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Make sure your lamp is in proportion to the space and complements the furniture. Large lamps in a small space or on small pieces of furniture can look bulky. The main dimensions to take into consideration are the height and width of the lamp, the diameter of the shade and the base. A lamp that has a diffuser or shade covering the bulb at eye level will avoid glare and be easier on the eyes.
For a pendant lamp in the center of a room or a corridor, ensure that it is installed at least 78” (200cm) from the ground. Pendant lamps installed over kitchen islands or dining tables should be a minimum of 72” (182cm) from the floor. Using multiple pendant lamps evenly spaced over a kitchen island helps to ensure better task lighting and avoid dark shadows.
Decorating your house or apartment is exciting, but it can be a challenge too. There are so many decisions to make: design style, color and price point for everything from furniture, rugs and accents to lighting. Choosing a lamp is an important step in creating a beautiful and livable home. But, which lamps should you buy? There are so many options. This guide was created to help you navigate some of the lamp choices and give insight into things important factors to think about.
One way to streamline the number of choices is to determine the function and form of your lamp. What kind of lighting do you need? Will it sit on the floor or a table, or will it be mounted on the wall? Do you intend to use it only inside or will you need to consider weather-resistant outdoor lamps as well? Once you have answers to these questions, picking the correct lamp will be easier.
[M Karlen, C Spangler, JR Benya 2017]
Most rooms require some combination of the three lighting types. There’s always a need to easily move about. Usually, there’s a specific activity that’s commonly done in the room. Finally, most rooms call for a certain mood or contain a decorative accent that you want to call out. A library, for example, requires ambient light to allow you to walk freely between tables and bookcases. It also needs task lighting to read the books and accent lighting to show off your Rothko print.
Proper layering ensures that the light is balanced and there are no unwanted shadows and minimal glare. When planning the layers of lighting, it’s usually a good idea to start with the general and move to the specific. However, you should prioritize your lighting based on the particular purpose of the space and adapt as needed.
Once you’ve determined where your lamp will go and how it will be used, you still have many choices from which to select. There are essentially three primary categories of lamps: table lamps, floor lamps and wall lamps.
These mid-sized lamps are the most common portable light used in homes today. Based on where they’re placed, table lamps can improve activity performance or simply enhance the ambiance of a room. Modern lamps of this variety may include USB charging for small electronic devices.
These lamps typically provide ambient light and make a personal statement of style. While functional, their primary purpose is often to reinforce the interior design theme of a room or simply add a whimsical decorative touch. Accent lamps have a wide variety of characteristics and finding the right one really depends on the aesthetics that matter most to you. They’re an easy way to infuse a room with some vibrant color, add some curves and texture, or celebrate a theme that speaks to you.
Ever found yourself moving a magazine closer or felt eye strain after finishing a chapter in your favorite novel? If so, it may be the result of insufficient lighting (or you could just be getting old). Even in a decently-lit room, it can be a challenge to scan text. Reading lamps provide a brightly focused light and can adapt to changing conditions. Dimmers are valuable features in living room lamps if you read throughout the day or bedside lamps at night. They should also allow you to direct the light toward your reading material, regardless of your height or book position.
Whether you have a spacious partner’s desk or a small mobile workstation, having a great desk lamp is critical to lighting a home office. You perform a variety of tasks at your desk: typing on a computer, paying bills, making to do lists, etc. Your desk lamp must provide reading light and be able to accommodate items across the tabletop. Most have tilting shades that redirect light onto paperwork across your desk or away from computer screens. Many have adjustable arms and necks that can rotate or extend to cover surface areas all over the desktop.
