How to Select Lighting for a Table

Table lamps come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and generate several different types of light. The selections are limitless. But, there’s more to it than finding a lamp that catches your eye. The lamp you ultimately purchase should be more than just a pretty face. It should be decorative and practical. Lamps can come with hefty price tags, so you’ll want to be pleased with your purchase for a very long time. You’ll enjoy your lamp most if it is the right style, size, height, wattage, and color, and gives off the type of light that is just right for your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A selection of lighting vendors
• Plans for how the table will be used
• A tape measure

1. Consider the activity that will take place at the table in question. If it is a desk or other table where work will be performed, you’ll want a lamp capable of giving off more light than you would need from one designed to produce ambient light.

2. Consider purchasing a lamp that uses 3-way bulbs built for 50-100-150 watt bulbs for tables that host a number of different activities.

3. Eliminate glare by ensuring that the bottom of the lampshade is no higher than eye level when you are sitting at the table. If the mouth of the shade is too high, light will shine into your eyes.

4. Watch that the lamp you select does not come with a shade that covers more than a third of the nightstand. If the shade is too big, when you’re sitting in bed you’ll be likely to knock it each time you reach for something on the nightstand. Just like that, the big lamp you fell in love with will become a big nuisance.

5. Create the perfect lighting for reading in bed with a halogen lamp. The bulbs are designed to create an area-limited, focused light that will let the person on the other side of the bed sleep without interruption by light or glare.

Tips & Warnings

• For reading, you’ll want a lamp that uses a bulb that generates a minimum of 100 watts of light.
• If you’re buying furniture for an entire room, the furniture store may be willing to discount the lamps you’ve selected as a deal closer. It never hurts to ask.