Sarah and Ollie Gamlin at Horsham Lighting (©AAH/Alan Wright)
A new independent lighting showroom has opened in East Street, Horsham. Horsham Lighting is owned by Ollie and Sarah Gamlin, who have over 20 years’ experience in the industry. Ollie also runs The Lighting Centre in Guildford, having taken over the reins from his father Roger, who opened the showroom in 1985.
The shop at 58 East Street, one of two units previously occupied by New England Interiors, is just the second to be opened by the family-run business, and comes after a long wait for the right location in Horsham.
Ollie said: ‘There hasn’t been a lighting specialist in town since the closure of Sussex Lighting. We know (former owners) Andy and Suzannah Coe well and even looked into the possibility of taking over their business in 2023. When they closed Sussex Lighting, it was to focus on other things in life, not because the business was struggling. So, we knew there was an opportunity in Horsham. It’s a thriving town with a similar demographic to Guildford, so we’ve been regularly visiting the town and maintaining a dialogue with commercial estate agents in our bid to find the right unit.
Horsham Lighting (©AAH/Alan Wright)
‘We consider ourselves to be a destination showroom, so we didn’t need to be right in the centre of town. Like with our Guildford showroom, we did want someone close to car parks, which are available a short walk away at Piries Place and Denne Road. So, this location is perfect, as the building has great Victorian charm and allows us to create visual appeal though our bold colour scheme and vibrant window displays, attracting the attention of passing motorists.
‘The tall ceiling also allows space to demonstrate a good selection of hanging pendants and wall lights, while the upstairs area offers the potential for us to create something different, perhaps to display lighting in a way that gives customers inspirational lighting solutions for their own home.
‘We have received a warm welcome form customers and the local business network. Independent retailers seem to thrive in Horsham and there’s a good range of cafes, restaurants, beauty salons and retailers – a sign that it has a strong sense of community. People want to support independent businesses and appreciate the services they provide, so hopefully we can replicate our success in Guildford here in Horsham.’
Ollie Gamlin at Horsham Lighting (©AAH/Alan Wright)
MODERN FLAIR
Horsham Lighting specialises in high-quality decorative lighting, providing inspirational, design-led solutions with honest advice. The product range includes ceiling lights (down lights, spotlights, lanterns, single pendants, multi pendants, chandeliers, etc), a wide selection of decorative wall lights, table and desk lamps, floor lamps, and outdoor lights for walls, decking and security. Customers can even pick out their own fabric for lampshades, or pick up a replacement light bulb. Products are hand-picked to ensure a unique collection, with many of the lights offered not available through online retailers.
Sarah said: ‘Rather than offering the same lighting that you’ll find on major retail websites, we partner with smaller suppliers that offer the very best in British and Continental styling. We love attending specialist trade shows in Milan (Euroluce) and Frankfurt (Light + Building), which present not only buying opportunities, but also a chance to consolidate relationships with our existing suppliers and meet new and exciting lighting designers from Italy, Germany, and across Europe.
Sarah Gamlin at Horsham Lighting (©AAH/Alan Wright)
‘Trade shows also help us to keep an eye on developing trends. You can pick up clues as to the future direction of the market, in terms of style and colours, helping us to continue to offer contemporary designs before they’re adapted for the wider market by large retailers.
‘As well as offering a fantastic range, we have vast experience in the industry. Sometimes, our customers will spot something they like on Instagram, but are not sure if it can be practically replicated in their own home, or fit the dimensions of their new kitchen or bathroom extension. Thanks to our in-house expertise, including a lighting designer, we can help people find lighting that will not only be beautiful, but efficient and practical too.’
Further information: Visit the new showroom at 58 East Street, Horsham, RH12 1HN. www.horshamlighting.co.uk
Published in the June 2026 edition of AAH Magazine. Photos: Alan Wright Photography/Words: Ben Morris