Lamps are an essential part of any home’s interior. They not only provide illumination but also contribute to the overall atmosphere and aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 lamps every home should have, including the various types, popular finishes, their purpose, and where to place them for optimal ambience.
Types of Lamps and Popular Finishes
Table Lamps: These versatile lamps can be placed on side tables, desks, or nightstands. They come in various styles and finishes, such as brass, chrome, and wood.
Floor Lamps: Floor lamps provide ambient lighting and can be easily moved around. Popular finishes include metal, wood, and glass.
Reading Lamps: Designed specifically for reading, these lamps offer focused, adjustable light. They can be found in table, floor, or wall-mounted versions. Finishes include brushed nickel, bronze, and black.
Accent Lamps: These smaller lamps are perfect for adding a touch of style and personality to any room. They come in a wide range of finishes, such as ceramic, crystal, and mosaic.
Mood Lamps: Mood lamps create soft, diffused light for a cozy atmosphere. They are available in various shapes and materials, including paper, glass, and fabric.
Wall Lamps: Wall lamps are great for saving space and providing targeted lighting. They come in various styles and finishes, like iron, copper, and polished chrome.
Pendant Lamps: Suspended from the ceiling, pendant lamps work well over dining tables or kitchen islands. They are available in finishes like industrial metal, glass, and rattan.
Chandeliers: Chandeliers add elegance and grandeur to any room. They come in several styles, such as traditional crystal, modern metal, and rustic wood.
Desk Lamps: Ideal for workspaces, desk lamps offer targeted lighting for tasks. They come in finishes like matte black, silver, and brass.
Outdoor Lamps: Designed to withstand the elements, outdoor lamps illuminate patios, decks, and gardens. They are available in various styles and finishes, like bronze, stainless steel, and wicker.
Brands and Prices
Ikea is well known for its affordable and modern designs; below we take a look at a selection of fantastic lamps from the Scandinavian store:
TÄRNABY ($25.99)
Drawing inspiration from the traditional kerosene lamp, this mood lighting provides a soft, warm glow. The visible light bulb mimics a flickering flame, while the built-in dimmer lets you control the brightness. Experience a cosy ambience with our beautifully crafted lamp.
TVÄRHAND ($27.99)
The striking beauty of simplicity is personified in this table lamp, featuring delicate curves of metal and a bamboo base creating a harmonious contrast. To bring it to life, add your favourite decorative light bulb.
LAMPAN ($14.99)
Ikea made every effort to keep costs low - they even did away with box packaging. The unique design is effortlessly stylish and has the ability to transform any drab corner of your home into a chic haven.
RANARP ($74.99)
RANARP lamps evoke a sense of nostalgia with their intricate details, such as steel joints and a striped textile cord. Both the floor and work lamps offer considerable weight and stability, while also being fully adjustable.
Best Placement for Optimal Ambience
To create the right ambience in any room, consider these recommendations for lamp placement:
Living Room: Use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Place a floor lamp near a reading chair and table lamps on side tables or console tables.
Bedroom: Use table lamps on nightstands for bedtime reading and wall lamps for ambient lighting. A pendant lamp or chandelier can add a touch of elegance above the bed.
Kitchen: Pendant lamps work well over kitchen islands or dining tables, while under-cabinet lighting can provide functional task lighting.
Home Office: Desk lamps are essential for task lighting, while a floor lamp can provide ambient light for a cozy work environment.
Bathroom: Wall lamps or sconces on either side of the mirror provide balanced lighting for grooming tasks. A pendant lamp or chandelier can add a touch of luxury to larger bathrooms.
In conclusion, incorporating a variety of lamps in your home will not only provide functional illumination but also enhance the overall aesthetic and atmosphere. By considering the type, finish, purpose, and placement of each lamp, you can create a beautiful and inviting space for you and your family to enjoy.
