8 Ideas for Unique Table Lamps
Add a soft glow.
Whether you're in search of the right lighting for an entryway or a pair of nightstands, a table lamp can be the most practical solution. Table lamps come in plenty of shapes and styles with little details that make them unique. We've gathered some ideas for bringing statement table lamps into different spaces – from rustic living rooms to farmhouse dining nooks. Continue reading for info on four common types of table lamps and eight easy ways to style unique table lamps.
Types of Table Lamps
Table lamps are one of our favorite types of lighting. Without hardwiring, table lamps are versatile and practical pieces that make any space feel more inviting. We've outlined the four most common types of table lamps below – standard lamps, desk lamps, arched lamps, and buffet lamps – to help you choose the right one for your space.
Standard Lamp: Standard lamps, also called bedside lamps, have a base and a fabric shade. With a variety of shapes and styles, the bases are often made with glass, wood, ceramic, and metal. The fabric shade softly diffuses the light, making standard bedside lamps a great lighting option for bedroom, living rooms, and entryways.
Desk Lamp: Desk lamps are a type of tabletop task lighting that casts a direct glow. Typically crafted with a dome-shaped metal shade and an adjustable height, the light is more focused than table lamps with fabric shades. This type of lamp is ideal for illuminating desks, reading nooks, or side tables.
Arched Lamp: Arched lamps have a sturdy base and a curved arm that bends into a rounded arch with the light attached at the end. This type of lamp can have a glass, fabric, or metal shade. The eye-catching arched silhouette works well in any space, including living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
Buffet Lamp: Buffet table lamps are similar to standard table lamps, but with a taller silhouette. The tall, slim base and decorative fabric shade are designed for narrow spaces, such as bedside tables, console tables, or dining room sideboards.
Decorating With Unique Table Lamps
From industrial-inspired task lighting to laid-back coastal lamps, we've put together eight simple ways to incorporate unique table lamps into your space.
Go With a Glass Base
Relax before bed with the inviting glow of a beautiful glass table lamp. The glass base makes the space feel more open and the easy silhouette makes a subtle statement. With different colors and types of glass, these unique table lamps are a great addition to any nightstand or side table. Choose a glass table lamp with a colorful glass base to brighten up the space, or pick a table lamp with seeded glass to create subdued visual interest. For bedrooms, opt for a dimmable table lamp so that you can dim the light before bed and brighten up in the morning.
Make your entryway feel more welcoming with cozy, unique table lamps. For a rustic console table, opt for rustic table lamps with handcrafted elements, such as sleek metal details and aged finishes. Choose a rustic fabric shade for soft lighting that is just right for greeting guests at the door. Pick a shade with a bit of natural texture, such as cotton or linen. With regular dusting, fabric lampshades made from a cotton and linen blend are easy to clean with a damp cloth.
If you like to stay up late with a good book, opt for an industrial-style statement lamp to keep the pages well-lit. The clean-lined silhouette and vintage-inspired details are made to last. With bronze, matte black, and brass finishes, industrial table lamps are great options for any style decor. Adjustable arms add to the versatility of an industrial-style lamp. Look for this feature if task lighting is important to you, whether you're working on a crossword puzzle in bed or adding to a home office. Choose an industrial table lamp with a seeded glass shade for a warm illuminating glow, or opt for a task lamp with a dome-shaped metal shade for more direct lighting. Add an Edison bulb to finish the look with a bit of retro appeal.
Add a bit of classic style to a home office with a traditional-style table lamp. We love statement lamps with timeless patterns, such as floral motifs or Chinoiserie-inspired designs. Opt for a classic blue and white pattern to suit any neutral space or complement other accent colors. Choose a tapered drum shade to create an elegant look, or pick a drum shade for a more simple finish. The soft fabric shade diffuses the right amount of light for any at-home workspace.
Bring a touch of natural texture to a coastal bedroom with unique table lamps. With a breezy color palette of seaside-inspired shades of ocean blue and sandy beige, we suggest picking a table lamp that complements neutral colors. Choose a table lamp with elements of organic texture, such as rope or wicker details. Go for a table lamp with a braided rope base and a simple drum shade for an easy bedside light, or try a lamp with an inlaid shell base for a touch of added shine.
Top a farmhouse sideboard with a subtle ceramic table lamp. Start with a simple base with artisan-inspired details, such as organic edges or a textured glaze. We recommend looking for statement table lamps with sculptural shapes to give the simple colors a bit of visual interest. Choose a rustic fabric shade with natural texture like linen or cotton. The lightweight fabric shade casts a soft glow that's ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones.
Create a symmetrical look with a set of matching table lamps. For a traditional-style bedroom, we love using a pair of unique table lamps to create a thoughtful, balanced bedroom design. Opt for table lamps with a classic turned silhouette to create an effortlessly elegant look. Or go with sleek table lamps with dramatic drum shades to add a more contemporary touch. With a canopy bed, we recommend choosing taller table lamps to match the height and proportions.
Warm up a rustic living room with unique table lamps. Pick a table lamp with a polished brass finish to complement the cool-toned color scheme and deep wood pieces. We suggest choosing a desk lamp with antique-inspired details for a lived-in look. Not only are desk lamps ideal for a home office, they are a great lighting option for the living room. When shopping for desk lamps, look for practical features, such as three-way switches and adjustable height settings, to give the space the right amount of light to make this spot the best place to catch up on your reading list.
Ready to browse?
