In addition to torchieres, you can create ambient light with wall sconces. Another way to add ambient light to a space is to put an indirect light on top of a tall piece of furniture - an armoire, a bookcase, a TV cabinet. Often we will use an under-cabinet light, lay it on top and point it up and that gives ambient light to a space. Simply changing to a pendant fixture like alabaster that is more indirect that direct provides great ambient light, and it doesn't require anything but changing one fixture for another. They perform two different roles.
Table lamps create a human scale in the space.
They're also the decorative fixtures in the space and provide the sparkle. A few table lamps will do a very nice job of adding a glow of light into the space. But if you just use lamps with linen shades, they visually overwhelm the space and it looks like a linen shade showroom. If you want to use them as reading lights, we recommend that you use opaque shades with a solid liner so that it throws the light down on the lamp base and across your lap. More and more Americans want to have their home reflect such old-fashioned values as warmth, welcome and good taste.