Lamps Buying Guide

Nothing can change the mood of a room like a good lamp.  It can brighten, add color and warmth, and illuminate specific areas of your household. Lamps have a practical component as well--you need a good reading lamp  or desk lamp  to help you focus on your work and reduce eye strain. For lamps that are used to treat seasonal affective disorder, check out the guide on light boxes. Fortunately, we have lots of choices when it comes to purchasing lamps, depending on our needs and how much space we have for decoration. Check out your options and then go shopping!

Styles

Generally, lamps have been differentiated from light fixtures as "movable"  vs. fixed.  Of course, not all lamps are easily movable. Hanging lamps and arm lamps are listed both here and under light fixtures. See a general overview of types of lamps below.

Table Lamps  As the name suggests, these are useful when placed on a nightstand  or coffee table  to illuminate a small area of the room.	Low Voltage Halogen Lamps  These lamps can shine brightly on a certain area of a room in your home. Also used often in professional settings like an art gallery.	Desk Lamps  These lamps are designed so they don't take up alot of room on your desk  and give you extra lamplight for studying or reading.	Floor Lamps  Floor lamps are useful for lighting up a whole room, although you usually need more than one of these if your room is large.	Ceiling Fans  Ceiling fans are great for cooling down your room and offering lighting at the same time. Pick one up in a fun design  to put in your room.

Night Lights  Great for helping you find your way around at night and good to leave on if you plan on coming home late.	Arm Lamps  These little lamps can be decorative and placed in different areas around the room for a stylish source of light.	Hanging Lamps  Hanging lamps are typically found in kitchens or dining rooms and can range from extra fancy  to lower priced.	Clip-On Lamp  Place this on a desk or headboard  for an easy way to add extra light in whatever space needs it.

Lovely Illumination

Pick up one of these lamps to help decorate and brighten your home!

Harbor Lighthouse Motif Touch Lamp  This touch lamp features different pictures of lighthouses grouped with various Bible passages on each panel.	Candela Color Lamps  These candles can be charged and come in various different colors for a pretty illumination reminiscent of a candle.	Frame Coin Table Lamp  This lamp is stylish yet functional. Features a unique coin in its center with a wooden base and is a neutral grey shade so it can be placed in just about any room.	Medina Lamp  This is a fun lamp that has a lantern-like quality about it and provides a softer, more romantic light.

Lamp Collecting

Love the look of antique lamps? Lamps can be collected flea markets or specialized stores, as well as online. They can range from 18-20th century and come in a range of styles. Here a few popular collectors' items.

Antique Oil Lamps  Some oil lamps have the original glass globes attached while others have been replaced. Because they use oil to light and have such an old design, they can provide a rustic feel for your home.	Antique Chandeliers  If grand lighting is what you are going for, there is plenty of history to be found in an antique chandelier.  Hunting down missing or replacement parts might be a chore, but it could be well worth the adornment these bring to your home.	Victorian Lamps  These lamps come in beautiful colors and designs and were mostly made in the late 18th century.  The ornate patterns are typically made out of brass with glass bulbs and can come in a hanging or table design.	Tiffany Lamps  This is a popular lamp for collectors that features colorful glass designs arranged in many shapes and patterns. Though they may be a little pricey, they can provide great interior decoration for your home.

Related Guides

Desk Lamps	Light Bulbs	Low Voltage Halogen Lamps	Candles

 

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Lampes et Luminaires