Table Lamps FAQ

Q: How do I choose a lamp to best compliment my home's decorating style?
A: Find a lamp with flowers or prisms for a Victorian room, or try a ginger jar or painted china lamp. For Old World-style rooms, find something that looks aged like in antique brass or copper, bronze, verdigris, rust-finished metal or stone. Tiffany-style lamps work well in arts-and-crafts interiors and mission decor; so do lamps made of geometric wood or those with metal strips around frosted and colored glass. Think simple for modern rooms: very plain lamps such as wood or ceramic cylinders or cubes work well.

Q: Are there any tricks of the trade I should be aware of?
A: Sure. For instance, if a table lamp is to be placed near a sofa, be sure to measure the distance from the tabletop to the top of the shoulder of an average adult sitting on the sofa. Add a couple of inches to that measurement, and this will give you the appropriate level for the bottom of the lampshade to cast the best light for reading. If you'll be using the room solely for entertaining, you can lower the shade level a bit and create ambient light instead.

Q: How can a new lampshade update a room's look?
A: A new lampshade can not only change the personality of your lamp but also jazz up the appearance of your room. A new shape or color is a great way to give you a whole new look. And you can accessorize with beads, tassels and more! For a more enlightening discussion on lampshades, click here.

Q: What should I know about lighting?
A: Adding light to a room does take a little consideration. For the best effect, use a variety of styles that include overhead, wall, floor and table lamps. Determine what you need by way of general, task and accent lighting. Do you plan on reading near this lamp? Will you want to feature a piece of art nearby? Or do you just need a little more light in the room? These considerations should help you in determining the overall function of the piece.