The humble table lamp is a fixture that many homeowners like to include in their homes, simply for the reason that it incorporates one part light and one part sculpture or design feature. They can be used to change the entire atmosphere of a room, simply by flipping a single switch. How do you choose a lamp, however, that fits in perfectly with the space you have in mind?

Style: the first thing you need to do is determine what the existing style of your space is. Are you dressing a modern bachelor pad or a traditional study? A contemporary dining room or a Renaissance bedroom? Whilst choosing a lamp that is of a similar style is effective, remember also that mixing styles can also work in your favour.

Lighting: the second thing you need to do is determine why you need a table lamp. Is it going to provide the main lighting for the room, is it going to be used mainly for reading, or is it simply for decoration? You don’t want to buy a fixture that is unsuitable for your lighting requirements.

Shades: this consideration does depend a lot on the sort of lighting that your space requires; if the table lamp will form your main source of illumination, for example, you will need a shade that is more transparent. If you intend to use the lamp for reading, however, a shade with a wider brim at the bottom will disperse enough illumination for this.

Size: the fourth thing you will need to do is look at where you intend on placing the lamp, as you want to ensure that it fits. As a general rule of thumb, short or narrow table lamps tend to work better on small tables, whilst bulkier or taller fixtures work best on large surfaces.

Colour: did you know that the colour and even the material that a table lamp is made out of can have a big affect on its dominance in a space? If you want the lamp to stand out as a design element, choose one in a colour that contrasts the others in the space.

By taking the above considerations into account, you can ensure that you make the best choice in table lamps for whatever space you are dressing. If you are ever unsure about a choice you are making, take a step back and ask yourself the above questions again. If the lamp in front of you meets all of these requirements, you’re making a good choice; if it doesn’t, you should keep looking.

Author's Bio: 

Anne Mehla is a successful freelance writer for a Melbourne based company called Zeemo. I have experience in writing content on several topics including home improvement, luxury designer wardrobes, real estate, automotive and much more.