6 Tips for Using Table Lamps

Table lamps are versatile and highly useful, but an often-seen problem is that people overuse them, expecting them to perform all four functions of lighting at the same time. This isn't an ideal configuration at all! 

Table lamps should be used as just one part of a multi-layered lighting plan. The good news is that there are many different interesting ways to illuminate with table lamps. Here are 6 tips for using table lamps in your home.

For task lighting, pick table lamps with dark opaque shades. They will focus light down below the shade and give you a good, directed beam of light for activities like reading. Try placing task lighting table lamps right next to where the light is needed: beside the sofa, next to the bed and so on. Maybe try a table lamp on a table in the foyer so you can quickly get some light when you come in after dark!

For decorative or accent lighting, pick table lamps with translucent shades in materials like linen, silk or rice paper. These materials will spread light around for a more general, diffused soft glow and provide general illumination with a decorative flair.

You can find table lamps to go perfectly with any room, no matter the design. It's up to you to find your perfect match, but contemporary designs do well with table lamps that have drum shades and slim bases while traditional designs work well with tapered lampshade table lamps.

Lampshades come in as wide a variety as the lamps themselves. They run the gamut from plain white shades to colorful ones with lots of decoration like patterns, textures, beads and so on. Match your shades to the shape of the lamp itself—square to square, cone to cone, round to drum—or just purchase the shade and base together as a single fixture for a perfect match.

Keep the scale of your space in mind. Huge lamps on tiny tables might get knocked over and will make things look disproportionate. A too-small lamp will also look weird in the opposite direction. Shades need to be properly proportioned, too. The shade should be 1/2 to 3/4 the size of the base and should hide the internal hardware of the lamp, unless you’re going for an ultra-modern transparent look.

Some lamps also come in a three-way (or tri-light) variety, meaning they can operate at low, medium or high light levels depending on user control. Placing table lamps on dimmers is another great option for controlling how bright you want your light to be.

Browse our huge collection of table lamps to find the one, or ones, perfect for you. If you need more help, contact our trained lighting specialists at 1-866-688-3562. 

Emma Harger-Young - Lights Online