Just the other day, I interviewed a seasoned design professional — Monica Reese, director of private brand style at retailer Lowe's — who likened the use of lighting in interior design to the use of jewelry in fashion. Both have the power to make or break the vibe of a space or the look of an outfit, yet they are both often disregarded, or, at the very least, put off until the last minute. When done right, however, they can elevate and transform with the flip of a switch or the pinch of a clasp.
'Playing with lighting to tell your personal style story is fantastic,' Monica said. 'You can have a room that's very neutral or very simple and depending on the light you put in it — if I put in a woven orb or a basket shade light — it's going to feel more modern farmhouse, but if I put something that's got some brass and rope and some really elegant shapes, it can feel more transitional or modern.'
As you continue to style your Maison with treats from the best home decor brands, that jewelry metaphor is one worth keeping in mind. Lighting is such a crucial element of a room — it's hard to overstate its importance and how it factors in with couch fabric, paint texture and color, and more. There are always the overhead lights, but floor and table lamps or natural light are often the better option if you can swing it.
In keeping with the spirit there, I've rounded up a few of the chicest, most stylish table lamps on the market right now, all of which play into different trends at different price points. They're the perfect finishing touches, ideal for adding a glow to those dull corners. I can guarantee there's something here for everyone — no matter your taste in jewelry, er, I mean, lighting ...
12 of the best table lamps
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Price: $8.40
Was: $12
The exaggerated size differential between the base and shade of this mini table lamp are playful and unique enough to warrant a mention, but the funky green marble pattern and unbeatable price point really seal the deal. Consider this the perfect small table lamp.
Price: $60
Expertly priced by the accessible design experts at Novogratz, the bold as brass lamp feels cozy, warm, and adds a gleam to even the darkest corners all at once. A perfect accent and an excellent minimalist table lamp.
Price: $84.99
Was: $119
The elegantly rippled white table lamp also comes in pistachio green, but either way its tactile shape is so sensual. Use in a dark corner against dark walls - it will glow.
Price: $39.99
The 1970s continues as a big interior design trend, and you can rely on Wayfair lighting to come up trumps. The tortoiseshell effect would be perfect in a cocktail corner — serve with a Negroni and a smile.
Price: $250
Whimsical and playful — what the Anthropologie lighting section does best — the Doko lamp is one of my favorites of all time. A modern table lamp that doubles as a sculpture with a gorgeous glow.
Price: $225
This black chrome portable LED lamp is a great one to follow you around the room; it's shine lasts for approximately 9 hours per charge, so it's unlikely you'll run into a reading emergency with any sort of frequency.
Price: $252
From beloved lighting brand Marset comes the Bicoca, a blush pink portable table lamp with function top-of-mind — the tiltable shade allows you to direct the light as needed, while the rechargeable battery and three-stage dimmer mean this beauty can go wherever and fit in whatever room.
Price: $398
Burl wood just screams luxury, even when incorporated on the base of this Anthro piece. I quite like how it's a neutral piece with a bit more interest than the usual. A fabulous table lamp for a living room.
Price: $129
The rattan drum shade mixed with the rounded ceramic base gives this Urban Outfitters option a bohemian coastal vibe. Unexpected and versatile! A great table lamp for a bedroom, particularly in a vacation home.
Price: $450
I positively adore this rattan table lamp, if not for the fact that rattan will stick around through the new year, then for the unexpected scalloped edges around the shade!
Price: $350
This cylinder lamp is made from solid jade and finished with added brass accents. Its large, robust frame would add a grounding presence and focal point to a dresser or mantle.
Price: $249
To me, the Emir is reminiscent of a pepper grinder. But in a good way! How many pepper grinders are also lamps? It's a design statement.
How big should a table lamp be on a table?
When buying a new table lamp, you want to make sure the size of the lamp doesn't dwarf the table on which it's sitting. The 'general rule of thumb is to not have your lamp be 1.5x taller than the table it sits on,' Dara Greaney, founder and CEO of LEDLightExpert.com, an e-commerce lighting retailer, told me.
'Or an easier way to think about it,' he continued: 'Don't let the lamp be higher than eye level.' If it is, it will 'overpower the room,' which isn't what you want if the 'purpose of a lamp is more for task/ambient lighting.'
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