The choices are dazzling and sometimes daunting. We asked Andrea Robinson of The Charlotte Observer Design Team to share some tips for choosing lamps. She writes:
3 keys: The three most important factors to consider are location (where will the lamp go); purpose (what is the intended use of the lamp) and style.
Size matters: Before you shop, measure the area where the lamp will be placed in order to determine the proper proportions. To see if a lamp is right for a table, sit on the sofa or chair next to the table. The bottom of the shade should not fall higher than eye level. Make sure the lampshade doesn’t extend beyond the edges of the table.
Wattage: If the lamp is for reading, make sure the bulb is at least 60 watts. A three-way fixture is perfect because most people require 100 watts for reading. The shade for a reading lamp should allow the user to direct light over the pages.
Style: Choose a style that complements your décor. For traditional decor, consider styles that reference the past, including old world glamour, Tiffany or Gothic revival and such finishes as porcelain, bronze, wood and crystal. Details like iron scrollwork, trims and tassels or crystal beads are traditional. A hallmark of this style is the cone-shaped shade.
For contemporary decor, keep ornamentation to a minimum. Contemporary lamps often have drum shades and finishes such as metallics, nickel or stainless steel. Matte tones of grays, white and off-white are also contemporary. Many fixtures are geometric in shape and use pure lines to establish the form.
Andrea Robinson Interior Design and Consulting, Charlotte. 704-301-0481 or arid.co@gmail.com
