Interior Design
How do I… Choose a Lamp?
The right lamp should be both functional and beautiful, and create the mood you are after
Lighting is one of the most important things you need to choose for your home after your flooring, wall finishes, and kitchen areas. However, you shouldn’t just think about the wired-in lights, you can also add a variety of portable lamps to create the right mood and highlight areas in your home.
Atollo Lamp / Iconic Light MACSK | A Life of Distinction
The most common types of lamps we know are desk lamps and bedside lamps. These table lamps follow general tropes – the angle arm with a white light bulb for the desk, and two identical upright table lamps with a vase-like base to flank the bed.
However, there are so many other types of lamps that you can add to your home to create just the right mood and look.
From statement-making floor lamps that look like sculptures, to antique lamps to light-up sculptures for the garden, there’s definitely a lamp for every space.
Lamps that are small enough to sit on a table are generally the ones most commonly found in our homes, from desk lamps to decorative lamps.
Seletti Woodspot Wooden Table Lamp
From a design perspective, lamps are used not only to add additional light, but also to highlight artwork, architectural details, or emphasise an interior style.
Vertigo Bird BALLOON Table Lamp
Get the look: Lamps are a quick way to add colour and whimsy to a space.
Take Table Lamp Crystal By Kartell
The table lamp
These polycarbonate lamps from Kartell are iconic as they echo the generic shape of the typical table lamp in modern materials.
These polycarbonate lamps from Kartell are iconic as they echo the generic shape of the typical table lamp in modern materials.
Slate Grey Type 75 Mini Lamp By Angelpoise
The desk lamp
Another iconic lamp is the Original 1227 Task Lamp by Anglepoise designed by George Carwardine in 1932. You probably know it as the bouncing Pixar logo. Carwardine pioneered the spring tension mechanism and the design has been reproduced countless times.
Another iconic lamp is the Original 1227 Task Lamp by Anglepoise designed by George Carwardine in 1932. You probably know it as the bouncing Pixar logo. Carwardine pioneered the spring tension mechanism and the design has been reproduced countless times.
Jasper Table Lamp, Black
Get the look: This desk lamp uses a see-saw arm to adjust the height and reach of the bulb.
The bedside lamp
Bedside lamps have gone from basic vase-based versions with shades, to bedside reading lamps that are more similar to desk lamps or task lights, to wall lights.
Bedside lamps have gone from basic vase-based versions with shades, to bedside reading lamps that are more similar to desk lamps or task lights, to wall lights.
SEED Design Numen
Get the look: Traditionally bedside lamps have always matched, like bedside tables, and are smaller than a general table lamp.
Laser-Engraved Modern Seahorse Table Lamp
Get the look: You can now choose to have unmatched beside lights that suit each person, or add to the mood of your bedroom decor. This Seahorse version is dim enough to leave on as a nightlight.
Floor lamps
This kind of lamp generally has a long pole with a base and a lampshade at the top. The Arco floor lamp by the Castiglioni brothers was a game-changer in that it turned a floor lamp into overhead lighting without the hassle of additional wiring.
This kind of lamp generally has a long pole with a base and a lampshade at the top. The Arco floor lamp by the Castiglioni brothers was a game-changer in that it turned a floor lamp into overhead lighting without the hassle of additional wiring.
Bestlite BL3S Floor Lamp by Danish Design Co.
Get the look: With the room light turned off and just a single light source from a floor lamp, you can create an intimate ambience.
3 Legged wooden floor lamp
Feature lamps
As technology improves, designers have taken the opportunity to exercise their creativity with lighting. Everything from light-up sculptures to repurposed recycled materials have been turned into feature lamps.
As technology improves, designers have taken the opportunity to exercise their creativity with lighting. Everything from light-up sculptures to repurposed recycled materials have been turned into feature lamps.
Cal Lighting Rattan Casual Floor Lamp (BO-2194FL)
Get the look: A statement lamp is more like a piece of art than a functional item. The point of a feature lamp is to create a mood, not to be a light source.
Choosing the right lamp for the right place
When it comes to picking a lamp, you need to think about what it is going to be used for:
When it comes to picking a lamp, you need to think about what it is going to be used for:
- Will it need to be bright or is it for mood lighting?
- Do you want it to sit on a piece of furniture or floor?
- Will you be able to plug it in easily?
Lamp shades
If you’ve decided you need a lamp with a lamp shade, what sort should you chose?
If you’ve decided you need a lamp with a lamp shade, what sort should you chose?
Dexter Floor Lamp
Get the look: Lamp shades made of linen or other fabric will give you a soft glow and few shadows; the light will be more diffused.
LYSA CRANE Floor Lamp
Get the look: If you’re looking for sharper shadows and a more direct light, the shade should be made of material that is more opaque so that you get shots of light above and below the shade.
Light bulbs
As with lamp shades, the type of light bulb you choose will affect the look your lamps will give. There are four basic types of bulbs to choose from.
As with lamp shades, the type of light bulb you choose will affect the look your lamps will give. There are four basic types of bulbs to choose from.
Edison Globe Bulb | Pottery Barn
Incandescent bulbs: These are cheapest and the most common type of light bulbs. However, they do burn out more quickly, the yellow tones may not suit your decor – they are unflattering on green hues. They’re also hot to the touch and can burn delicate shades, especially those made of paper.
OSRAM HALOGEN BULB 12V 50W MR16 GU5.3 -44870WFL
Halogen bulbs: Similar to fluorescent light, halogen bulbs often come with a reflector and last longer than incandescent bulbs and are much brighter. They are good for spot lighting and are sometimes used for desk lamps, but they can also emit quite a lot of heat.
LEDARE LED bulb E27 1800 lumen
LED bulbs: These have the longest lifespan and are more energy-efficient because they are low voltage. They are also very bright and switch on immediately. Previously, LED bulbs only came in few sizes and brightnesses – they used to give blue-white light – but now can be found in different colour temperatures and some brands have dimmable versions.
3 high-tech bulbs that give you more control and choices
3 high-tech bulbs that give you more control and choices
PHILIPS GENIE 18W E27
CFL or compact fluorescent light bulbs: These bulbs will last for a very long time but they are also super bright which can be too harsh for mood lighting.
ALLURE Edison Light Bulb
Edison light bulbs: Yes, these are the enormous light bulbs you see in lots of hipster cafes and stores. They are actually made with LED strips coiled to look like vintage filament light bulbs but have a must longer lifespan and are also energy-efficient. These bulbs are meant to be looked at and not hidden behind shades.
TELL US
If you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, or save the photos. Join the conversation.
If you found this story useful, don’t forget to like it, share it, or save the photos. Join the conversation.