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.
| 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
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