The walls are painted, carpet laid, furniture delivered, bookshelves arranged, coffee table accessorized, pillows fluffed and window treatments hung. You’re done! Or are you?
Often lighting is put on the back burner, so to speak, in the finishing touches of a room. I am guilty myself– textiles and art are usually the main attraction and design impetus for me. But I am trying to be better about “shining the light” on lighting. Today’s focus is table lamps, my favorite source of that warm glow that makes a room feel inviting, intimate, and cozy.
Before I share some of my favorites, a few words to the wise about lamps:
- The shade is just as important as a base. If the lamp does not come with an attractive shade, take the lamp base to a local shade source. Never try to buy a shade without the base present. As my former boss would say, buying a shade without the base is like buying a hat without your head. In other words, it’s not smart.
- Pay attention to materials. If you have a room full of delicate brass details, switch things up with a bold porcelain lamp. An architectural wooden lamp on a sleek glass table is a great combination, as is an unexpected modern crystal lamp on an antique wood chest. Also think outside the box with patterned fabric shades on solid lamp bases or a painted lamp base with a simple white linen shade.
- Hide lamp cords when you can. A trick of the trade is to either hot glue or tape them to the legs of a table when on a piece of furniture up against a wall.
- Be creative. Table lamps are not reserved for living room side tables. Place one (with the help of clever wiring and outlet placement) in a bookshelf or on a kitchen counter. A lit lamp on a powder room vanity during a party is always a welcome detail.
- Scale is crucial when it comes to table lamps. There are no strict rules here, so finding the right balance takes both experience and trial + error. A few tips to keep in mind:
- The bottom of the lampshade should be approximately at eye level when you are seated. Table lamps between 24-27″ high including the shade* tend to work well.
- *When shopping online, make sure the overall height listed in dimensions is inclusive of the shade.
- Only a small portion of the neck should show, but none of the switch or harp.
- Shades should be approximately twice as large as the diameter of the base, however as a general rule, bigger is better.
- The bottom of the lampshade should be approximately at eye level when you are seated. Table lamps between 24-27″ high including the shade* tend to work well.
Now, a few of my favorite categories and styles.
Iconic Staple:
This brushstroke inspired lamp by Bunny Williams is a no-fail. It combines a more contemporary pattern with a traditional shape and base.
Tribal and Textural:
Arteriors is a great source for lamps with interesting shapes and surfaces.
Colorful:
Christopher Spitzmiller designs gorgeous porcelain lamps in an endless array of rich colors.
Classic Crystal:
Vaughan‘s lamps are completely timeless, yet this crystal block style would be appropriate for a contemporary setting.
Best Bang for your Buck:
This style is reminiscent of the architectural Aidan Gray lamps but offered through Shades of Light at a fraction of the cost.
Blanc de Chine:
Found these on 1st Dibs. They would look great with a colorful drum shade!
Blue and White Forever:
Blue and white is like a neutral for me. They would pop in a monochromatic setting but would be just as appropriate in a color-filled family room.
Architectural:
I love when lamps are made out of old jars, vases, and architectural remnants. This is one of the many examples of why it works- so stunning and different. The base is a perfect thickness and the shade fits well. It’s all about scale!
Light Done Right:
I love the way this graceful antique white lamp jumps out against the masculine black backdrop. Vignette by William McLure.
Pattern play at its finest with Christopher Spitzmiller.
These graceful lamps and traditional pleated shades balance the bold patterns in this memorable bedroom design by Ryland Witt.
It’s no surprise this is the third time I’ve referenced the lamp king, Christopher Spitzmiller, in this post. The red porcelain is a welcome burst of color amidst the deep wood tones in this library.
Next time you find yourself in a room you really love, pay attention to the lighting. Chances are it is significant reason for the way you feel. It is such an important aspect of the comprehensive design–spend some time making it right in your own home. And don’t forget, I’m here to help! It would be my deLIGHT.
