How to Choose a Table Lamp

Portable, colorful and affordable, table lamps are a terrific way to brighten a room. Learn how to choose a table lamp for your room in this Lowe’s video:

From general lighting to task lighting, there’s a table lamp for the job. Before you shop, ask yourself several questions:

What type of lighting do I need?

For general lighting, use a pair of lamps on either end of a console or a hallway table. For focused activities like reading a book or tablet, make sure the bottom of the shade is at eye level when you’re seated. The shade should be 50-75% of the height of the base, and the bulb and socket should not be visible. Lamps with a downward shade or an adjustable arm let you focus light where it’s needed. Depending on the size and number of surfaces in the room, two or three table lamps is a good rule of thumb.

What about style?

You want your lamp size, shape and style to balance with the rest of the room. Match modern shapes to modern rooms and traditional to traditional. Don’t forget finishes. If your room has other fixtures in antique bronze, look for that finish in lamp bases.

What kind of shade?

Shades can also have a big style impact. Consider drum, cone, pagoda, cylinder and other shapes. Pick a shade that is light in color or has a lightweight fabric for more light output. Sometimes just changing the shade can be fun. Try putting a bold new shade on a thrift store lamp base.