A Lamp is a Lamp…
Table lamps are those familiar fixtures we see in living rooms, family rooms, and hotel suites. They provide a perfect lighting solution for great rooms, dining rooms, or foyers, and are ideal for use on a side table next to a sofa.  They are free-standing, portable light fixtures designed less for task lighting than for creating a warm atmosphere in a room. A table lamp is a great alternative to ceiling fixtures when you want to add more light to a room but prefer softer lighting. A well chosen table lamp will provide just the right light level while complementing your personal decorating style.

Table lamps are available in a nearly limitless number of options. You will want to consider size, location, style, materials and light level before making your final selection.

A Shape for Every Space
A candlestick lamp may be just right for a petite nesting table or a narrow console, while a roomy end table or chest of drawers can accommodate a more bulky ginger jar lamp. Table lamp bases and shades are available in variations that are just right for every purpose and décor.

A standard, shaded table lamp is the most familiar type to most people. The base or column may be made of brass, wood, aluminum, wrought iron, ceramic, glass or other material. Fabric or glass shades are common.

A buffet lamp is a taller and narrower version of a standard table lamp and often features a candlestick column. Buffet lamps are designed for sideboards and other narrow tables.

An accent light is a small table lamp that provides more ambiance than actual light output. Accent lights often come in decorative shapes that emit ambient light, and are perfect for illuminating small spaces.

A table torchiere differs from standard table lamps in that it directs light upward, most often with a glass or acrylic bowl diffuser. A table torchiere should be placed on a furniture piece that is high enough that the bulb will not be visible when standing near the lamp. This type of lamp can be ideal for bedroom accent lighting.

How to Choose a Size
One of the most important things to consider when deciding on a table lamp is the height at which the shade will sit once placed on a table. The lamp’s bulb and socket should not be visible. The glare from a visible bulb will interfere detract from the beauty of your table lamp. If you are planning to use the lamp for reading, take measurements to be sure the lamp will be tall enough to cast its light over your shoulder. The bottom of the shade should be about even with your cheekbone when you are sitting.

Remember that a shade with a wider lower brim will cast more light on the surrounding area below it and better facilitate reading. A narrower brim will cast less direct light.

How Much Light?
Table lamps should satisfy lighting requirements as well as complement décor. Be sure to find out what a lamp’s maximum wattage is before you purchase. Never use a higher wattage bulb than specified on your lamp.

Be sure to consider the functional as well as decorative features of the type of shade you choose, too. A white or off-white fabric shade will be translucent allow high light output. A darker or opaque shade will limit the light output and is useful when you want to create a more subtle lighting effect. A darker, non-translucent lampshade with silver or gold lining will create a pleasant glow around the room.

If you love the freedom to easily change the light level around you, consider getting a table lamp that accommodates three-way bulbs. For even more lighting flexibility, a lamp with a built-in dimmer switch will offer a range of lighting levels for any occasion whatever the time of day.

Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs can be substituted for standard incandescent bulbs in most table lamps. They have a longer life, and they use considerably less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Keep in mind that only dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs should be used in lamps with incandescent dimmer switches.

The Switch
Don’t overlook the type of switch a table lamp includes. Switches can be located on the socket itself, with either a turn or a push function, on the base of the lamp, or on the cord. Some lamps feature handy and decorative pull chain switches, while other lamps are conveniently controlled by a touch-sensitive base. Choose the switch that’s right for you.

Suit Your Style
There is an endless array of table lamp styles to choose from. The style of your table lamp will depend upon your taste and the overall look of your room.

Traditional table lamps reflect the look of long ago. They can be quite ornate with elegant curved lines, luxurious dark metal finishes and delicate fabric shades.

Contemporary table lamps feature straight lines and geometric shapes, minimalist design, and modern, highly reflective finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, mirrored, or transparent. Metal, glass and even plastic are common materials.

Transitional table lamps have the elegance of traditional lamps, but are somewhat less formal and feature less ornamentation.

Art Deco and Retro table lamps celebrate the styles of earlier decades. They are often stylized or streamlined and feature repetitive, geometric patterns.

Tiffany style table lamps feature stained glass shades created using a copper foil technique. They are based on the original designs created by Louis Comfort Tiffany during the Art Nouveau period in America.

Mission and Craftsman style table lamps find their inspiration in these American architectural styles.

Other styles you might choose from include rustic, crystal and themed or novelty styles. With all these choices, you’re sure to find the lamp that’s just perfect for your home.