I was house bound for the last three days and wanted to choose a topic that resonated with me. My initial thoughts prior to the self-imposed quiet time was to meet an interesting dealer of Antique Carpets and his knowledge of the old Juxtaposed with the modern is illuminating to hear. Oh well, I will keep that for my next week musing. Letting the keyboard choose my next musing, I have now swayed towards Table Lamps.
Why only table lamp and not the whole gamut of lights, you might ask?
I always feel that the warm glow coming home after work, always gave me a sense of calm, elegance and that all is well.
The atmosphere just feels Complete.
DECORATING WITH TABLE LAMPS
It seems the norm to decorate with a pair of similar table lamps that visually creates a balance to your space. I personally prefer placing them individually and in various parts of the room and of course they will not be uniform in design and style. I think the charm is in mixing it up a little, with even a vintage lamp, placed. Table lamps with opaque or adjustable lights do brighten a desk or beside a comfortable reading area without having to light up the entire room.
Table lamps can work not just as an art piece that’s part of our décor but brings in that subtle warmth and light and adds that oomph to your living spaces. These space-conscious light fixtures are generally placed on a credenza, entrance way sleek console table, side table, buffet table, or any other flat surface that gives them the height to softly illuminate a room. If you need more light than a single table lamp can offer, then placing multiple table lamps throughout the room sure enhances the glow.
Do check out these ideas for placing table lamps in your home and I have sourced all table lamps shown above from our Desi stores/sites.
HOW TO LIGHT UP YOUR LIVING ROOM?
- Try keeping the lamps proportional to the tables they are sitting on.
- The bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level when you are seated.
- Use table lamps around the edges of your living room to soften the mood and make the space feel more inviting.
- Perch table lamps about every 10 feet atop shelves, accent tables and chests to radiate light inward for a quiet but cheery atmosphere.
- Switch on a few table lamp throughout your living room to offer subtle illumination as an alternative to harsh overhead ambient lighting from ceiling light fixtures, recessed lighting and chandeliers.
On a Console Table
Whether your console table is set against an empty wall or the back of a sofa, it’s the perfect place for a table lamp. For wider console tables, a pair of matching table lamps can be an attractive choice that balances your arrangement and provides twice the light. Choose lamp shades that lend to the look you’re trying to create — opaque shades will keep the light soft and localized while transparent shades allow for a brighter light that illuminates more of a room.
Bed Side Table
Placing a lamp on a nightstand is a popular choice, especially for couples who may want matching nightstands and lamps on either side of their bed. You’ll want a table lamp that gives off a low amount of light with a shade that limits its reach. This way you won’t necessarily wake your partner if you have to turn the lamp on in the middle of the night. Take time to find a table lamp that complements your nightstand and other bedroom decor, whether that’s something sleek and Modern or timeless and Traditional.
On a Side or End Table
A table lamp can be a great addition to a living room that needs just a little extra illumination in the early morning or evening when natural light is in short supply. An end table next to an armchair or sofa is a natural spot for a stylish table lamp that can supplement the ambient light from ceiling lights or floor lamps. One popular tactic is to bookend a sofa with side tables that each holds a lamp. This strategy will help establish a balanced look and feel that brings symmetry to your lighting and your
decor.
How do I choose the right Lamp Shade
The first thing you do when you’re trying to choose the right lamp shade is to look at your lamp. What’s the general shape?
- If your base is Round, then a Round Shade usually works best.
- A Square or Angular Silhouette, tends to look better with a Square Shade.
- Your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base (give or take an inch).
- To choose the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two.
- For a round base, measure straight across; measure diagonally for a square base.
- The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.
How do I maintain my Lamp Shade
- Gently remove the accumulated dirt and dust using a clean soft cloth, or vacuum cleaner (Select the vacuum brush size as per the requirement).
- If necessary you may use a white cloth dampened with a mild solution of soapy water to wash the shade
gently and evenly. - Rinse thoroughly with a white cloth dipped in clean water. The shade should be allowed to dry quickly, using home dry cleaning product.
- Avoid using glass cleaners, abrasive cleaning compounds, ammonia or bleach; they may damage the fabric.
- Make sure cleaning materials are free of grit or any kind of sharp edged objects in order to avoid snagging in the shade fabric.
