Let's talk about table lamps! Small table lamps, bedside table lamps, end table lamps… the possibilities are endless. What goes into finding a great lamp, and where can you find one for your home? Let's find out below!
When you're putting the finishing touches on your home decor, the smallest details often make the biggest impact, like throw pillows or area rugs, for example.
And table lamps.
Yep, table lamps really do make a big impact on a room.
1. Emilie Ceramic Lamp (small) 2. White Wood Lamp (Set of 2) 3. Jade Green Lamp 4. Chelsea Metal Adjustable Lamp 5. Sea Grass Table Lamp (Set of 2) 6. Concrete Table Lamp 7. Ceramic Table Lamp (available in 4 colors and as a set of 2) 8. Mercury Glass Lamp 9. Blue & White Table Lamps 10. Marbled Blue & White Gourd Lamp (Set of 2) 11. Navy & Brass Glass Lamp 12. Turquoise Glass Lamp 13. Cream Textured Lamp 14. White Ceramic & Brass Lamp with USB port
Reasons Why I Love Table Lamps
I LOVE a good lamp! Good ones around your home add much-needed light, and they also complete the look of an entire room.
They're also very easy to swap out or move to another room when you want to change up your decor.
And my favorite part of table lamps is that they create a warm, cozy ambiance in the evening. It's why I love the lamps behind our sofa so much: they give the perfect light at night while we read or watch TV after the girls go to bed.
TIP: I put all of our lamps on timers so I'm not running around the house switching them on and off in the evenings. These wifi timers are our favorites! They work with an app on your smartphone over wifi and can even work with your Amazon Echo or Google Home devices.
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The decor of a room sets its overall tone, but the lighting sets the ambiance. Sometimes changing that one detail can completely change the feel of a room. The classic table lamp combines function and charm in a way few other decor pieces can.
Adding table lamps is another opportunity for layering and texture in your home decorating.
Related Post: How to Decorate End Tables
How to Choose The Perfect Table Lamp
At first glance, a table lamp may not be as eye-catching as a stunning chandelier or a stately floor lamp. But a classic, stylish table lamp can add contrast, color, texture and symmetry to any room.
But where to start? There are SO many styles of table lamps. If you walk into a store without a plan, I have a feeling you'll quickly feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what you came for.
Instead, choose the right lighting for your space with these tips to help you stay on track and pick the right lamp for it.
Define the Purpose
Most people buy a table lamp first and then look for a place to put it later. But to make sure it really fits the space, take some time to define its purpose so you know exactly what you want.
Determine the Size
A tall bedside lamp that floods the bedroom with bright light, or a lamp with a base that takes up your entire end table, is too much and will leave you frustrated with your choice.
First, measure your space so you can find a lamp that not only looks amazing but also fits the space and your purpose.
Decide on the Style
I often find that people think the lampshade determines the style of lamp they buy and display. I won't argue that the shade is a consideration, but the truth is that the lamp body is just as important!
Choose one that fits the style of the room, or choose one that contrasts with it to create an interesting focal point.
Empire Lamps from Studio McGee
Trend Alert: the empire (conical) lampshade is making a major comeback in design. It totally reminds me of my childhood. The drum shade has reigned supreme for the past decade or so, and now it looks like it's the tapered shape's turn.
Choose the Color
A lamp is one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color. It's also an easy way to pull several colors together or add a more subtle touch through texture or shape.
Consider what colors and textures will be behind the lamp. Do you want it to blend into the background or pop off of it?
Table Lamps For The Living Room
How tall should your table lamp be in a family space? Usually, in living rooms they're 26-34 inches, which is the perfect height for a light source when you're sitting down to read or do a puzzle!
If you aren't sure how high that is, a good rule of thumb for end table lamps is that the bottom of the shade should sit at eye level when you're seated.
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Traditionally, if you have both a living room and a family room, the family room's table lamps are more casual and made of metal, pottery, glass or wood, while living room lamps tend to be more formal and made of glass or porcelain.
As you search for the perfect end table lamps for YOUR family room, keep in mind not only the colors and style of your decor but also the textures. Are your lamps mainly for task lighting, or are they more of a decorative piece that adds ambiance and makes the room feel cozy?
Bedside Table Lamps
Nightstand lamps also serve a dual purpose: function and decoration.
But bedroom lighting has one extra consideration: it needs to be bright enough to read your book (or book-like device) without being so bright that it bothers your bed partner.
A general rule of thumb for bedside lamps is that the bottom of the shade should sit roughly 20 inches above the top of your mattress. I personally recommend smaller options in the bedroom unless you have a tall headboard you want to balance out. This photo from Amanda Teal Design shows what I mean perfectly!
Pro Tip: Steer clear of CFL bulbs in your bedside lighting, since they emit blue light that interferes with the production of sleep-inducing melatonin. Instead, opt for incandescent bulbs in low-wattage, 40- to 60-watt sizes.
Small Table Lamps or Tall Table Lamps?
There are areas of your home where you could use either size. Honestly, which one you choose depends entirely on your decor and how you want to use them.
Here are a few areas where you could go soft and intimate with small table lamps, or more dramatic with extra-tall ones:
- Your entryway
- Console table in a living room
- Dining room buffet or accent table
- Hallway accent table
25+ Table Lamps to Consider for Your Home
Alright, now comes the fun part… shopping! I searched high and low to find this collection of lamps. There's truly something for everyone on this list.
To shop, just click the image below and you'll be taken straight to the manufacturer's website for more information. Which one is your favorite?
Table Lamps Under $100
Lamps Under $200
Final Thoughts on Choosing and Buying Table Lamps
Take a little time to consider your space and the purpose of your table lamps before you buy any. To help you along, here are some quick reference tips as you start looking for your new favorite lamps:
- Try to keep all lamps in the same room at a very similar (if not identical) height.
- If you want non-matching lamps on opposite ends of the sofa, that works as long as they're very close in height.
- If a lamp you love is too short, set it on top of a few stacked books to give it some height.
That's it! I hope these ideas make choosing your new table lamps a fun experience!
