How to Choose a Table Lamp

A good lamp doesn't just light up the room, it can bring your whole space together! To find that perfect lamp, ask yourself a few simple questions about what kind of lamp features you need and consider what size table lamp to shop for. There are so many table lamps to choose from that it can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're sure to find a style that works in any space!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Table Lamp Features

1. Look for a dimmable table lamp to adjust the lighting in the room. Your lighting needs might change throughout the day, so table lamps with dimmable switches are a great option. You can increase the brightness as it gets darker in your room or lower it to a gentle glow if you want to soften the lighting.^[1]
   
   • Try dimmable table lamps in the bedroom if you and your partner have different lighting needs at night. You might like to stay up reading while they want to get some sleep, for instance.
2. Shop for a lamp with a bendable arm if you want to focus the light. Working at a table or desk? You can bend a small arm down to direct light on your work or adjust an extendable arm so it doesn't create an annoying glare on your screen.^[2]
   
   • Bendable arm table lamps are also useful if you want to illuminate something on the wall behind the table like art or a photograph.
3. Get a table lamp with a nightlight feature for overnight accent lighting. If you've got little kids in your home or you need a little light for getting up at night, look for a lamp that has a nightlight setting. Don't worry— you can still use the standard lamp lighting during the day.^[3]
   
   • Remember to place your lamp in a convenient spot if you plan to use the nightlight feature. For example, set the lamp on a table in your hallway if you frequently get up and walk to the bathroom at night.
4. Buy a USB table lamp if you want to easily charge your electronic devices. Always running out of outlets? Newer lamps are sold with USB ports near the base so you can plug in your tablet or smartphone and charge it while you're in bed or relaxing in your living room.^[4]
   
   • This is a great option if you hate having cords stretch from the wall to your bed or seat.
5. Purchase a lamp set to give a room a unified look. Big rooms usually need a lot of light so you'll probably want more than 1 lamp. Choose matching table lamps and set them at opposite ends of a console table for a striking style. If you don't have a long table in your entryway or living room, place matching table lamps throughout the room to make it look polished and put together.^[5]
   
   • You've probably seen this style trick in bedrooms. Matching table lamps look fantastic on bedside tables and they give much-needed accent lighting.

[Edit]Lamp and Shade Size

1. Pick a lamp that's the right height for your space without getting direct glare. There's no right or wrong size for a table lamp, but there are a few tips that can help you choose one that will fit the room. If you'll be sitting near the table lamp, the base of the shade should be at your eye level and if you're in bed, the base of the shade should come to your chin. This way, you'll get good lighting without direct glare. Need a hand getting started? In general, choose a lamp that's:^[6]
   
   • tall for the living room.
   • from the top of the mattress for bedside tables.
   • for a sideboard in the dining room.
2. Select a lamp that's smaller than the table you're putting if on. Sure, you can put a table lamp on a small, decorative table, but it might overwhelm the space or the shade will stick out too far. In general, buy a table lamp that's not more than 1 1/2 times taller than the table you set it on.^[7]
   
   • Want to make a small lamp look bigger? Pair it with a larger shade or put it in a smaller room.
3. Measure the lamp base height to find the diameter for your shade. Hold your measuring tape at the base of the lamp and measure up to the socket. Your shade's diameter should be within of this measurement. You can choose any style of shade, but this measurement gives you an idea of how wide the shade should be.^[8]
   
   • For example, if your table lamp's base height is , shop around for a shade that's between .
4. Pick a shade that's 1/2 to 3/4 the height of the lamp. Choosing the right height for your shade might seem like a guessing game, but you want the shade to be 1/2 to 3/4 the height of the lamp so the proportions look correct. If your shade is too large, it can overwhelm the look of the lamp and could even cause it to tip over!^[9]
   
   • A shade that's too small is also a problem since it might not cover up the lightbulb completely or it may just look out of place.
5. Check that the lightbulb isn't visible below the shade. Not sure if your shade is big enough? There's an easy way to check! Just turn on the lamp and look at the bottom edge of the shade. If you can see the lightbulb, your shade is too small. There should be of space between the bulb and the shade.^[10]
   
   • Seeing the lightbulb might not seem like a big deal, but it can be too bright on your eyes if you're trying to read or relax.
   • Some table lamps have adjustable height, so you could lower the shade to hide the lightbulb.
6. Check that the harp isn't visible when the shade is on the lamp. If you're buying a shade separately from a table lamp base, make sure the shade sits on the lamp properly. You shouldn't see the harp, which is the metal frame that holds the shade in place. If you see it sticking from the bottom, choose a shorter harp or a larger shade.^[11]
   
   • Harps come in different shades and finishes— pick one that matches the finish of your lamp.

[Edit]Style and Shades

1. Choose a light-colored or thin shade if you want to illuminate your space. Are you trying to add a soft glow to your bedroom or add much-needed light to a dark living room? Look for a white, cream, or pale shade so it gives off the most light from the bulb.^[12]
   
   • Silk is a high-quality material for shades, but synthetic shades are easier to care for.
2. Go for a dark shade to make a dramatic look. If you want a striking display of light in your room, pick a shade that's black or dark-colored. Some shades are even painted on the inside so the light is only visible from the top and bottom of the shade.^[13]
   
   • Try dark shades for a buffet table or the end of a hallway, for instance.
3. Choose a shade shape that matches the lamp base. You don't have to be an interior designer to pair a shade with a lamp. Start by pairing shades with lamp shapes and see what you like!^[14]
   
   • For example, try a drum, cylinder, or cone-shaped shade if the base of your table lamp is round or curved. Test out a pagoda or rectangular-shaped shade for a lamp with a square base.
4. Match the lamp and shade style with the feel of your room. Look at the furnishings in your room and see if you can find a lamp that has similar elements. If your room has dark wood accents, a polished wooden lamp could complement it. For a clean, modern room, pick a simple ceramic lamp with a plain-colored shade.^[15]
   
   • Traditional lamps could be carved while quirky lamps might be made of twisted metal.

[Edit]Tips

• If you can carry it, take your lamp base with you to the store when you shop for a shade. Instead of guessing whether or not a shade would work with your lamp, you can see exactly what looks great!
• On a budget? Thrift stores and estate sales are fantastic places to grab a deal on a table lamp.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://decortips.com/homes/how-to-choose-the-right-table-lamp-for-every-room/
2. ↑ http://www.healthycomputing.com/office/setup/lighting/index.html
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/buB_3ZPhF4E?t=35
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/buB_3ZPhF4E?t=23
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/buB_3ZPhF4E?t=54
6. ↑ https://kelloggcollection.com/choose-the-right-lamp-for-any-room/
7. ↑ https://frontdoor.furniturerow.com/how-to-and-do-it-yourself/big-lamp-choose-correct-lamp-size-guide
8. ↑ https://frontdoor.furniturerow.com/how-to-and-do-it-yourself/big-lamp-choose-correct-lamp-size-guide
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/e5vuY_gQPl4?t=31
10. ↑ https://www.stlmag.com/design/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Lamp-Size/
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/znfrlFB0ijk?t=186
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/znfrlFB0ijk?t=214
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/znfrlFB0ijk?t=88
14. ↑ https://kelloggcollection.com/choose-the-right-lamp-for-any-room/
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/e5vuY_gQPl4?t=59