It’s no secret that, from a functional standpoint, lighting plays a significant role in interior decorating and design. But, did you know that the style and placement of your lighting also have a significant effect on the overall ambiance of the space? Believe it or not, properly placed lamps can enhance your decor and set the mood in your home. To ensure you get the most out of your lighting choices, we’ve compiled 5 tips to help. 

1. Pay attention to scale.

As with anything else in decorating, you want to pay attention to scale. In other words, make sure the size of your lamp is appropriate for its location. For example, an oversized lamp on a small table will not only look disproportionate but would also be more likely to be bumped into. Likewise, a small lamp wouldn’t quite look right in a large room. A good rule of thumb is to aim for the shade to be ½ to ¾ the size of the base. And, it should hide the lamp’s internal hardware. 

2. Choose the right shade shape.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lampshades as they come in a wide array of interesting and unusual shapes and materials. It does help, however, to have a general knowledge of some of the standard shapes available. In regards to fabric shades, these include, but are not limited to shapes such as: 

• Oval
• Bell 
• Drum 
• Empire 
• Coolie 
• Cylinder
• Square and rectangular 
• Hexagonal and octagonal

3. Pair the right shade with the right base. 

A lampshade should complement the lamp base, which can typically be found in 3 basic types: round, square (or angular), and candlestick. The general guidelines for pairing shades with bases are as follows: 

• Round bases: pairs well with round or hexagonal shades 
• Square or angular bases: pairs well with square or rectangular shades 
• Candlestick bases: pairs with nearly any type of lampshade as it combines both round and angular elements

4. Consider color and texture.

The right lampshade can really elevate the style of your interiors, so if it’s color and texture you need, this is a great way to give the space a boost. Don’t be afraid to go for a shade with an interesting texture, bold color or pattern, or even decorative touches like beads or tassels.  

5. Don’t ignore the hardware.

Shades attach to bases in different ways, so it’s important to be aware of the fittings. Common fittings include spider fittings, uno fittings, and clip-on fittings. When buying shades and bases separately, make sure their fittings are compatible. 

Lamp Placement

When it comes to living room lamps, the goal is to place them where they will serve their purpose and make the most of the light without being in the way. So just where are the best places for floor lamps and table lamps? 

Some perfect places for floor lamps include: 

• Next to a chair or sofa where it creates a well-lit and welcoming sitting area. 
• In the corner of the room. If floor lamps are your own’s source of light, be sure to use multiple lamps placed in various corners to disperse the light evenly. 
• Near a specific element in the room that you’d like to highlight. 

Table lamps work well on areas such as: 

• A console table. For wider console tables, consider a pair of matching lamps for balance. 
• A side or end table. Lamps on smaller tables such as these can provide just the right amount of illumination during times when natural light is in low supply. 
• A nightstand. Here, opt for a lamp that gives off a low amount of light with a shade that limits its reach so you don’t keep your partner awake. 

Cutting Corners Can Help Light the Way

Did you know that in addition to our gorgeous fabrics, we offer a nice selection of lamps? Be sure to stop by the showroom to see the floor, buffet, and table lamps that will add style and personality to your home!