to install any dunce can do it. Its availability in four colours allows it to meld into just about any decorative scheme.

All of the above pendant lights (and many, many more) are available now to order online from Design 55. All are genuine designer collectibles that will hold their value as well as adding a frisson of style and glamour to the way you live your life. Can you afford to miss out?