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A unique perspective on how to select a lamp from a 26 year
veteran lamp manufacturer.
I remember an interesting event that occurred in 1979 while
attending the International Home Furnishings Market in High
Point, North Carolina. A designer came into our showroom where
we were exhibiting our lamps, pictures, other accessories and
furniture. She carried with her a catalog page from one of the
country's largest retailers at that time. On this page was
a listing in tabular form, showing the "exact" shade size to
order if your lamp was a particular height. Imagine that in
today's market ! One size definitely does not fit all.
We will not be quite that specific but instead offer you
some guidelines that will give you confidence in selecting a
lamp for any area of your home or office. We also consult with
hotels, motels, casinos, nursing homes, prisons and other
institutions. These situations have unique considerations that
must be addressed individually but many of the same principles
apply.
Before you go looking for a lamp, ponder some questions. You may
be surprised how much this pondering will help.
A journalistic approach will help you to formulate in your own
mind just how to select a lamp.
Who - What - Where - When - Why and How
Who are you? Are your tastes and your current home decor formal,
casual, country, contemporary, etc. Your living area is a
reflection of who you are and what you like. So, who are you? Do
you just want to do something on a whim (in the way of home
decor), then perhaps you are not so concerned with what your
current theme is about. Otherwise you will want your new lamp to
"fit in" with what you already have and like in your home.
What is the main purpose, the primary use for the lamp you are
considering: reading, writing, work project, area lighting,
accent lighting, an object of art, a beautiful specimen lamp,
just something pretty that will light up an area? What colors
are you using in the room where you are putting your new lamp?
Remember, you are just pondering for the moment. For now simply
hold these considerations in your own mind and give them some
thought.
What room is the lamp going to be placed: living room, den,
bedroom, dining room, foyer, kitchen, bathroom, game
room, entertainment room, etc?
Where exactly is the lamp to be used: a table, a desk, night
stand, counter top, mantel, book case, chest, dresser,
sideboard, armoire, etc?
When will you typically be using the lamp: morning, noon,
afternoon, bedtime, after supper, late night? Will others be in
the room with you when you are using the lamp? Will the light
from the lamp affect others in the room?
Now that you have pondered the above ideas, let us look at some
specifics especially sizes. Home decor items are very
important as they relate to each other in the same room. How big
is the table, counter, shelf, etc. where the lamp will sit ?
A large lamp on a small table or small area will appear
overpowering. A small lamp by itself on a large table or in a
large area will appear lost.
How large is the room where the lamp is to be used? A tiny lamp
left exposed in a huge room will appear lost and vice versa. How
high are the ceilings? Many medium to large homes today have 17'
or taller ceilings in the great room. Generally a 30" tall (or
above) end table lamp is right at home in a room this size. Of
course a lamp sitting on the bookcase in this same room may only
be 12-15" tall. The mantel lamp in this same room may be 25-35"
tall. Think of relativity (remember Einstein).
The construction material of your new lamp can be extremely
important. The most durable materials are cast metals, stone,
porcelains, crystals, glass and wood. All of the antique
heirloom lamps that we see and work with today are made from
these materials and they very handsomely stand the test of time.
Resin or poly resin and hydrocal are not recommended for any
lamp that you wish to keep for an extended period of time as
these materials nearly self destruct.
Still pondering ? You should already be well on your way to fine
tuning what you need. If you find that you still need help, free
consultation is available from some home décor manufacturers via
the internet.
- Jim Hoyle
About the author:
Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp
Outlet - North Carolina's Most Unique Table Lamps, Floor Lamps
and Antique Lamps - Antique lamps and exclusive new unique table
lamps and floor lamps. Contact Jim at junguljim@bellsouth.net or
his company's website www.hoylelamps.com.
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