A nice table lamp is always a good idea to elevate your living room’s décor and get a soft light that is directed towards a specific area you want to highlight. But we know that choosing a gorgeous table lamp can be a daunting task, especially when you come across the huge range of choices once you start exploring the market. This is why we wrapped up a couple of tips and advice to help you choose the right option for your living room.
Types of Table Lamps
You have probably noticed that there’re a plethora of different types of table lamps- from the classic torchiere lamp to the simple desk-styled ones. The truth is that lamps became one of the most frequently used pieces to decorate different spaces, and the classic types became just a big cliché we notice everywhere.
This is one of the main reasons why you should opt for something extraordinary and unique, while still looking modern and matching your living room’s design. We made a list of a couple of contemporary types that you don’t see every day and can come as a true refreshment to your living space:
The Tripod Table Lamp
If you truly want to choose something that is one of a kind, then don’t hesitate to explore the gorgeous table lamp tripod models as one of the most unique types. If you’re wondering what makes tripod table lamps so unique, it’s exactly their construction of three columns that work together to hold the lampshade and the bulb upright. In fact, this construction is kind of a modification of the standard single-column table lamps, with the only difference that they are more eye-catchy and add a different touch of character to every living room.
On the other hand, this table lamp tripod design is so versatile, since not only does it look very elegant and casual at the same time, but it’s also highly adaptable to almost every living room interior design. They also come in a huge range of colours and materials, so you won’t have a problem finding the perfect option you’re going to adore.
The Block Table Lamp
As much as at first sight, a block table lamp can appear as one of the cliché types, we promise you’ll start loving them once you take a closer look at them. These lamps are also constructed by columns, but what’s different is that they feature 4 of them which are placed in a rectangular shape forming a block. Such columns can be made of many different materials- from the modern glass designs to the more industrial columns made of steel as well as the gorgeous mirrored finishes to give every living room a luxurious touch.
The Twist Table Lamp
A gorgeous twist table lamp is everything but your typical ordinary lamp you won’t even notice. These lamps feature one of the most unique designs- specifically a stand which is twisted and forms many different shapes. The twisted stand also comes in many different colours and finishes- from the wooden or deep bronze finishes to the ones covered in ropes to make a statement in every living room design.
The Himalayan Lamp
Himalayan lamps are one of the most unique types you can choose for yourself. These lamps are actually carved out of pink Himalayan salt which gives them their unique shape that won’t stay unnoticed.
But Himalayan lamps are far beyond being just uniquely shaped since they offer many health benefits for everybody. Just because they’re carved out of salt they will constantly cleanse the air in the room, help to soothe your allergies, boost your mood significantly and help you sleep better at night. So, if you want to kill two birds with one stone, the Himalayan lamp is exactly what you need.
Where Will You Place It?
Aside from choosing the perfect type that matches your preferences and your living room style, it’s important to decide about where are you going to place the table lamp.
When it comes to placing a table lamp in your living room, have in mind that the lamp should always complement the main source of ambient lighting as well as be able to create a cozy ambience in the evenings. This is why people mostly tend to place them on end tables next to sofas or armchairs, but this doesn’t mean that you should do this too.
In fact, table lamps look equally good when they’re placed on or near fireplaces, on end tables in dark corners or in any area you want to additionally illuminate so you enhance a specific element of your living room. Just make sure you position it in a way that the room is evenly lit and doesn’t disrupt the flow of the entire living room composition.
Get the Right Size
When choosing a table lamp, it’s not uncommon for people to do the mistake of buying a lamp without measuring the place where they’re about to set it. This often results in a lamp that looks out of proportion to the surroundings.
This is why you should always consider the lamp’s height, as well as the table top’s size. Talking about the lamp’s height, it’s important to consider the height of the table where you’re about to set the lamp too. For this purpose, as a rule of thumb you should consider that the combined height of both, the table and the lamp should be around 150cm. This is the ideal height to give every living room a cohesive look.
Also, you don’t want your lamp to “hang” over the sides of the tabletop where you’ll set it. This won’t probably be a problem if your table is wide and shaped as a square or circle. But if you have a narrower table, then make sure you measure the dimensions and choose a lamp that has a smaller, or at least an equal lampshade as the table.
Consider the Lampshade
Lampshades being mentioned, except for their size, it’s important to determine their shape as well as the material they're made of. Talking about shapes, you can choose between the standard oval shape, to the ones that are shaped as cylinders, cones, bells as well as rectangular ones.
Starting from the oval and bell-shaped lampshades, they’re great to fit every classic and traditional living room style since they look very elegant and luxurious. But when it comes to modern living rooms, make sure you follow the contemporary concept of simplicity and choose a rectangular lampshade with straight and sharp lines. Not only these lampshades look simple yet stylish, but they’re perfect to fit every modern living room style- from the living rooms designed following the monochrome concept to the Scandinavian-styled ones featuring as many natural elements as possible.
When it comes to the material the lampshade is made of, the most commonly used fabrics are linen, cotton, silk and synthetic materials. Linen fabrics are giving a simple and charming feel, and are great to make a cozy ambience which makes them perfect for more classic living rooms or for the corner where you’re about to relax while lounging and reading a book.
Cotton lampshades are one of the most durable and versatile options since they’re very easy to clean, they drape and gather very well and look gorgeous at the same time.
But when it comes to silky lampshades, they look very gentle, elegant and luxurious, which makes them perfect for your bedroom’s side table. So make sure you don’t place them in your living room unless your intention is to create a romantic, discrete ambience.
Match Your Living Room Design
Finally, not only table lamps come in a plethora of shapes, sizes and feature many different lampshades, but they also come in a variety of colours and designs. So, make sure you choose the one that will perfectly match your living room’s style and colour palette and fit the other elements.
So, if you’re having a classic, traditionally styled living room, then table lamps with ceramic bases, glass shades and other decorative details are just the right choice for your space. But if you have a modern, contemporary living room, then make sure you follow the contemporary concept we mentioned before and choose a minimal table lamp with sleek, chrome or matte finishes. Wooden finishes are also great, but as long as the lamp features straight lines instead of a carved, embellished base.
Once you choose the perfect table lamp for your living room, you’ll see how it enhances the entire room’s appearance and makes it appear much stylish without putting in much effort.