Adjustable or swing arm lamp – This highly adaptable lamp can rotate, bend in multiple directions and swing upward or downward to direct light as needed across a large area (think Pixar lamp logo)
Gooseneck lamp – The neck of this lamp is flexible (like a goose’s), which enables you to maneuver the light in virtually any direction
Clamp-on lamp – The base of this lamp is made up of a large clip or vise-like mechanism that slides and secures over the edge of the tabletop, vertical plane or post and can save desktop space
Banker or piano lamp – This iconic light is recognized by its typically green glass horizontal cylinder shade, pull chain and brass stand, which shines light downward
Magnifier lamp – This specialized lamp incorporates a magnifying glass in the middle of the lighting fixture and is often used when precision assembly and inspection of small components is required
Organizer lamp – The base of this lamp incorporates storage compartments for everything from post-it notes, pens and paperclips to smartphones and other electronic devices, saving valuable desk space and keeping things organized
If you host dinner parties and take pride in the presentation, buffet lamps are a great touch. Not only do they raise the elegance factor of your dining room, they also serve a practical purpose – they help people see the food that they’re about to enjoy. Typically, they’re used in pairs and placed on the ends of sideboards, consoles or other serving tables. Buffet lamps tend to be tall and thin to prevent the bases and shades from getting in the way of hands and arms. Their light is usually softer and focused downward to create a welcoming ambiance and mood.
Line of Sight – Height
It’s important that the bottoms of table lamp shades are roughly at eye level when you’re seated, whether it’s in an office chair, sofa or bed. This enables you to work, read or socialize with others without the glare of an exposed light bulb blinding you. At the same time, the direct light is close enough to brightly illuminate the pages of a book.
Relative Proportion – Size
Table lamps should be no more than 1 ½ times the height of the furnishing it sits on and the shade should never overlap the edge of the tabletop. Measure the height and circumference of your table, rather than rely on eyeball guesses – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Conversely, your table should not dwarf your lamp either. For end tables, the diameter of the shade should be at least half the width of the table. Long consoles and sideboards can work with smaller lamps if used in pairs since it creates a pleasing visual symmetry. Desk lamp size should vary based on the size of the desk, although the functional benefits are usually more important than the aesthetics.
Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight
If your room has a heavy traffic flow (i.e. people frequently walk through it), you need to be sure that your table lamps are stable and don’t tip over easily. Height plays a part, but the weight and base design are probably more important factors. Similarly, if you expect to be active on or around a table or desk, the heavier the lamp the better.
These tall lamps are extremely versatile and may be used to light the entire room, augment overhead lighting or provide much-needed reading light. Due to their large scale, they’re often placed in the corner or behind sofas and lounge chairs. Some modern floor lamps include touch controls, USB ports and storage compartments.
These large standing lamps are what you typically picture in your mind when you think of floor lamps – a tall body with some sort of shade. Their statuesque bodies are often straight pole-like spindles, but they can be more decorative or even have a tripod design. The bases are usually wide or heavy to provide stability. Most console floor lamps have standard drum shades and are used for general ambient light. However, pharmacy-style shades and swing arm floor lamps can adjust to provide ample direct light for reading.
These stylish floor lamps are similar to console lamps. The main difference is that they have inverted shades that direct light toward the ceiling, where it reflects and provides ambient light. Torchiere lamps generally resemble torches (hence the name), although the shade may take on a variety of shapes. Because their light is indirect, torchiere floor lamps are not particularly good for reading. They’re often placed at the edges or corners of the room, instead of to the side of chairs or sofas. On the plus side, they don’t have the glare that can occur with some downward shades.
These sleek modern floor lamps feature a long curving arm that gracefully arches up and out from a heavy base. They’re often used in living rooms to provide general overhead lighting for wide lounge areas with multiple chairs, sofas or even a sectional. Typically, they’re positioned behind a couch or table, so that the shade hangs over the center of the seating area. The most iconic example of this type of light is Achille Castiglioni’s Arco Floor Lamp, which is one of the most recognizable pieces of mid-century modern lighting.
These dynamic floor lamps feature a main body that branches into three or more arms. These appendages can adjust to focus light in any number of directions. Track tree floor lights often include rotating and tilting shade heads, whose height can be adjusted individually. They can be used to accent multiple decorative elements or provide direct light to an entire book club seated around the area. Variations are also known as octopus, spider and multi-arm floor lamps and are typically placed alongside seating.
Line of Sight – Height
The same rule of thumb used for table lamps should be applied to floor versions. The lower edge of the shade should be at eye-level when seated, if you are using a console floor lamp. Torchieres, arc lamps and track trees can be taller, but be mindful that they don’t obstruct your view of artwork or other decor. If you’re using a combination of table and floor lamps in the room, it’s a good idea to try to keep the tops within a few inches of each other.
