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Table Lamps Buying Guide

· Home and Decor

The best way to create a romantic, relaxing and cozy atmosphere is to invest in extra fixtures. Usually, these are portable and you can place them just anywhere, whether it's your counter, side table, coffee table, console or nightstand. If you're looking to get table lamps online, there are several things to consider. Besides the design and how they look, consider the size and of course where you will place them.

How to Pick the Right Lamp?

Function

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The first thing to consider when choosing your table lamp is function. What type of lighting are you looking for? Will this lamp sit precisely at a table or will you place it on the floor or a shelf? Do you need it as additional light, or do you need it to give strong light (for your desk for example)? Once you answer these questions, your choices will narrow and you'll be able to find what you're looking for.

Size

When choosing table lamps for your home, consider the size. Many people make the mistake of buying lamps before measuring their space. Consider where you want to place it; if it's meant for your home office desk, make sure to measure the desk. A too small lamp will look "lost" on the desk and won't give you the proper illumination.

Types of Lighting

There are five basic types of lighting:

• Natural is the one that occurs naturally in the space during daytime. It has a positive effect on your mental and emotional state and will make the room pleasant.

• Ambient lighting is also known as “general lighting” and should provide overall illumination in a room. This is the type of lighting you think of when you turn on a light switch as you enter a space. Ambient lights are often ceiling fixtures or sconces, but they can be portable or wall lamps as well.

• Task lighting is the type of lighting that illuminates a specific activity. For instance, it can be a lamp you use for reading in your living room or bedroom, the light you need for working in your home office, or the light you need for better illumination in your kitchen.

• Accent lighting or focal lighting creates the atmosphere or draws your attention to a particular object or aspect of your home’s architecture (shelves, wall art).

Decorative lighting serves purely aesthetic purposes. It's the light used to add extra illumination to jewellery for architecture; typically it doesn't emit light well but adds to the overall illumination in a minor way.

Table Lamp Shades

Table lamps' style range from the stylish gourd shape to sculptural statement pieces or designs decorated with petrified wood or agate slices.

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If you're searching for table lamps online, consider the shades. The most common contemporary shapes are drum, empire and rectangle while traditional shapes include box pleat, bell and pagoda. The most typical shade materials are silk, paper, and linen. Designers usually use coloured or metallic inner to influence the warmth of the emitted light which is important if you need to balance the natural light of your room with artificial lighting.

Where to Put Your Table Lamp?

Dining Room Table

These lamps are ideal for intimate evening meals and making a romantic mood. Side tables are the best choice for dining room lamps. You can even choose two smaller bedside lamps and put them at each end of your sideboard to create a balanced look. These usually sit against a wall or in a corner, so make sure they aren't too large; the design should match the style and colour palette of your dining room, so they don't stand out. Choose a style with a shade or diffuser to keep the light relaxing.

In Your Bedroom

The most common use of table lamps is in the bedroom. People usually have them on the nightstand; they add soft yet sufficient light for you to read, watch TV, or simply relax before bed. They're perfect for creating a relaxing ambience, without making you feel overwhelmed. Of course, you should have a main fixture on the ceiling for proper lighting, but a side table will help you spend some time awake before bed; you can easily switch it off without having to get up.

On a Side Table

If you have a side table, it's a perfect place to add a table lamp. Not only does it looks aesthetically pleasing, but will also enrich the lighting in this room. It offers a flattering pool of light that compensates for unflattering shadows from the general lighting and often people use it to create an intimate seating area. A simple lamp can work as the only decor on a side table, and it will be more than enough; this is a great way to mix functionality and style in your minimalist home.

In the Hallway

Hallways are a great place to add some extra lighting. If you have a console table, it's a perfect place to add one or two lamps. It'll provide extra light whenever you need them (putting your shoes on, or searching for a set of the key), but also, will keep the hallway always illuminated especially overnight and keep the place safe and welcoming.