When selecting  table lamps for a room, ask yourself the following questions. What is the style of the room? modern or traditional? Are you looking for a table lamp that complements the decor, or adds a decorative element to the space.  Shop for a shade that matches your lighting needs. Some lampshades, made from thick linen or woven material diffuse the light, while others that are more translucent allow the most amount of light to shine. For maximum output choose a shade that is lighter in weight, more translucent and white in color. Additionally, some lamps, depending on the shade, will cast upward or downward beams to provide either mood or task lighting.

Mix and match lampshades, and, if necessary, add a shade riser or extender to the top of the lamp hardware to raise the height of the shade. The bulbs you choose also play a key role in the type of lighting you need. Bulbs differ by the amount of light and color they emit, and the amount of energy they use.  I always check the maximum wattage on a table lamp. Wattage indicates how much power a bulb consumes, not the amount of light, or lumens, it generates. A 40-watt incandescent bulb generates 450 lumens, a 60-watt, 800 lumens and a 100-watt bulb, 1600 lumens. Energy-efficient bulbs yield higher lumens with lower wattage. Two-bulb table lamps are ideal for areas with minimal light sources that require plug in lamps to illuminate the space.

I always emphasize in all my projects that’s it’s not only important to illuminate a space, but also to enhance your room’s decor, Lamps are perfect  standalone piece on an accent table or as an anchor for  a bed or couch, when placed on either side.

Tips:

  1. Task lighting should be free from glare and shadows, and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain. Make sure that the light is at least 12 to 18 inches from the area requiring light.
  2. Consider the lampshade finial, you don’t want it to be so big that it’s the first thing you see; however, you do want it to make a statement. Remember, the lamp base on a table lamp is the first thing you should notice – the shade and finial should follow.
  3. Consider the overall height and purpose for the side lamp if for reading check where the light is casting down
  4. Consider scale, nothing looks worse than a small lamp with a shade that’s too big or a large lamp with a shade that’s too small.
  5. Buy variety of bulbs and test out which tone of white you prefer in the space.