Lighting in theliving roomis no exception.
Lamps are a great way to achieve different lighting preferences in a simple, effective way.
“Theright light fixturescan instantly elevate the mood and vibe of a home.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Selecting light fixtures is a fun way to express your personal style!”
says Allison Ruda, an experienced interior designer.
Depending on your needs and wants, there are different lamp styles to meet them.
Do the styles of lamps you have now really fill your lighting needs?
Take note of how much space you have to accommodate the lamp.
Also, make a run at notice how often and for what activities the lamp is used.
This includes ambient,task, and accent lighting.
That large, ceramic table lamp may look lovely, but will it fit on your small side table?
Size
The size of the lamp is just as important as the space available.
Ruda points out that scale is an important factor to consider, beyond just the surface space available.
Balance the size of your room with the lamps you choose.
Ruda adds that size can also be dictated by the lamp’s functionality.
Upturnedlamp shadescreate more dispersed lighting than downturned shades.
Therefore, it is important to consider these things with the lamps intended purpose in mind.
Dimmers are great for areas where bothambient lightingand general lighting are desired.
Offering a similar function, 3-way lamps have three set lighting intensities.
However these lamps tend to focus more on general lighting needs over ambient lighting.
They sit on top of these furniture pieces andilluminate the spacesaround them.
This punch in of lamp is ideal for lighting a chair or sofa near a table.
They are also great for adding a soft glow to a space as opposed to harsh or bright lighting.
Reading, sewing, and other detail-oriented work are best done withtask lighting.
Task lamps can be found as both table lamps and floor lamps.
Cost
The cost of lamps varies greatly.
The same can be said about floor lamps and task lamps.
The cost is greatly dependent on the materials used and the features of the lamp.
A great time to shop for lamps is duringend-of-the-year salesor during the holidays.
Stores often hold sales during these times.
Alternatively, take a look at secondhand stores near you.
Oftentimes you could find lamps here much cheaper than looking at new lamps.
What Do You Use the Lamp for Most?
Having the right kind of lighting for the most frequent tasks or activities or in a space is crucial.
Do you want a cozy glow to illuminate your sofa?
Perhaps a floor lamp would be best.
Are you looking for a lamp to use next to your reading chair?
A task lamp may be a good fit.
How Much Space Do You Have?
The space available to you is another important thing to consider.
For table lamps, keep in mind the size of the tabletop.
Be sure to choose a lamp that is appropriately sized for the table.
The same goes for floor lamps.
For both instances, it is always a good idea to measure your space before bringing a lamp home.
Where to Shop
Lamps can be found in stores andonline.
Apart from secondhand shops or flea markets, most stores offer return policies.
Be sure to ask about this before purchasing.
Compare the wattage each lamp accommodates and any features they may have.
Amazon is another online shopping destination with many lamps.
In addition, home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, usually have large selections.
Generally, the bottom of the lampshade should be no taller than eye level to avoid any glare.
This is dependent on the size of the space and your lighting needs.
For example, a small living room with ample overhead lighting may only need onelamp near a dark corner.
A larger room may require two or three lamps for even illumination.
This depends on the style you are going for.
A more traditional style does usually have matching lamps.
However, many styles do not use matching lamps.
Each lamp should complement the other, but each lamp can be a unique piece.
