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When it comes to illuminating the home, a lot of attention is often given to grander fixers like chandeliers and pendant lights. The humble table lamp is sometimes treated as an afterthought, but this functional fixture packs a punch wherever it is placed and can heavily influence the overall look and feel of a room. With that being said, these are a few of our top tips for selecting the right lamp for your space.
Define the placement of the lamp first
Don’t make the mistake of buying a table lamp and then figuring out where to place it. You should start out by determining where you would like to put a lamp and then buy a lamp that is suitable for that particular spot in your home. Doing it the other way around can result in the lamp being too short, too tall, too bright or just not the right style for the space. Define the purpose and placement of the lamp before you start shopping for it.
The height of the lamp matters
You may not think so at first, but the height of your table lamp of choice should be determined by the room it sits in as well as the decor and objects that will be positioned near it. A general rule of thumb is that the bottom of the lampshade should be at your eye level when you are seated or resting. You can apply this rule to a lamp for a reading nook, bedside table or side table next to a couch. This will ensure that you don’t see the bulb and aren't exposed to harsh, uncomfortable glare.
The size of the shade matters
The size of the lampshade matters. While it may be tempting to base your purchase on the style and pattern of the shade, you also need to consider its ergonomics and proportions. The diameter of the shade should be at least 5 cm less than the length of its body. The narrower the base of the shade, the less light will be emitted. If you’re unsure, a drum shade is always a safe option.
Pay attention to the detail
Pay attention to the finer details when making your choice. While most table lamps allow you to swap out the shade for another with ease, not all will. So if this is important to you, check to see if the lamp you want has a spider fitting or an uno fitting or clip-on. Bulb compatibility is another consideration. More people are leaning toward LEDs for their multitude of benefits so check to see if your lamp can support LED bulbs.
Match the table
You might select a lamp in line with the overall design aesthetic of the room or choose a contrasting style to ensure your new purchase is a statement piece. For example, you may want a vintage-looking lamp to act as a talking point in an otherwise contemporary-style living room. Whatever your choice, it is important that the lamp is suitable for the surface it sits upon. For instance, a robust, chunky table can accommodate a large chunky lamp, whereas a tall skinny lamp would look out of place here.
