A pair of brilliant table lamps give a room elegance, gravitas and confidence. They’re essential, the first things people notice, and you can’t skimp: cheap lamps signal cheap interior. The average-sized living room will need at least four, each casting a subtle pool of light. Many people try to get away with fewer lamps and higher wattage, but when it comes to watts, less is more. Table lamps fitted with 25-watt bulbs crate pools of light that make everything look inviting and mysterious, and draw subtle attention to your collections, or complexion. If you have a favourite reading chair, fit a 40-watt bulb to the nearest table lamp.
Lamps are impossible to fake, so throw out any you’ve bought from chain stores and start again. Be prepared to pay good money, especially for the bases. You’ll have your lamps for life, so think of them as an investment. Just make sure you get the base-to-shade- proportions right. Most people’s shades are too small. If you’re in doubt, pick the larger size: a wide lampshade is preferable to a pinhead.
Pick great bases, in classic shapes crafted from celadon, stone, marble, alabaster, acrylic, nickel-plate or stainless steel. Shades can come in a range of materials, but card, linen, silk and paper are classic choices. Shades go through fashions, particularly when it comes to their shape, but a drum in the right proportions is timeless- avoid gimmicks. The best colours are white, beige, chocolate and black. Avoid ornate neo-classical specials with verdigris finishes, Tiffany shockers, those green-shaded bankers’ lights, and anything with bobbles or fringes, which will make your room look like a bordello.
STOCKISTS:
- Boyd Blue- www.boydblue.com
- Bragg & Co- www.braggandco.com.au
- Emac-Lawton- www.emac-lawton.com.au
- Laura Kincade- www.laurakincade.com
- Magins Lighting- www.maginslighting.com.au
- Mercator Lighting- www.zanui.com.au
- Pottery Barn- www.potterybarn.com.au
- Sue Riley Home Collections- www.suerileyhomecollections.com.au
- Vaughn Design- www.domustextiles.com.au
- West Elm- www.westelm.com.au
