When it comes to home decor, lighting plays a crucial role in creating ambiance and functionality. Whether you're looking to brighten up a cosy reading corner or add a touch of style to your living room, choosing the right lamp can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect lamp for your space.
We have shared some of our favourite tips on how to use lighting effectively to make the best of our range and your home!
1. Where will the light be placed?
This one is perhaps the most important! What activities are you doing in each room and what already great features does it have that you can highlight? Are you looking to use the space for hobbies or intricate tasks? If so, you’re going to need bright and/or focused lighting options.
Are you hoping to curl up and relax on the sofa at the end of the day? You’ll need to go for cosier, ambient lighting options. Strategically placed table lamps with smart bulbs can help to enhance the mood of lounges and living rooms.
If you’re decorating a bedroom, perfectly sized table lamps can really add to the overall ambience. Our Isla Table Lamps, for example, are perfect for this as they come in a variety of calming pastel colours and benefit from an in-line switch making it super easy to turn on and off without leaving the comfort of your bed!
2. Have a plan
If you’re starting from scratch or redecorating a room, create a mini brief or lighting plan that tackles the essentials (Pinterest and Instagram are great helpers for this!). While you’re there, why not follow us for special offers and inspiration
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Pinterest @villageathome
For a unique look you can mix and match two different lamps with similar colour or symmetry to give room a unique feel that looks well put together.
The size of your lamp should be proportionate to the space where it will be placed. Here are some guidelines:
- Table Lamps: These should be about eye level when seated. Ensure the shade doesn’t obstruct your view when sitting or cause an annoying glare in the corner of your eye when you’re trying to relax in front of your favourite TV show.
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Floor Lamps: Consider the height of your ceiling and the surrounding furniture. Taller ceilings can accommodate taller floor lamps or wall mounted fittings, while lower ceilings may require shorter options.
3. Use lighting to focus on your favourite area
Use lighting to focus on a feature wall or favourite piece of furniture or home accessory.
Adjustable floor lamps can double up as task lighting, or if placed behind a sofa can even ben used to help set the mood. Archee Floor Lamp.
Where you place your lamp can enhance its effectiveness. Here are some tips:
- Task Lighting: Position desk lamps on work surfaces and reading lamps close to seating areas.
- Accent Lighting: Use lamps to highlight artwork or architectural features. A well-placed lamp can draw the eye to a beautiful corner of your room.
- Multiple Sources: For a balanced look, consider using multiple lamps in a single room to create layers of light and eliminate harsh shadows.
4. Layer up your lighting
“Consider layering up the lighting so you can add and take away easily, giving the room maximum flexibility, throughout the day and year.” Torie Wilkinson (Klaus and Heidi). Remember that there are at least 3 different lighting effects - general lighting, task related lighting and mood lighting. Try to cover these when you’re planning your next decorating project.
5. Choose the right bulb
All our products come with the recommended bulb and maximum wattage information listed on site.
Whichever lighting you choose, make sure your bulbs are bright enough for the task, but that you don’t exceed the maximum stated wattage. LED bulbs are a great option as they use less energy and need replacing less often – win, win! Smart bulbs are another great option, all our table and floor lamps are compatible. You can control the bulbs with an app, remote control or even your voice (3rd party apps may be needed). Dial up the brightness or even change the colours to suit.
- Incandescent Bulbs: Provide warm, inviting light but are less energy efficient. These are slowly being phased out in the UK, so the next time you need to replace a bulb why not consider one of the more environmentally friendly options below?
- LED Bulbs: Last longer and are more energy efficient. They come in various colour temperatures to suit different moods. The trick with LED bulb is to know how bright you want the light output to be (lumens) and how cool or warm the light (kelvin). The higher the kelvin, the cooler the light.
- Smart Bulbs: Allow you to adjust brightness and colour temperature through an app, giving you control over your lighting.
6. Spread out the light
Are you looking for a ceiling fitting? If it’s a large room would more fittings and/or wall lights be more appropriate? Trying to illuminate a whole large room with 1 or 2 lights is a recipe for a shadowy disaster!
Consider using multiple ceiling fittings, especially in larger rooms or over kitchen islands. Syble Ceiling Fitting.
7. Match your style
Your lamp should complement your existing décor. Consider the overall style of your room:
- Modern: Look for sleek designs with clean lines and minimalistic features.
- Vintage: Choose lamps with ornate bases or fabric shades that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
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Industrial: Metal finishes and exposed bulbs can add a trendy, raw touch to your space.
8. Don't forget the shade
The lampshade can dramatically alter the mood of a room. Consider the following:
- Material: Fabric shades soften light, while metal shades can create a more direct beam.
- Colour: Light-coloured shades diffuse light softly, while darker shades provide a more dramatic effect.
- Diffusers: Some lampshades also have what’s called a diffuser in the bottom. It’s essentially a shield between the bulb and your eyes. A lot of diffusers can be removed if they don’t suit your tastes, or if you prefer a more muted light output you can leave them in and have a softer glow.
- Shape: The shape of the shade influences the light spread. A wider shade will illuminate a larger area, while a narrower shade will focus light in a specific direction.
Choosing the perfect lamp for your space involves considering functionality, style, size, and placement. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can enhance your home’s ambiance while ensuring that your lighting meets your needs. Explore our collection of stylish table lamps, floor lamps, and lampshades to find the ideal lighting solution for your home!
We hope you enjoyed the blog and found some useful tips, happy decorating!