Lamps

Lamps are more versatile than any other type of lighting. They are easy to install and relocate. They add life to any room. Lamps come in many designs; but if you are going to be working under the lamp, you need it to be functional as well as beautiful.

There are two main types of lamps: table and floor. Both can be described as being swing arm, multi-socket, single-socket or torch ere. A swing arm has a movable arm, allowing the top of the lamp to stretch out and move from side to side. A multiple-socket lamp has more than one socket for light bulbs. This gives off much more light than a single-socket, which has only one light bulb. A torch ere is most commonly a tall floor lamp with a top like a bowl. The light bulb is fully exposed and shines directly up, creating even brighter light as it reflects off the ceiling.

When deciding on a type of lamp, know what it will be used for. For reading, a table lamp is commonly placed beside a chair so the light will shine over the reader’s shoulder. The shade of the table lamp should be at about the same level as your eyes when you are sitting down. If you will be using a table lamp to apply makeup, you may prefer to have it stand higher, about level with the top of your head. Also, consider if you are most likely going to be standing up or sitting down. Take a few measurements of the area so you will be sure to get the right height.

Other than function, there are no steadfast rules to picking out a lamp. It is all personal opinion when it comes to style and color. Try to match the tone and theme of the room where the lamp will be.

A few key things to keep in mind: a darkly colored room requires more light than a lightly colored one. This is because a dark wall absorbs more light, while lighter colored walls reflect light.

Lamps shades act in the same way. A translucent shade lets out more light than a heavy cloth shade. Look for a shade that covers all the mechanical parts and does not hang over half of the lamp base. The broadest part of the shade should measure two and a half times the width of the base. In general, the lamp should not look top-heavy or appear too small.

Sometimes all a room needs for a new look is a slight change. A new lamp shade can make a big difference. If the shade was dark, try replacing it with a lighter color or even a translucent shade. Also, a brighter bulb can bring in new life to a room. When looking at light bulbs, the amount of light is determined by lumens, not watts. Lumen measurements can be found on the package of the light bulb.

Lamps make great accent pieces for any room. A decorative floor lamp in the corner of the room can create a mood, especially with a soft low light bulb. Decorative floor or table lamps give a room a splash of personal style. A lamp base with natural fibers gives a room texture. Bamboo, rope and other woods are great materials and give off a natural feel. Metal, reflective and colored bases give off a glow when they echo similar tones throughout the space. Theses heavier materials have a more modern feel to them. Paper-covered floor lamps or shades can have a modern or a natural feeling depending on the style of the lamp. Rice paper looks amazing with a soft light illuminating from inside.

Whichever lamp you choose, make sure to begin with function and then move on to style.


Sources:
Better Homes and Gardens: Decorative Lighting Ideas and Projects. 1st
ed. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books, 2003.
Grosslight, Jane. Lighting Kitchens and Baths. Tallahassee, Fl: Durwood,
1993.
House Beautiful: Lighting. 1st ed. New York, New York: Smallwood and
Stewart Inc., 2002.
Lighting for the Home. 2006. 28 Sept. 2006 .
McCloud, Kevin. Lighting Style: the Complete Guide to Lighting
Everyroom in Your Home. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995.