Tips to Choose the Best Lamp

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Lamps can make or break a space. Lamps are an investment, but if bought correctly you can keep them for years to come! Through this post, you will find out what size lamp to add to your space, all about lamp shades, and how to accessorize your lamp. Lamps are supposed to be an extension of your personality. This is a chance to make your space unique and eye-catching. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little to get the best lamp for your space.

How to Choose the Correct Lamp

Table Lamp

  • The lamp height should be 25″-30″ inches.
  • The bottom of the shade should be at eye level when seated.
    • Eye level for a woman is approximately 25″.
    • Eye level for a man is approximately 30″.
  • The shade width should be larger than the table…no exception!
  • Did you know you can purchase battery operated lamps when you don’t have an outlet?

Bedside Lamp

  • Height should be 24″- 28″
  • Bottom of lamp shade at chin level when seated
  • On average, the lamp shade should be half the width of bedside table.
  • Add a three-way socket to add extra light for reading.
  • Opt for a lamp with built-in USB or outlet to help charge your gadgets.
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Buffet Lamp

  • Lamp height should be approximately 30″
  • Shade with no greater than half the width of the table.
  • Use a larger lamp to balance out a wall art or mirror.
  • This a great place to be more creative with your lamp!

I find one of the biggest design mistakes I see is clients buying too small lamps. Smaller lamps may cost less, but they don’t do your space any favors. Believe me…spend the extra money and buy the correct size lamp for your space.

Lamp Materials

There are a lot of different materials you can source for a lamp. Marble, alabaster, wood, ceramic, concrete, metal, basketweave, brass, and glass are the most common. I tend to buy marble lamps the most often.

  • Basketweave-comfy, relaxing, coastal
  • Marble or Alabaster- elegant, perfect for most room settings
  • Metal- modern, very versatile, always in style
  • Wood-rustic, warm, and casual, make a space inviting
  • Glass- glam, adds a bit of shimmer
  • Ceramic- refined, elegant, currently all the rage
  • Concrete- modern, dry, relaxing, perfect for kids

Pro Tip: Mix materials when picking a lamp. I do not place a wood lamp on a wood table. I would opt for ceramic, marble, glass, or a metal lamp. The reverse would apply if I have a metal or marble table. I would use a wood lamp then.

Top 10 Table Lamps

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How to Choose a Lamp Shade

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Statement lamp shades are all the rage, but shopping for one can be a shady business. Picking the right color, style, and size lamp shade, can leave you in the dark. 

  • Before you choose to correct lamp shade you need to examine the shape of your lamp.
    • If your base is rectangular, then a rectangle shade will perfectly.
    • If the base is round, then a round shade works best.
  • Candlestick lamps are exempt from this rule. You can do whatever you like with this type of lamp.

Sizing a Lamp Shade

This is the easiest part to get wrong. You will know as soon as you place on the wrong size lampshade. There are some easy rules to follow to make the search easier.

  • Your lamp shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp. This measurement can vary an inch or two.
    • One of the key parts is you never want the harp of the lamp to show.
  • To calculate your lamp shade width, measure the base of the lamp and multiply by two.
    • For a square base measure at a diagonal.
    • For a round base measure straight across.
  • The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.
  • Another thought to consider is the size of the space you are placing the lamp. For example, you do not want the lamp shade to be wider than your foyer table. Then you will bump into it constantly when you enter your home.
    • Pro tip: A lamp shade should not be wider than the furniture it sits upon.

This is were your personality can shine through.

  • Pleated lamp shades give a more traditional vibe to a lamp. They are ideal to use on antique lamps.
  • Drum shades make a lamp feel more contemporary. It is the style I use most.
  • Scallop lamp shades are all the rage right now. They add a bit of whimsicalness to a room.
  • The pagoda lamp shades are the most traditional. They mimic the style of the pagoda found in Asia. Pagoda shades are best on ginger jars or urns.
  • Empire or bell lamp shades work on almost any lamp base.
  • Rectangle shades go best on more rectangle lamps.

Where to Buy Lamp Shade

My favorite place to buy a custom-made lamp shade is Ballard Design. This can be more pricey but it allows for a completely custom design.

Where To Shop

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Lamp Accessories

Finals

This is where you can add a little bit of personality without being too much. Lamp finals can come in a variety of shapes, materials, and styles. You can purchase a lamp final with your favorite animal, an element from nature, or even agate rocks.

Pro Tip: Make sure your final material matches the base of the lamp. Therefore, if you have a gold accents on your lamp, buy a gold final.

Cord Cover

Cord covers should always be used when the cord cannot be hidden away. Cord covers add more of a finishing touch. I generally buy cord covers in linen or a bleached jute. This helps to make the cord less noticeable.

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I hope this blog post gives you the confidence you need when purchasing your next lamp or lamp accessory. If you have any comments, leave them in the comment section below. And look out for more blogs to come on covering a lamp shade with fabric and how to rewire a lamp. And if there is something you want to do a blog on let me know in the comment section below.

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