Are you finishing the final touches to a newly decorated room? If so, you have probably reached the point of adding lighting. However, lighting should not be an afterthought as done correctly, it can completely transform a room. 

With so many choices on offer, it can be hard to know how to get it right. Below, we go through our tips for the best accent table lamps. 

1. Match Room Size to the Lamp Size

Any accent lamp should be proportional to the size of the room. An accent lamp should be as the name implies, a smaller accent or decoration. It does not want to overpower the room or take center stage.

Take into account the height of the ceilings as well as the shape and size of the room itself. If you have high ceilings, a taller lamp will cast dramatic lights and shadows further up the wall, enhancing the tall ceiling effect. Shorter ceilings should have shorter lamps, or the light will overpower the space. 

The height of the lamp should also be dictated by the table it is placed upon. If you have low tables, you can use slightly taller lamps and taller tables should have shorter lamps. This is to ensure that light is not situated at eye level, as it will shine in the eyes of guests. 

2. Reflect the Decor

This is an extremely simple rule that many people often forget about. When choosing interior accessories, it can be tempting to go for the ones you love and admire. However, you should always make sure they align with the decor of the room. 

When it comes to matching the decor, you have a few factors to consider. They are color, pattern, and design. Starting with color, you should match shades that align with the rug and wall colorings. Use a color chart to help you see complementary tones and shades. 

You may consider a pattern. Once again, you must check that pattern fits with the aesthetic of the room. For example, a victorian type floral table lamp would not fit in with the aesthetic of a pop-art type room. 

Finally, make sure the design of the lamp fits with the room design. A modern accent table lamp design may look great in the showroom, but if you have gone for a rustic, country-style feel it will look totally out of place. Do some research online to see what type of lamp fits with your chosen aesthetic. 

3. Use It In Conjunction

The purpose of an accent lamp is to draw attention. It is a flourish in the room, and once it draws the attention you have to provide the viewer with something interesting to see. Many often think this has to be the light and shade itself, but it can be something else. 

You may have a beautiful ornament or piece of art you want to draw the eye toward. It could even be an architectural feature, such as old beams or an alcove. Try experimenting by using a very plain lamp and shade to cast light on your prized possessions. 

4. Use Them to Fill Space

Once you have all your fittings and fixtures in place, do an assessment of your rooms. Are there areas of wide-open space, either close to the walls or in the middle of a room? If so, these are the perfect areas to add accent lighting. 

In these situations, the accent table lamp design should be something of a statement. This is its chance to literally shine and take center stage. 

Similarly, you may have areas in which the light is not penetrating. Although most light will be provided by the hanging light in your room, there will be areas that this can not penetrate. 

Use accent lamps to fill areas of darkness. They can soften hard shadows, and destroy any odd shapes you may have cast by larger lights and furniture placement. 

5. Style of Accent Table Lamps

A common mistake people make when buying lamps for a room is to switch styles. This can make the room seem themeless and disjointed. However, this does not mean all of the lamps have to be identical. 

Try to select table lamps that have something in common. They could be linked by shape, color, or material. In fact, linking lamps in this way can add real interest, while still managing to tie the room together. 

When mixing metals, take care to make sure they match well. Bronze and copper will look good together, as they have a color theme and are made from the same elements, as can silver with gold. However, too many metals can be overbearing and make a room look confusing. 

Of course, you can opt for identical lamps as well. In this case, they are excellent for framing objects. Perhaps you may sit them both at opposite ends of a console table, or on two tables at each end of a sofa. 

6. Get the Correct Shade

Just as the lamp has to fit the size of the room, the shade must also correspond with the size of the lamp and where it will sit. You do not want a shade that is bigger than the table it is sitting on. A lampshade should be no more than 2 inches bigger than the diameter of the base of the lamp. 

You may also consider different colors of shades to direct light. Although many shades are light in color to let light pass, darker accents can direct the light into places you desire. 

Experiment

Try experimenting with old accent table lamps to get the correct lighting and placement in your room. Once you know where the lamp will go, you can look at better options, tying them in with shades, colors, and shapes. 

When choosing to light, Oriental Lampshade should be your first stop. We can provide a range of lighting options for all occasions. Contact us at one of our showrooms to discuss all of your lighting needs, so we can illuminate your home starting today!