By Dave Nemeth
Tables, as well as standing lamps, are one of those items that are often an impulse buy, either because of the stunning way they are displayed in store or alternatively the way they are styled online. However, once they are placed in the home, they may look out of place and often not as functional as one had hoped, making them a bad buy and a waste overall.
In order to avoid this costly mistake, it is important to bear in mind a few things, with the most important one being location. The first question you need to ask yourself is where will the desired lamp be placed – will it be a standing lamp or a table lamp? If you’re buying a lamp for a side table, desk or server, it’s important to consider the strength and durability of the table. If the table is delicate or the top is easily scratched, you might want to consider a lighter weight lamp, which has a protective covering on the base.
Obviously, the sturdier the table, the heavier a lamp it can accommodate but remember that these can become exceptionally dangerous to both children and pets. High-traffic areas can spell disaster for lamps, especially if they have oversized shades.
The next, and a very important factor, will be whether the light source is intended to be functional or more decorative and used as an ambient light in an area. Standing lamps with a large round shade will add moody lighting to a space but not necessarily provide good quality light for reading.
A desk lamp on the other hand also can’t be over-bright, as this too will put too much strain on the eyes when reading. Generally desk lamps should not have shades and be more directional.
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