Relative Proportion – Size
No shocker here – don’t get a massive lamp if you have a tiny room. Most floor lamps are narrow, so they can easily fit behind furniture and conserve space. However, if you’re using an adjustable swing arm or arc floor lamp, be sure that the arm can easily clear sofa and chair backs.
Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight & Design
If your floor lamp is placed out in the open, make certain that it doesn’t obstruct the line of sight between spots where people might sit. Lighting should enhance the communal experience, not interrupt it. Be especially careful in high-traffic areas. An industrial tripod floor lamp might look amazing, but not if people are continually tripping on its legs. You might also want a lamp with a heavier base that can survive the brush of a stray knee or elbow.
I can guess what you’re thinking – don’t you mean “sconces” or “vanities?” If we’re going to be nitpicky, then yes, wall lamps, sconces and vanities are all technically wall lights. However, sconces and vanities tend to illuminate a limited area. Wall lamps, for our purposes, provide both task and ambient light, and are much more substantial in design and function. They may or may not have shades, but most can be used around seating areas or tables where you need direct light. They’re also effective when horizontal space is at a premium and you can’t use a desk lamp.
These handy wall lights have adjustable arms which can pivot and swing into a variety of positions. They make it easy for you to move the lighting source. Some have multiple joints and adjustable shades that enable you to manipulate the light angle even further. This adaptability makes swing arm lamps ideal for reading or performing other precision tasks that need close-up direct light. Position them between seats, so you can take advantage of their mobility in both spots. Later, you can fold it up and out of the way when it’s not in use.
These dynamic wall lights offer many of the same advantages as swing arm varieties, although they are usually a bit more limited in the degree to which they can adjust. They often have a rotating hinge near the wall mount that gives you some left and right movement. The key feature is a multi-jointed accordion-like arm that extends and retracts in one direction. The shade is moved manually or by means of a small lever. Typically, these wall lamps have an industrial steampunk look, which makes them as much an aesthetic choice as a functional one.
Line of Sight – Height
Wall lamps adhere to the same “eye level when seated” guideline as table and floor lamps. Depending on the vertical adjustment capabilities of your lamp arm, you may have more leeway in how high you can mount the back plate.
Relative Proportion – Size
These lights are usually not too big to begin with and are great at conserving horizontal space.
Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight & Design
Their ability to rotate and retract allows them to fold up and tuck out of the way when not in use. Be wary of positioning them in high traffic areas, since they don’t fit as snuggly to the wall as a traditional sconce.
Alright, you figured out what kind of lamp to get, but you still have other options to consider. For example, what kind of lampshade should you get? Shades have functional responsibilities, but they also add character and can reinforce the decor style and create a cohesive look. Lamps often come with coordinating shades, but you may have an option to swap them out. Other times, shades are sold separately. The most important characteristics to consider when evaluating lamp shades include shape, size, material, color/pattern and safety.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the shape of lamp shades since aesthetics are subjective. However, in general, it’s a good idea for the lamp base and shade to have a similar contour. If the lamp base is curved, a rounded shade is likely to look better than one with sharp angles. The same goes for straight-edged bases and squared shades. Mixing and matching shapes might appease your eclectic spirit, but it can lead to cognitive dissonance – something just feels off.
The angle of the sides of the shade is another thing to think about. Virtually all shades have tapered or vertical sides, which may be straight or slightly concave. Shade corners may be sharp, rounded or cut at 45° angles. Finally, the bottom edge of the shade may be straight or scalloped (rounded sections). Much of the decision is really just personal preference.
This simple cylinder shade has round openings with vertical sides. It disperses light equally up and down and complements transitional and contemporary style lamps.
This elliptical shade is essentially an elongated version of the standard drum shade. Its rounded ends give it a softer feel than sharper geometric shades.
These square, rectangular, hexagon or octagon shaped shades usually have vertical sides, but may be tapered. They go well with lamps that have a modern designs.
This classic cone or “frustum” shaped shade has a slightly smaller top diameter. It distributes more light downward than up. You’ll see this shade on many traditional styled lamps.
This extreme cone-shaped shade has a significantly larger bottom diameter. It brightly lights below, while emitting a softer light above. They create a striking profile on contemporary lamps.
