How to Choose the Perfect Table Lamp
Tags: Table Lamps, Design, Décor, Designer, Home Decor

As you get deeper into decorating your home, you will realize that it is the tiny details that end up making the biggest difference. While the style, theme, and color scheme of the room define it, it is lighting that ultimately sets the mood and creates an ambiance of your choice. In fact, a simple change in lighting can completely alter a room’s vibe and turn it from a dull, boring space into a cozy, inviting retreat or even a cheerful and exciting hub! And few lighting fixtures combine timeless charm, modern allure, and smart functionality like the lovely table lamp.

In a world that is dominated by stunning chandeliers, amazingly creative pendant lights, and bold floor lamps, the good ol’ table lamp might seem like a less fancy choice. But do not underestimate the value of a sturdy and elegant table lamp. When used right, the table lamp can bring symmetry, color, contrast, texture, and of course illumination to any room it adorns. And today we take a look at how to buy the right table lamp that offers everything you need and a whole lot more –

1. Finding the Right Spot

Start off by determining where you want to put the table lamp, and chalk out the exact height at which it will sit, as well as its distance from the bed, couch, or cozy chair next to it.

2. Sizing Things Up

Here is the tricky part when you are choosing a brand new table lamp. The height of the table lamp you pick is determined more by the room it sits in and the décor around the lamp. If you have a tall bedside table, then it goes without saying that a shorter lamp will do and vice versa. The general norm here is to pick a lamp where the bottom of the shade is at your eye level when you are seated or resting. This works whether you are shopping for a table lamp that fits your reading nook, a bedside lamp, or even one that goes next to the couch in the living room.

3. Play with the Style

Some of our readers might wonder if a table lamp really has a style of its own, and the answer is an emphatic yes. True, often it is the shade that determines the overall appeal of the lamp, but there are plenty of cases where the body of the lamp makes a huge difference and defines it.

4. A World of Colors

A neutral backdrop that is devoid of bold color is almost the norm in most modern homes, and with neutrals like gray continuing to hold sway in 2016 while sparkling copper table lamps with an industrial vibe or those in gold continue to provide that smart metallic glitter.

5. Lampshade and Shadows

Another important choice to make when shopping for a table lamp is the lampshade and its size. Do not be drawn in by just the style and the pattern of the shade, and do consider the ergonomics and proportions of the shade in relation to the body of the lamp. The diameter of the lampshade should be at least 2 inches less than the length of its body, and the drum shade is definitely the safest choice out there. The narrower the base of the shade, the less will be the illuminated area; consider this arc before you make a purchase.

6. Attention to Detail

Most table lamps allow you to change shades with ease, and while some might have a spider fitting, others could sport a no fitting or clip-on. DO check this out before you think about switching the lampshade. The bulbs used in table lamps these days have come a long way from the old CFLs, and LED lighting is the preferred choice, as it cuts down the power bill as well. But not all table lamps support this switch between, so check out the finer details (like maximum wattage) before you make the purchase.

7. Mix and Match

The table lamp that you choose not only needs to blend in with the style of the room but also must seamlessly add to the other layers of lighting that already exist. This could be recessed lights that set the general mood, accent lighting which highlights specific architectural features or artwork, or even functional lighting. For a more unique look, try mixing two completely different table lamps with similar colors or geometric shapes to give the room visual symmetry with a fun twist!