Top Tips on Buying Table Lamps

Decorating your home means making some pretty important decisions. And whilst the theme, colour scheme and style are the first things to consider, a little further down the line it’s the lighting that can make one of the most dramatic improvements to the look and feel of the place. You’ll likely want to use a combination of ceiling lights and lamps. Table lamps are the common variety of lamps used and seen in most of the households. For you to buy the right table lamps you will need some tips. So, it’s with this in mind that here are the Top Tips on Buying Table Lamps.

Are you looking to add some table lamps into your home? Well, they will increase the aesthetic value of any room they are added. Whether it’s in your home office or simply the living room, you need the following tips to help you buy the best table lamps for your home.

Where to put a table lamp?

Table lamps are one of the most widely used lighting options because they can be used in just about every room. Table lamps are versatile and highly useful. The top three spots for a table lamp are:

Bedside table

When is subtle lighting more needed than at bedtime? A carefully chosen bedside table lamp will create a calming, romantic mood. Bedside table lamps shouldn’t feel overwhelming though so, unless your furniture is really on the grand scale, choose a smaller design than one you would choose for a living room or hallway.

These are just three classic spots but, when placing table lamps, think about where your home needs that little bit extra light. These transportable designs can be used in a variety of settings.

The hallway

A console table is a hallway staple and a luxury table lamp makes the perfect partner. Not only do they provide light for those moments when you really need them, we’ve all had the experience of lost keys. They add interest to an often unsung space.

Side table

Lighting schemes are often rounded off by a layer of lighting around eye level so a table lamp on a side table is a great option, particularly in a living room or sitting area. They offer a flattering pool of light which counteracts unflattering shadows from general lighting and often act as the invisible boundaries of an intimate seating area.

Consider shape and style 

Have some fun by searching for different shapes, styles and checking out the latest trends. You can’t be expected to find the perfect table lamp if you haven’t had a good look at what’s on offer. Don’t be afraid to consider shapes and styles that you don’t normally go for. If you end up reverting to your go-to type of design, fine, well at least you’ve considered the options. Contemporary, traditional or even novelty designs are all worth bearing in mind. 

Consider colour palette

Table lamps often come in a range of colours and so here too you have options. Do you seize the opportunity to add a splash of contrasting colour or do go with a more complementary, themed approach to your palette? Recent colour trends include copper and glass, so expect to see plenty of these when window shopping.

Consider the perfect spot

Start by working out precisely where you want your lamp or lamps to be positioned. It’s all about the planning, so also try to determine how high you want the lamp to be and what the purpose of the lamp is. For example, a bedside reading lamp may not need to be as bright or high as a table lamp for the lounge.

Consider height

Most table lamps usually have a height of between 24 and 31 inches. You can place the shorter lamps in your bedroom while the taller lamps will go into the living room. When shopping for lamps, make sure the bottom part of the shade is at your eye level, especially when you are sitting down. That way, if you choose to read by this light, you can do so comfortably without the glaring light bulbs annoying you.

A general rule of thumb when deciding on the height of the lamp is to choose one that, when in place, the lower half of the shade is level with your eye line when you’re sitting or reclining in the same room. This means the lamp won’t dazzle your eyes but will be high enough to optimise the output of light.

Consider width

Are you going to place the lamp at an end table in the living room? Do you need one to place on the bedside table in your bedroom? Wherever you choose to place the lamp, you need to measure the width of the tabletop then compare it to the widest part of the lamp, especially lamps with swing arms.

If you want to pull off a great look, make sure the lamp doesn’t pass the width of the table it is placed on. You should also consider the footprint of the base of the lamp and whether or not you need to place other items on the table with the lamp. Yes, you can always purchase a huge lamp and it looks beautiful wherever you place it. However, it will not work for you if you don’t have enough room left on the table to place your glasses or coffee.

Consider shade replacements

The lamp’s shade will be the first thing to wear out. When you have to replace it, make sure the new shade fits on the base properly and actually looks good. The width of the shade should be twice the width of the base. When in use, the shade should cover the switch but the neck part should show.

Choosing the right shade

You can find table lamps to go perfectly with any room, no matter the design. It’s up to you to find your perfect match, but contemporary designs do well with table lamps that have drum shades and slim bases while traditional designs work well with tapered lamp shade table lamps. If the main reason for purchasing the lamp is to bring out a lot of ambient light in the room or reading light then you need to choose lamps with light-coloured or white shades. 

When it comes to shades, the most common contemporary shapes are drum, empire and rectangle; traditional shapes include box pleat, bell and pagoda. The most common shade materials are paper, silk and linen. A coloured or metallic inner is often used to influence the warmth of the light emitted. This is important if you are looking to counteract the natural light of your room with artificial lighting.

If you are buying a desk lamp to create a darker and dramatic effect, you should choose lamps with opaque shades for the best results. They are perfect for your home library where the light is focused on a book or if you are doing work near the lamp and don’t want the light to spread everywhere.

In conclusion, there are so many things you need to check when looking for table lamps. Use these tips to find the right one for you without any hassles. Mixing lamps is most definitely allowed but try to keep bedside table lamps or sideboard and console table lamps (often called buffet lamps) the same. Don’t forget to check the decor to make sure it matches perfectly.

Happy table lamps buying.