Here's a great article on how to pick out the perfect table lamp:
There’s a least one room, and usually more, in a house that could use a good table lamp. Often, table lamps sit next to our favorite couch or armchair to give us some light for reading. These tips will help you pick out a great table lamp.
1. The options for buying table lamps are nearly limitless. That’s why you need to have some idea of what you want before you start shopping. Think about your personal style. Also consider the room that the table lamp will occupy. If you enjoy contemporary styles, then you will be attracted to a modern design. If, however, your taste favors the traditional, you are likely to be happier with a more conservative design.
2. There are three major components to a table lamp: the base, the column and the shade. The base and the column are often made of the same material. Material is an important consideration for your table lamp. You can find table lamps made of brass, wood, brushed aluminum, wrought iron, ceramic and glass. Again, the material you choose will depend on how the design of the table lamp fits your overall style. Just realize that if you prefer one type of material, the chances are good that you can find it fashioned into a style you like.
3. Choosing a shade for your table lamp also leaves you with many choices. Shades, like bases and columns, can be made of metal, cloth, glass or synthetic materials. Or some combination of several types of materials. Pick the style and material that appeals to you and that matches the current décor of the room where the lamp will sit.
4. An important factor to consider when choosing a shade for a table lamp is the width of the lower brim. If the shade has a wide lower brim, then much light will be cast on the table where it sits and on the surrounding area. This light will enhance your ability to read near the table lamp. On the other hand, if the lower brim is narrow, less light will be cast on the table and the surrounding area. Shades with narrow brims are best for simply bringing some light into a room.
5. Finally, you can choose the kind of on and off switch you prefer. Some switches are pull chains that hang lower than the brim of the table lamp. Other are on the light socket, and must be turned or pushed to be activated. You can also choose a design with the switch on the base of the table lamp or on its cord. And, there are many table lamps available that turn off and on when you simple touch the base or the column.
- lovetoknow.com