This graceful cone-like shade has concave sides and usually emits ambient light through soft shade material. Usually, this sort of shade is used for lamps with a vintage traditional look.
Are you replacing an old shade and want something different? Or, are you buying a new lamp that doesn’t come with one? Either way, it can be difficult figuring out the proper size to get. There are aesthetic and functional factors to consider. It’s also important to take a couple key measurements of the lamp base: the height from the bottom to just below the socket fixture and the diameter or width at the bottom.
The primary function of a lamp is a key determinant of the ideal shade material. For instance, if the main purpose of a floor lamp is to provide bright ambient light, then a translucent fabric shade is appropriate. On the other hand, a table lamp meant for reading would be better off with a darker shade made from denser material. The backing also plays an important part in how the lamp shade performs.
Lamp shades can be made from a number of materials with distinct characteristics, benefits and drawbacks.
Are we to the fun part yet? Yes and no. Like most things, there are tradeoffs based on various shade choices. The darker the shade (and thicker), the less light will filter through. So, a matte black drum shade might look ultra-chic on your minimalist modern table lamp, but it will provide less ambient light than a white one of the same material. You have to consider the implications and make a decision based on your priorities.
The good news is that there are many stylish options within each color palette. If your lamp base is multi-colored, you might want to consider a solid colored shade that closely matches one of the accent colors. Otherwise, neutral hues are your safest bet. Bright solids and vibrant patterns make lively contrasts to lamp bases with more subdued tones. Think of them like you would a tie with a suit – a little fun is not just accepted, it’s appreciated.
Lamp shades are great for picking up colors used in other areas of the room. They can also provide a complementary accent to break up a monochromatic room. If you want to create a calm environment, neutral colors provide soothing light and coordinate with virtually any color scheme. Don’t forget about textures – visual appeal can come from understated tactile patterns as well.
An oft-overlooked aspect of choosing a lamp shade is safety. Confused? To put it simply – the greater the amount of heat generated by a light bulb, the more ventilation is required. The wider or larger the shade, the greater the amount of ventilation. With incandescent bulbs, the higher the wattage of the bulb used, the greater the heat generated. In general, 2-3 a 2-3 inch separation between the center of the bulb and the inside edge of the lamp shade wall (i.e. “critical radius”) is sufficient. However, you may want to consult the table below from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for more detailed insight. Cooler burning bulbs like LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) don’t emit as much heat. But, they are often larger than hotter burning incandescent bulbs and may require a wide shade.
So, you found the perfect lamp and selected a great shade. You’re done, right? Well, not quite. What about the light bulb? Just like lamps and shades, bulbs are available in many varieties. Your lamp should come with some restrictive bulb guidelines, such as plug/base type and maximum wattage. You still have many choices to make regarding performance and appearance.
For a deep dive into light bulbs, take a look at our in-depth article: Lighting Guide – How to choose the right light bulb.
Some lamps offer additional subtle accents and unique functional capabilities that are not available on most lamps.
Sometimes, you want something for no logical reason. It’s not practical and doesn’t serve a necessary purpose, but you still want it. It’s whimsical, fun, spiritual or just plain cool. Whatever your reason, novelty lamps are a great expression of the inner you, whether that’s a child, a dreamer or a total geek. Remember the fishnet stocking leg lamp from “A Christmas Story?” It’s totally impractical but unforgettable. Sometimes, you just have to have fun decorating, regardless of whether others think it’s cool or not.
One of the most popular specialty lights these days are Himalayan salt lamps. These granular blocks are made from pink salt crystals harvested from the Pakistani Khewra salt mine. They’re hollowed out and fitted with bulbs to produce light and generate heat. The glow ranges from light pink to bold orange, depending on the concentration of the mineral. In addition to their natural aesthetic appeal, salt lamps are said to possess health and wellness benefits, because they’re “natural ionizers.” Air ionizers produce negatively charged ions, which neutralize pollutants in the air. Himalayan salt lamps are believed to improve air quality, mood and sleep. While they do have a soothing pinkish glow that creates a relaxing atmosphere, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. The benefits of salt lamps may be psychosomatic, but the mind is a powerful thing, so…
These dynamic colorful lamps are iconic symbols of the psychedelic hippie movement of the 60’s and have become popular kitsch items. The original lava lamp was invented in 1963, by Edward Craven Walker and it was called the Astro. Lava lamps consist of a simple base and glass cone filled with clear liquid and a special colored wax. An internal light bulb heats the wax, which causes it to rise through the liquid and then cool. At this point, the wax loses its buoyancy and falls to the bottom of the cone, where it begins the process all over again. The viscous cycle is reminiscent of pahoehoe lava flows and if you’re not careful, you can quickly become entranced in the mesmerizing undulations of the wax. Lava lamps come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and massive floor versions can be seen in trendy bars and restaurants.
