Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a perfect atmosphere and setting the tone of any space. It can also help to determine the functionality of a room. While overhead lighting (gasp, The Big Light) serves its purpose, it’s not our main focus today. Instead we’re focusing on lamps! Lamps are great for adding a layer of warmth to a room, and they boast more flexibility. If you’re considering how to light your home with lamps, use this guide to help you make the right decision for each room.
1. Assess The Room’s Purpose
Each room in your home has its own lighting needs. Before choosing a lamp for a room, think about what actually happens in the room. Is it used more for reading, eating, exercising? We’ve broken it down for you if you’re stuck!
- Living Room: Focus on creating a cosy ambience, prioritise relaxation and entertaining.
- Bedroom: This is the space you’ll unwind in, so opt for soft, soothing light that won’t keep you alert.
- Home Office: Task lighting is a good choice if you need to focus for hours at a time and maximise your creativity!
- Dining Area: This is an area that tends to get a lot of traffic – it can be a WFH space, a homework area, and even just where people tend to congregate each day – before it’s even a dining area! Choose your lighting with this in mind.
2. Understand the Types of Lamps
Remember that different lamps all serve a different purpose! It’s useful to keep this in mind when choosing which kind of lamp you want to furnish a space with.
- Table Lamps: These are a really versatile option, and make a great addition when you need to brighten up a space. They’re ideal for lighting dark corners, bedside tables, and console tables.
- Floor Lamps: Another great way to light up a dark corner, these are an easy way to add depth to a room! They’re also perfect for task lighting or avoiding the big light.
- Desk Lamps: Another contender for task lighting, but this time more focused! These are essential for home offices or study areas.
If you’re unsure about which type of lamp to go for, a good trick is to imagine where you’d want the light coming from. It’s also helpful to consider the furniture you have, and build your lighting around it! A good rule of thumb when considering scale and proportions is to make sure table lamps are roughly at eye-level when you’re sitting down, and to ensure the height of the lamp is around two-thirds the height of the table. Floor lamps should be tall enough to provide light without being too intrusive or in the way. Anywhere between 150cm – 180cm is a good height!
But where to put it?
It can be tricky to decide where to actually put your new lamp, even after it’s arrived! Our advice is to use your other furniture to help guide you here!
In the Living Room:
Placing lamps near your seating areas can help to create a welcoming ambiance, and also ensures ease of access! Floor lamps are always good beside a sofa, and table lamps are a nice touch on side tables.
In the Bedroom:
Use bedside tables as anchors for your lighting – they’re easy to reach and create nice symmetry in a room! Floor lamps are a nice addition to darker corners to brighten up a space.
In the Hallway:
Use your lighting in the entryway and hallway to guide your visitors and set the mood! Remember that this is often their first impression, so make it count!
We think lamps are more than just a simple source of light – they’re an essential design element that can add personality, warmth, and functionality to your home. By considering the purpose, style, and placement of your lighting, you can create a beautifully lit space that matches your own style and pesonality!
Ready to enhance your home? Explore our lighting range online or head in-store to have a look!
P.S. One Last Tip…
Remember that the type of bulb you choose can have a significant impact on the lighting your lamp does.
Warm White (2700k – 3000k) is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, where you’ll spend most of your time relaxing – this is perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere!
Cool White (3500k – 4100k) is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms where you need a brighter light.
Daylight (5000k – 6500k) is perfect for spaces where clarity and focus are important; home offices and work-from-home areas!