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Second Hand Lights

Decorating Your Space with Light

Having the correct lighting and lamp style can lend a lot to the atmosphere of a room. The lamps you choose for each room should complement the style, feel and ambiance you have achieved with the other features in that room. A bad lamp can completely alter and distort the look of a room, so careful thought and consideration should be taken when shopping for new lighting accessories. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect lamp. Read More ▼

1. Decide what the lamp will be used for

What is the purpose for your lamp? The most common uses for lamps are for reading, mood lighting or to highlight a focal point. If you’re buying a reading or desk lamp, look for ones that are bright without giving off too much glare. Some really great desk lamps often come with adjustable stems, allowing you to highlight different surface areas. For mood lighting, the most important feature is having adjustable brightness. The light should give off a warm, inviting glow that flatters everyone. Finally, if you are looking for a lamp to highlight a focal point like a piece of art, you might want to look for small lights that can be fixed to the wall without taking away from the area it is highlighting. These lights should be a nice accent to the focal point, not the focal point itself.

2. Pick the right height and size

Once you’ve determined what you intend to use the lamp for, the next step should be to pick out an appropriate height and size. Tall, skinny lamps that stand on their own are great for placing in the corner of a living room with plants. Shorter, rounder lamps are more suited to side tables. The most important factor for side tables is to make sure you’re not staring up into the hardware. You’ll want the lampshade to fall just below you eye level when sitting at the table or couch. If you plan on having the lamp in a common area where kids and pets roam, make sure you have a very sturdy base that won’t tip over or break easily.

3. Choose a shade that complements the room

The lampshade you choose for your lamp should be made from materials and colours that complement the room you’re working with. A fabric or semi-opaque paper shade gives a warm, flattering glow which is perfect for bedrooms or living rooms. Near a TV, an opaque shade of any material can minimize glare while still giving enough visibility in the room. As far as shapes go, drum shades look more modern while conical ones tend to be more traditional. If you have an ultra contemporary room, you might even consider a metal lamp with just a bulb and no shade.