There’s something truly magical about a full moon in the night’s sky. It has been a symbol of the divine and mystical power throughout time immemorial. Moon lamps capture that timeless sense of wonderment and create a serene and calming ambiance. These unique spherical lamps are made from high-grade plastic, sit in a cradle and emit a gentle glowing light. The cradles can vary from the simplest angular holder to a graceful and artistically sculpted hand. There are even contemporary stands that can suspend and rotate the globe in the air. The best moon lamps are created using high tech 3D printing techniques to capture a realistic rendering of the lunar surface. Most versions provide some sort of color adjustment capability and dimming options. Moon lamps are great as nightlights or decorative accents for bookshelves and tabletops.
What is it about rain and gentle thunderstorms that soothe restless minds and make it easier to drift off to sleep? Is it the faint, but perpetual sound of the raindrops coming down or the soft rumblings that calm our subconscious? Cloud lamps look and sound like actual thunderclouds, creating a relaxing environment. Polyester fiber is often used to create the fluffy cloud-like appearance of the outside of these lamps. Lightweight plastic is used to protect the internal speaker and LED lighting systems. Some interactive models are Bluetooth® compatible and have motion sensor technology. So, you can control the sound and illumination remotely or through simple movement. They also enable you to control the color and they can be synced with music or set to nightlight modes. How great is that? Most versions hang from the ceiling, but there are also tabletop models.
Most new lamp shades list three to four measurements. If you want a direct replacement for your old shade, it's important that you know what to measure. You'll need a measuring tape (or yardstick), along with a pen or pencil to accurately document the specifications:
Here are a few "rules of thumb" if you want something different than your current shade:
Over time, your lamp may start to cast a yellowish glow. Sometimes, it's due to discoloration of the shade from heat emitted the bulb. If that's the case, there's not much to do except buy a new shade. If it's the result of stains or dirt build-up, there are ways to safely clean your shade. Cleaning fabric lamp shades:
Cleaning shades made from other materials:
Brass has a shiny rich color that complements a variety of palettes and brings warmth to a home. It's an alloy comprised of zinc and copper that tarnishes quickly when exposed to air. To minimize oxidation, some brass lamps have a lacquer coating. However, even when lacquered, brass eventually tarnishes over time. Cleaning tarnished brass lamps takes some work, but it's worth the effort.
If the brass is lacquered, you will need to remove the coating before you can clean the tarnish. After the fourth step listed above:
Lamps can be tricky items to pack, whether you're moving across town or across the country. They come in odd shapes and sizes, and are more delicate than other household items. With a little planning and preparation, however, you can safely protect your lamps from being damaged in transit.
If your lamp has a harp (the wire that attaches to the lamp and goes over and around the light bulb), you will need a spider lamp shade. The term "spider" refers to how the shade attaches to the lamp, which is known as the fitting. Spider lamp shades have the most common type of fitting for both floor and table lamps.
Spider lamp shades are easily identified. Look at the metal fitting inside the shade. If you see at least three spider-like arms radiating from a central ring toward the top, it's a spider shade. The ring fits over the top of the harp and is secured with a screw-on cap. These caps are called finials and they are often decorative and may match the lamp base.
If the ring is lower (toward the middle of the shade), it's probably an UNO fitter. UNO fitters secure to the socket at the base of the bulb, rather than over the harp. If you see a couple wire loops at the center of the fitting, you're likely looking at clip-on fitter. These fitters are handy if you lose a harp or don't have an UNO shade. They simply slip over the light bulb, so you should avoid clip-on fittings for heavy shades.
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