Table lamps are often underestimated in their role in interior design. Beyond being just functional objects, they shape a space’s mood, style, and overall ambience. When selected thoughtfully, a table lamp can serve as a sculptural focal point or blend into the background as a subtle, supportive element. Let’s explore some insights from top interior designers, their theories, preferences, and some tips to guide your lighting selection.
The Power of Table Lamps in Interior Design
1. Mood Creation: Lighting as Atmosphere
Interior designers agree that table lamps are critical in creating an atmosphere. Kelly Wearstler, known for her opulent, bold interiors, often emphasizes how lighting can evoke certain emotions. The suitable lamp can instantly make a space feel warmer and more intimate or highlight specific areas to draw attention. Designers like Wearstler often advocate layering lighting sources in a room—overhead lights combined with task lighting, like table lamps, to create a balanced, versatile ambience.
Embed from Getty Images2. Personal Expression: Sculptural and Artistic Choices
Table lamps can be highly personal, with designers like India Mahdavi treating them as art and utility. For Mahdavi, the lamp base and shade are an opportunity for expression. She often chooses pieces that push boundaries in form and texture, transforming a purely functional object into a statement piece. The lamp’s base, ceramic, metal, or resin, can influence the room’s visual weight, while the shade texture and shape unexpectedly direct light.
3. Scale and Proportion: Getting the Balance Right
Renowned interior decorator Nate Berkus is known for his obsession with proportion. He advises always considering the size and shape of the lamp on the table and surrounding furniture. A too large lamp can overwhelm a delicate side table, while a small lamp might feel out of place on a larger console. Berkus also recommends paying attention to the height—particularly ensuring that the bulb sits below eye level when seated to avoid harsh glare.
4. Material and Style Matching
Designers like Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Home favour table lamps made from natural materials, like wood or ceramic, for a more rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. In contrast, designers like Jonathan Adler go for glamorous, eclectic styles, combining brass, marble, and bold colours. The material and style of a table lamp should harmonize with the rest of the decor. A sleek metallic lamp might add the perfect contrast if your room has soft, neutral tones. Conversely, a simple, understated lamp can balance the overall look if you have bold patterns or colours.
Embed from Getty ImagesPrejudices and Preferences: What Designers Avoid
1. Cold, Unflattering Light
Designers are often averse to lighting that is too cold or clinical. Emily Henderson, an expert in blending vintage and contemporary elements, is adamant about using warm bulbs. She finds cool-toned lights too harsh and uninviting and recommends using warmer, softer light bulbs that make a space feel cozy and lived-in.
2. Overly Ornate or Fussy Designs
While some decorators love bold statement lamps, many believe that overly ornate or trendy designs can date a space too quickly. Bobby Berk, a designer known for sleek, modern interiors, tends to opt for lamps with clean lines and minimal embellishment. He suggests choosing timeless designs that won’t feel out of place as trends evolve.
Designer Tips: Getting Table Lamps Just Right
- Experiment with Shades: Changing the lampshade can dramatically affect a lamp’s aesthetic and functionality. Light-coloured shades provide more illumination, while darker shades focus the light downward, creating a cozy reading nook or accentuating a particular room area.
- Dimmers are Your Friend: Adding a dimmer to your table lamp allows you to adjust the lighting throughout the day. Sheila Bridges, a designer known for her rich, culturally nuanced interiors, suggests using dimmable bulbs for flexibility, especially in rooms where you can shift the mood from bright to subtle.
- Placement Matters: Table lamps aren’t just for side tables. Axel Vervoordt, a master of understated luxury, often places table lamps on bookshelves, consoles, or even the floor for unexpected lighting effects. This practice adds depth to a room’s lighting scheme and keeps the eye moving.
- Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: While some designers prefer the classic look of a pair of matching lamps flanking a sofa or bed, others like to play with asymmetry. Martyn Lawrence Bullard is known for pairing mismatched lamps to create visual interest. This works particularly well in eclectic or bohemian interiors, where a more casual, lived-in look is desired.
Conclusion: The Magic of Table Lamps
In interior design, table lamps are not just afterthoughts but critical components in shaping the character of a space. They help create warmth, guide the eye, and serve as beautiful objects in their own right. Whether inspired by sculptural, artistic pieces or prefer the clean lines of modern minimalism, choosing the suitable table lamp can dramatically elevate a room’s aesthetic and comfort level.
So, next time you’re considering lighting options, take a moment to reflect on your room’s personality, needs, and the subtle, powerful role a table lamp can play.