What to Look for When Buying a Table Lamp

Getting a Table Lamp

Your decision is made; you want a table lamp. Now the task comes down to choosing the right one. There are a lot of things to consider, but the process can be enjoyable and the ultimate decision easier with a little forethought.
Start your quest by answering these questions:

1. What is the function of the table lamp?
2. Where will the lamp sit?
3. What is the best size?
4. What is the décor of the room?

Function

Table lamps serve many purposes, but the three most common are for task lighting, accent lighting and ambient lighting. Task lighting is for a singular purpose such as reading or doing something that needs direct light. Generally it requires a 100-watt bulb. Accent lighting calls attention to a place in the room. Ambient lighting contributes to a mood or adds additional light to a lighting plan. The last two can vary in wattage requirements, anywhere from 40 watts and up depending on the lamp and the room. A dual-purpose table lamp that fills more than one function might require a switch that accommodates a three-wattage bulb or a switch that has a dimmer.

Location

Where the table lamp sits dictates a lot. A lamp on an end table next to a couch will probably not be the same as on a nightstand. A table lamp is not only a functional device it is also a piece of furniture. It adds to or subtracts from the whole impression of the room. Try to imagine a lamp in place in the space you have chosen. Will it help or hinder the view in the room? Will it obscure or compliment other objects?

Size

Proper size depends on the purpose of the lamp and the dimensions of the room, but most critically it depends on the table or surface on which it will sit. Too big and it could overpower the table or become unstable. Too small and the lamp might look puny. Most often a lower table or surface requires a taller the lamp. Envision the two-thirds/one-third rule, which is always a pleasing combination. The exception is reading lamps. They often have longer “necks” to bring direct light to the right spot.

Décor

Look at the room itself and the style of decoration and furniture you have already chosen. You will want your table lamp to contribute to this ambiance. Fortunately today lamp styles are about as varied as can be imagined, but don’t forget the lampshade. Often shades are interchangeable, more of a mix-and-match situation. The lamp and the shade need to live in harmony while carrying out the function you intended. The trick is to find a store or website that has the variety you want while giving the advice you need—all the while helping you stay within the budget you designate.

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