The right lamp is a great asset to your home. They’re not the main act, but they can make or break the overall ensemble in your decorating. Lamps are also functional and illuminate the area and allow us to navigate the room with ease. The key is finding the right balance between the look you want and the light you need.
While the possibilities are endless, we’ll begin with narrowing our choices down to the specific type of lamp you’re seeking. You may want a table lamp, a hanging lantern or a floor lamp.
Based on where you’ll be placing the lamp, you then need to decide on the size, style and brightness of the lamp to be chosen.
Size – One of the biggest mistakes people make when purchasing a lamp is neglecting to measure the area that it will fill. Always measure the area and be sure that you know what size you need. If the lamp is for a table, measure the table height and the circumference. Any lamp you choose should be no more than 1.5 times the height of the furniture it sits on and the shade should never overlap the table. Also bear in mind the weight of the lamp when making your selection. A lighter lamp is suitable for a less travelled area, but a heavier and more stable lamp may be wanted for an area of higher traffic, or in areas where children might be frequently moving about the room.
Hanging lanterns should also be chosen to fit the area they’ll be occupying. Choose a single large lantern or group several small lanterns together at slightly different heights. No landern should be hanging lower than one foot above your extended arm’s reach when standing or sitting if over a table or other seating area.
Style – lamps come in an abundance of styles and types. Consider the overall décor of your house and the particular space the lamp will occupy. Don’t worry too much over whether or not it will match. A lamp with a clear base will be less visual and eye catching, while a wood or iron base will add texture and richness to the room. Crystal and glass add a taste of glamour and porcelain will stir images of the Old World. As long as the lamp harmonizes with the object on which it sits, you should have no difficulty.
Brightness – should be selected with the mood in mind, as well as the overall purpose of the room. Darker shades will create a more subdued tone, whereas translucent shades will allow more light to pass through in order to better illuminate the room.
If you would like some more thoughts on how to choose the right lamp for your home, contact us today at our Joplin, MO location. Our team of designers and interior decorators will help you to complete the look you’re seeking in order to make your house a home.