There are obvious advantages to using table lamps in your living space. They are
functional in the sense that they provide a great alternative for adding more light
to a room where ceiling light is limited. On the flip side, if you prefer a softer
or more economical way to light up a room, table lamps can deliver. Beyond their
functionality, table lamps can compliment your room's decor as a decorating accent.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any lifestyle and budget. With
literally thousands of lamps to choose from, finding the perfect table lamp to match
your style will be a snap, whether your tastes run to the contemporary, traditional, classical or
avant garde.
Types of Table Lamps
Lighting is generally classified into three categories: task, ambient and accent
lighting. Rooms that are considered well-lit usually have a combination of these
three types of lighting. Table lamps are useful as an accent lighting source. However,
what combination of lighting you ultimately choose will depend upon your personal
preferences and the room's size and decor.
Perhaps the most common type of lamps used today, table lamps come in a variety
of shapes and styles. A standard table lamp usually includes a base, a supporting
pole that allows you to adjust the light, a bulb socket, and a power cord. A coordinating
lamp shade is usually provided for both decorative purposes and for softening the
overall lighting. Most standard style table lamps are single socket lamps that take
a 60-watt bulb. However, a few standard lamps do have the three-way bulb feature.
Higher-end table lamps offer a wider selection of styles with more features such
as light intensity control and touch and power control.
Table Lamp Features to Consider
Size
Table lamps can range anywhere from 25" to 32" tall. The size of the lamp will,
to some extent, be dictated by the surface on which it will be resting. Candlestick
style table lamps tend to work better on narrow or small tables while large, bulkier
lamps work best on end tables. To keep the room balanced, consider placing shorter
lamps on taller tables, and taller lamps on shorter tables.
Be sure to take measurements before you start shopping around. A table lamp should
be tall enough to cast its light over your shoulder. The bottom of the shade should
be about even with your cheekbone when sitting in a chair and the light's beam should
easily illuminate what you are reading.
Style
The style of the lamp will depend upon your tastes and the other room decorations.
Are your other room furnishings more modern and contemporary or more traditional
and classical? Maybe you classify your tastes as somewhere in between. Wherever
you may fall in the decorating equation, try to align your table lamp choice with
the existing room decor.
Light Bulb
Many people do not give particular attention to the actual light bulb when buying
a lamp. However, it is an important feature to consider. Most bulbs for table lamps
range from 15 to 150 watts. As mentioned, most single socket lamps take a 60-watt
bulb while a three way can take a 50-100-150 or a 30-70-100 watt light bulb. If
the lamp is used solely for reading, a 150 watt bulb is better. A 60 watt bulb will
do the trick if your lamp's purpose is solely more decorative in nature or to provide
subtle back lighting. However, if your lamp will pull double duty, the three ways
can't be beat for versatility. While you can always use a lower watt bulb than
what is called for, never exceed the recommended wattage on the lamp.
There are four basic types of light bulbs: incandescent (most typical), fluorescent,
compact fluorescent and halogen. Incandescents are affordable, come in a variety
of shapes and styles, and can be used with dimmer switches. Fluorescent are the
logical choice for ambient lighting, tend to be a little more expensive, but generally
do not work well in lamps because they require a special fixture to operate. Compact
fluorescents are the kings of energy efficiency. They may be more expensive upfront,
but use less than half the energy and can last up to 16 times longer that a traditional
incandescent bulb. Halogens can also produce up to 50 percent more light for the
same amount of energy when compared to their incandescent cousins. They can last
up to three times longer than standard bulbs, but are also more expensive.
Shades
White or off-white fabric shades provide a translucent quality and are good when
high lighting output is needed such as when reading. A darker or opaque shade tends
to limit the light output and are often good in hallways and entryways. The good
news is that most lamps come with detachable shades. You can always switch out a
shade if you happen to fall in love with a particular lamp style, but aren't happy
about the shade.
Knowing where the lamp will be located will assist in determining what size shade you'll need.
For example, a lamp on a low table can take a smaller shade than a lamp sitting
on a high shelf because you can't see underneath a shade below eye level. Many decorators
recommend using the rule of thumb that states the bottom edge of a shade is low
enough if you don't see the hardware (harp or socket).
Top selling/Rate Brands/Products
Quality, style and value. Those are the trademarks of Tenth Avenue Lighting. The
Tahoe Table Lamp's clean lines and subtle hand-rubbed patina adds style
to any decor. A mottled steel finish and a French latte linen shade make this a
suitable lamp for lodge or loft.
