Table Lamps

Table lamps can deliver general, task and accent lighting and can be moved around to meet your changing needs. Found in all sorts of styles and sizes, choose the table lamp that matches your décor and think about the light output in terms of lamp size, bulb usage and shade type. A larger lamp will most likely provide more light and make a large decorative statement in a room.  A small lamp will produce a lovely accent light elsewhere. Table lamps should be combined with other types of general light in a large room to create a balanced effect.

Accent Lighting adds drama to a room by creating visual interest. As part of a decorating scheme, it is used to spotlight paintings, houseplants, sculpture, and other prized possessions, or to highlight the texture of a wall, drapery or outdoor landscaping. Accent lighting requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it. This usually is provided by track, recessed, or wall-mounted fixtures.

Floor Lamps

Floor Lamps can provide general, task and accent lighting, while giving you the flexibility to move the light where you want. They come in a variety of styles to compliment your décor.

Torchieres are like floor lamps in that they can create general, task and accent lighting, but the light that they produce has a different effect. The light from the top bowl bounces back up and back down into a room creating a soft general light. Side lights can create task light in an office, living room or a den.

Task Lighting

Task Lighting helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, hobbies, games, or balancing your checkbook. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting, and portable lamps. Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eyestrain.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers can add sparkle and style to your dining room while giving you the general lighting you need for dining and entertaining. They are also used in bedrooms, foyers, over a living room grouping or a grand piano. Some are designed with downlights to provide task lighting for homework or table games or to accent table settings. Chandeliers are available in both incandescent and tungsten-halogen. The addition of a dimmer control lets you alter the intensity of light to suit the mood and activity.

Wall Sconces

Wall-mounted fixtures can furnish general, task and accent lighting. Many are designed to match and supplement dining room chandeliers or to provide hallways, bedroom or living room lighting.  Wall brackets are often used for task lighting at the bathroom mirror. They are available with a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Ceiling Fixtures

Ceiling fixtures provide general lighting. They are practical in busy areas such as foyers, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, playrooms, dens and closets. They are available with a choice of incandescent, tungsten-halogen and energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Shades & Accessories

Shades come in many sizes, shapes and styles. Replacing a shade can instantly update the look of your table or floor lamp. It is important to get a size that is in proportion with the overall look.  The important measurements are the top and bottom diameter and the height. (A, B and C).  The shade size could be 7 x 14 x 11 as shown in the diagram to the right. You can measure your shade using the method just described or better yet bring in the base of your lamp when making a shade purchase, it helps to visualize.

Shade accessories like finials (the lamp topper that secures the lamp shade to the lamp base), or shade jewelry and tassels, add yet another spark to a basic shade.