Out: Lightbulbs. In: Glow-in-the-dark wallpaper!

A team of British researchers are developing a new range of intelligent decorating materials that light up when a small electric charge is passed through them.

Although the idea may sound ludicrous, the Government’s Carbon Trust is so excited by the prospect it has awarded a Welsh company £454,000 to develop flexible films that could replace traditional lights.

If glow in the dark wallpaper catches on, it could pave the way for other devices around the home – including light-emitting curtains, colour changing clothes and even luminous pet accessories.