How to Choose the Perfect Table Lamp

As you delve deeper into decorating your home, you'll realize that it's the little details that end up making the biggest difference. While the style, theme, and color palette of a room define it, it's the lighting that ultimately creates the mood and ambiance you desire.

In fact, a simple change in lighting can completely alter the mood of a room, transforming it from a dull, boring space into a comfortable, inviting retreat, or even a joyful, exciting hub! And few lighting fixtures combine timeless charm, modern allure, and smart functionality like a pretty table lamp.

In a world dominated by stunning chandeliers , surprisingly creative pendant lights, and bold floor lamps, the good old table lamp may seem like a less fanciful choice. But don't underestimate the value of a sturdy, stylish table lamp.

When used properly, a table lamp can bring symmetry, color, contrast, texture, and of course, illumination to any room it adorns. Today, we'll take a look at how to buy the right table lamp that offers everything you need and more.

1) Find the right location

Start by determining where you want to place the table lamp, and mark with chalk the exact height at which it will be placed, as well as its distance from the bed, sofa, or comfortable chair next to it.

Buying a table lamp first and then trying to integrate it into your bedroom or living room isn't a great idea. While this might work if you're lucky, the lamp will often end up being too short, too tall, or too bright for the room.

Also, you may not need a bedside lamp as bright as the one on the side table in your living room! So, be clear about what you'll use the lamp for before you start shopping.

2) Measure things

This is the trickiest part of choosing a brand new table lamp. The height of the table lamp you choose is determined more by the room it's in and the surrounding decor.

If you have a tall bedside table , it goes without saying that a shorter lamp will do the trick, and vice versa. The general rule is to choose a lamp whose bottom shade is at eye level when you're sitting or resting.

This rule applies to a table lamp for your reading corner, a bedside lamp, or even a lamp to place next to the sofa in the living room.

3) Play with style

Some of our readers may be wondering if a table lamp truly has its own style, and the answer is a resounding yes. While it's often the lampshade that determines the lamp's overall appeal, there are many cases where the body of the lamp makes a huge difference and defines it.

From wooden table lamps to industrial bedside lamps , a variety can perfectly fit into the exclusive and exceptional style of your home. Another approach is to use the table lamp to introduce a completely different style, giving the room a radiant focal point!

4) A world of colors

A neutral backdrop devoid of bold color is almost the norm in most modern homes, and as neutrals like gray continue to gain traction since 2016, table lamps give you the opportunity to add a punch of color.

Multi-colored delights allow you to bring in almost any hue you choose, while gleaming copper table lamps with an industrial vibe or gold ones continue to provide that smart metallic sheen.

5) Lampshades and shadows

Another important choice to make when purchasing a table lamp is the lampshade and its size. Don't be drawn to the style and pattern of the lampshade, but consider the ergonomics and proportions of the lampshade in relation to the body of the lamp.

The diameter of the lampshade should be at least 5 cm smaller than the length of its body , and the drum lampshade is certainly the safest choice. The narrower the base of the lampshade, the smaller the illuminated area will be; take this arc into account before making your purchase.

6) Attention to detail

Most table lamps allow you to change shades easily, and while some have a spider-like attachment, others may have a single attachment or a clip.

Check it out before you think about changing the lampshade. The bulbs used in today's table lamps have evolved a lot from the old CFLs , and LED lighting is the preferred choice because it also reduces your electricity bill.

But not all table lamps support this type of switch, so check the details (like the maximum wattage) before making your purchase.

7) Mix and match

The table lamp you choose should not only match the style of the room, but also seamlessly complement the other existing lighting levels.

These can be recessed lights that set the overall mood, accent lighting that highlights specific architectural features or artwork, or even task lighting .

For a more unique look, try mixing two completely different table lamps with similar colors or geometric shapes to give the room visual symmetry with a fun twist!