How to Choose the Right Lamp Size?

Choose the ideal lamp size for each space

A lamp is a lamp is a lamp, right? WRONG. While a lamp can easily fulfill its primary function of lighting a room , choosing the wrong size can really throw off your design. But how do you choose the right lamp size?

You wouldn't think choosing a lamp would be difficult, would you? I certainly didn't... until I tried to choose one for my desk.

As I was reviewing my options, I quickly realized I had no idea how to choose the right lamp size ! I've had lamp paralysis before, questioning every lamp I lay eyes on. (Don't worry, I don't think it's contagious.)

You see, all these years, I've just been winging it. Sometimes I've bought the right size, but other times I've been way off. But since I just ran into this problem, I figured other people have probably faced this conundrum before, and that's okay! There's more to it than you think.

That's why, in this article, we're going to explain how to choose the right size table lamp, so you can select the perfect size lamp the first time (and not try several like I did).

I've done a lot of research on this topic and learned that there are two main questions to consider: "What size lampshade do you need?" and "How tall should your lamp be?" It's not enough to just choose a pretty lamp.

When it comes to buying the right lamp for your space, the answers to these two questions can make or break your room's design. And the answer to these two questions is more mathematical than I thought.

How to choose the right size table lamp

Base and shade requirements can vary depending on the room and the type of tasks being performed there. Height, width, and style all play an important role in choosing the best lamp for your space .

And to show you how these elements come into play, I'm going to once again delight you with my amazing photo manipulation skills. You're welcome.

The Height

Height is one of the most important factors in choosing the right lamp. Let me explain what I mean.

First of all, when considering the height of your lamp , you need to make sure that whatever surface it sits on, it is not so high that it shines into your eyes.

To avoid this, make sure the bottom of the lampshade is no higher than eye level. This should block out the glare from the bulb and allow you to see. You're trying to brighten the space, not blind yourself.

For example, in the image below, if you are sitting on the sofa, the bottom of the lampshade should be at or below eye level.

But you also need to consider the ratio of the shade's height to the lamp base. The shade should be about ⅓ the height of the entire lamp (including the bulb and/or harp). This means that if your lamp measures 60 cm from base to bulb/harp, your shade should measure about 20 cm.

I'll tell you right away: it's rare for a base/knockdown combination to have the perfect ratio, but as long as you're within a few inches, you'll be fine.

Finally, it's good to consider the scale of the table your lamp sits on in relation to the lamp base. If you had a small coffee table and a giant lamp , it would definitely look (and probably be) heavy, and vice versa!

As a general rule, your lamp should be a maximum of 1.5 times the height of your table.

The Width

To complicate matters, it is also recommended that the measurement of the bottom of the lampshade be twice as wide as the diameter of your lamp base.

For example, if your lamp base is 15 cm wide, the bottom of your lampshade should be 15 cm wide (give or take a few centimeters). For a square or rectangular lamp base or lampshade , measure diagonally.

But don't give up just yet!

In the example below, you can see that this measurement isn't exact. Remember, a margin of one or two centimeters is enough! No one is going to take a tape measure to measure your lamp, and if they are, do you really want them coming to your house?

Another, simpler aspect of lamp width : you should also consider the width of the table your lamp is placed on and make sure your lampshade is no wider than the table. Not only is this more aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps prevent the lamp from being accidentally knocked over.

The Style

The final element of choosing the right lamp is certainly the most intuitive, the least mathematical (yay!), and, dare I say, the most important? Simply put, you want your lamp to match the style of the table it's placed on (what do you say?).

For example, if you have a large, squat table , you can probably get away with a large, squat lamp. But a super thin lamp (even if it's large) would look awkward.

I would also think about the style of the table, but also the entire room. Your lamp is essentially a functional design element , have fun with it, but make sure it fits the space.

Summary of the 6 rules for choosing the right lamp size

I know I just threw a lot of information at you, so here are the key points:

• The bottom of the lampshade should not be higher than eye level.

• The shade should be approximately ⅓ the height of the entire lamp (including the bulb and/or harp).

• Your lamp should have a maximum height of 1.5 times the height of the table.

• The lampshade should be twice as wide as the diameter of the lamp base.

• The lampshade should not be wider than the table it rests on.

• Your lamp should match the style of the room.

Choosing a lamp for your desk

By following these rules, have I FINALLY managed to find a lamp for my desk ? Well, let me tell you the story of my little adventure with lamps.

Of course, a few weeks after sharing my latest desk lamp find online, I learned I had the wrong size lamp!

Okay, I want to save face by saying that I always felt something was wrong with this lamp, but I never knew what and I stole this lamp from my room because I needed one in my office urgently.

It wasn't meant to be permanent. All excuses aside, I thought it was a great example of what not to do when choosing a lamp. And here's why:

Mistake #1: The lampshade is too big

The biggest mistake here, and the reason I now realize why this lamp always seemed "off" to me, is the giant shade. It's half the height of the lamp! And it's probably 3 times wider than the base.

Mistake #2: Having a lamp that clutters the workspace

My desk is big and full, I have no more free space, between my documents and my tools, I have no more room. A lamp that is too big will not be able to be functional in this space in such a space and the disorder will affect my productivity .

Mistake #3: The lamp doesn't match the style of the room

I know I mentioned above that I had a lamp temporarily placed there, but to really get the point across, I think it's important to point out that a lack of style consistency with the room is distracting. If you have a busy wall with lines and your lampshade is too, it will make you dizzy.