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Tips for Choosing a Table LampWhen choosing a table lamp, consider style, size, shape, color, and price – and the type and intensity of lighting needed. Do you want to reinforce the existing furniture style or do you want to have a more eclectic (mixed) look? Do you want to add a more formal, casual, rustic, modern, etc. element to the room? Are you looking to add color or sparkle? Below are several tips for choosing a table lamp for your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office.
Style
Lamp styles will fall somewhere within the range of Traditional, Contemporary, or Modern. There are numerous variations on this. A more specific style description of a lamp might be "Contemporary Coastal" or "Traditional Asian", or "Modern Retro 60's". Many lamps are actually a hybrid style – or Transitional. They have some of the characteristics the Traditional style, but the details have been streamlined. So, it has the features of both Traditional and Contemporary styles.
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You may decide to “match” or “not match” the style of the lamp with the furniture or architecture – depending on your objective. Some designers make it a point to NOT EXACTLY match the table lamp style with the furniture style. Example: Late Victorian lamp with Late Victorian furniture. That said, the lamp style may still be within the Traditional family, or not, and will need to relate in some manner to the context of the space – in terms of size and color.
. Lampshades are a very important features of a table lamp – and greatly affect the way its style is perceived. In most cases an angled-side or cone shape lampshade expresses a more traditional style and a vertical-side or drum shape expresses a more contemporary or modern style. Size and ShapeWhen determining the right size and shape for a table lamp, it is most important to consider the size of the table or surface up on which the table lamp sets – and the diameter of the lampshade. Measure the length and width of the table surface. The diameter of the lampshade needs to be smaller that the narrowest dimension of the table.
. Testing Size and Shape: Place an existing lamp on the table where you want to add a new lamp. Put books or other under the existing lamp to make it taller to compare with potential new lamp – if applicable. . Table Lamps for Living Room or Family Room - Larger tables and rooms with taller ceilings require larger lamps. For an 8' high living room where table surfaces are usually between 24 and 30” wide, a lamp that is between 28” and 34” (top of finial) in height is usually a good size. . Also, think about the mass of the lamp. Does the table need a lamp that is wide or heavy looking to anchor the space or would a thin and more petite lamp be more appropriate? . Table Lamps for Bedroom - Finding lamps for a dresser, bedside table, or buffet table can require special attention because these surfaces are narrow - generally between 16” and 20” in depth. Therefore, the depth of the shades should be no more than 14” to 18”. For a bedside table, lamps between 24" and 32" (top of finial) usually work well. For a dresser, lamps between 22" and 27" (top of finial) work well. . Lamps with rectangular or oval shades often make good bed side lamps because they are narrow in depth, yet they provide the width to anchor the space on the table. Color and MaterialWhen deciding on color, determine the overall desired ambiance. Lighter, more neutral colors will generally be more calming, whereas richer, more intense colors will be more stimulating.
. The color of a table lamp may blend with other colors in a room – or it may stand out as a unique accent color. . In many cases, it is preferable that the lampshade have a slightly different color than the wall so that it stands out. For example, if you have very white walls, you may want a lampshade that is at least off-white, pale beige, or other darker color. . Lampshades in pale colors with translucent material will give off more dispersed lighting whereas a darker lampshade that is not translucent will give off more concentrated lighting. . Glossy materials such as crystal, glass, porcelain, ceramic, nickel, and brass are good for adding sparkle – which gives a rich, stimulating effect. Materials with a satin or brushed finish provide a softer or calming effect. Types of LightingGood lighting is crucial aspect to home design. It can make the difference between a space that is boring and one that is inviting - it gives a space depth and sets the mood. In addition, lighting is essential in facilitating many of our everyday tasks. There are three basic types of lighting sources that are commonly used:
Table Lamps may serve as any of these types of lighting. Many of us want to save energy these days. There are a few lighting options that reduce electricity usage such as fluorescent or LED bulbs. These alternatives to incandescent lighting do not always provide the best quality results. However, there have been ongoing improvements to the quality of these alternative sources - which may provide desirable results. . |
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