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The brown faux leather accented with smoked silver and the French latte linen shade
of the
Cypress Table Lamp blend in a luxurious transitional statement. The
Victoria Table Lamp features honey colored art glass and intricate Victorian
filigree accented with gilded bronze curls. For something a little more unique,
the
Reflections Table Lamp fits the ticket. This charming table lamp features
a beautifully illuminated river landscape and an antique bronze finish. When the
light is turned off, the reverse painted image is barely visible.
Visual Comfort & Lighting believes that the way lighting looks is as important as
what kind of light it provides. Therefore, good lighting should be equally fashionable
and functional. Their
English Urn Table Lamp is a sophisticated English candle urn in antique
brass featuring a faux marble pedestal base and a black shade. The handsome
Fleur de Lis Fragment Table Lamp boasts a bronze finish and a gorgeous linen
shade. Style is abundant in the
classical Sheffield Nickel Urn Form Table Lamp. The black silk shade is
a perfect match for this lovely piece.
Thomasville Lighting's products can offer a sparkle of brilliance throughout your
home. The
Barcelona Collection Old Iron Crackle Table Lamp features superb detailing,
from ornate carved details to graceful scrolls and embellishments. The Barcelona
Collection will compliment your sophisticated style.
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From its finely detailed acanthus leaf carvings to the strong, forged square iron
frame, the
La Serena Collection Aged Mahogany 1-Light Table Lamp represents the embodiment
of Old World luxury.
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What began over thirty years ago as a hobby has evolved into America's leading and
oldest manufacturer of Tiffany lamps and decorative lighting.
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Meyda Tiffany offers
an extensive line featuring thousands of styles. Many of Meyda's lighting designs
were inspired by the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Dirk Van Erp, Gustav Stickley,
Philip Julius Handel, Pairpoint and Duffner & Kimberly Studios, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Some have been handcrafted of copperfoil and reverse-painted art glass, porcelain,
jadestone, mica and other fine mediums. Others were influenced by popular art movements:
Arts and Crafts, Prairie, Lodge, Mission, Bungalow, Victorian, Nouveau, Gothic,
Southwest and Deco. If you are looking for a unique, make-a-statement lamp then
be sure to check out these beautiful pieces: the
Peacock Feathers With Ink Wells Table Lamp,
Victorian Style Arabesque Lamp, the
Diamond & Jewel Table Lamp, and the
Dublin Table Lamp.
Waterford designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of crystal objects
d'art, stemware, gifts, and yes table lamps, for distribution throughout the world.
Their prestigious products reflect classic designs which have transcended time.
The Waterford
Hospitality Table Lamp has a polished brass finish and a khaki and gold
stripe shade. The base is made of its signature crystal. The polished brass finish
of the
Hands of Friendship Table Lamp compliments the Ivory Baroness Shade and
Tesit Braid. The
Lismore Accent Table Lamp has a Versailles brass finish and a stylish ecru
silk glow round shade.
The Hunter Lighting Group designs and markets the Kenroy and Hunter brands of lamps
and lighting. Hunter prides itself on creating functional works of art that exceed
appearance and performance expectations. The
Trinity Nutmeg table lamp creates an elegant atmosphere with its plated
metal base and stylish nutmeg finish which blends with any home furniture collection.
Creating an elegant, modern atmosphere, the
Zig Zag table lamp is crafted with a sturdy wooden base and stylish Bronze
finish. Infuse rustic style into your home decor with the
Barrington table lamp which is made with a durable metal base and a rich
Bronze finish lamp base.
Under the Kenroy brand name, there are several unique table lamps from which to
choose. The
Kidz Moon table lamp is perfect for your child’s bedroom. This three-way
switch moon lamp features a white finish with a moon on the base and is accented
with a silk screen print fabric shade. The classically-styled
Alyssa table lamp has an aged Etruscan gold finish and a white textured
shade. The
Artwood Black Walnut and Maple Table Lamp is a sleek and modern lamp finished
in black walnut and maple and accented with a cream rectangle shade.
Price Range
Table lamps run the gamut when it comes to pricing. Several manufacturers make table
lamps starting as low as $9.95 and can continue up to $750+ for some of the designer,
signature pieces. For $9.95 to $39.95, consumers can find a variety of table lamps
ranging from the contemporary to the traditional. If you feel comfortable spending
$45 to $75, your choices increase as do the lamps features, i.e. three way lighting,
dimmer switches, etc. If you have a little more latitude in your spending and can
afford to spend $150 to $250, there are several unique lamps that may fit your decor
and tastes. Be sure to shop around for the best prices as prices can vary greatly
from manufacturer to manufacturer. With such a huge selection of table lamps, you
are sure to find just the right lighting to personalize your living space and make
it more comfortable.
Top Manufacturers