Choosing The Right Lamp For Your Space
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Time to read 2 min
Lighting can oftentimes be the final piece of the puzzle that transforms a space, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary. Both decorative and functional, the right lamp can serve multiple purposes in your space by illuminating and setting the mood while also looking beautiful as a standalone piece. It's therefore no secret that lamps and lighting can be a powerful tool in design, amplifying the impact of interior styling when utilized thoughtfully.
Selecting between tabletop, floor, or hanging lamps
Don't just rely on a single type of lamp to provide lighting in a space. Use a mix of floor, tabletop, and hanging lamps within each room to provide visual variety and drama.
Keep in mind the purpose each type of lamp serves when designing the lighting in a room. Floor lamps are larger, making them great statement pieces that anchor the design story of a space. They are also great options for renters or those who need a strong source of light but don't have the ability to do hardwired or ceiling lamps.
Tabletop lamps are an easy way to add style and character to surfaces, whether a bookshelf or a sideboard. Since they occupy less square footage, they provide more flexibility especially when lighting smaller spaces or tricky corners.
Hanging or wall sconces help draw the eye up, which can create the illusion of airiness and taller ceilings. They add overhead illumination without taking up any floor space, making them perfect for size constraints.
Finding the right size
It's also important to consider the height and proportions of the lamp in relation to your space, how it'll be used, and where it'll be placed.
Lamps should be tall enough to provide light without directly shining into your eyes. At the same time, a lamp that is too short will feel obstructive or impeding of movement. Depending on where the lamp is placed, a good rule of thumb is to ensure that the lampshade ends no lower than the level of your eye.
The right lamp should also feel harmonious instead of distracting. Try to keep the size of your lamp in proportion to the furniture and space. A large tabletop lamp on a delicate side table will feel unbalanced, while a petite accent lamp on a stately end table might feel underwhelming.
Think of the story your space is telling
Is your space cozy and homey? Or do your aesthetic tastes lean towards the modern and sleek? The lamps you choose should reflect the design story your space is telling.
Materials like woods, linens, or even metals can all evoke different atmospheres, so it is important to keep in mind the mood you want to feel when you walk through the door.
The color temperature of the bulbs is another vital aspect to consider when choosing the right lighting for each room. Cooler lighting can be great for areas that require productivity and focus, while warm lighting can help us wind down and relax. Thinking through how you plan to use each area will inform how you should light your space.
