Let’s talk about lamps for a second. They are so innocuous to your household that you might not even factor them in when you begin to shop around for furniture, but lamps are a great way to add a little extra flair to any room in your house. No matter how low-key or whimsical your decor is, you always need a light source. This puts lamps into my very favorite section of interior design: pieces that serve a utilitarian function but are also stylish. Form and function working together. Lamp Works has a great selection, with something sure to fit even the most esoteric decor.
Fashionably Enlightening
Like I mentioned above, lamps come in all shapes and sizes, and Lamp Works has a great variety. A lamp can be a piece of art, like the one pictured above, or it can be demure and and not draw attention to itself. It all depends on what you’re going for–statement piece, or just illumination. An element of your decor, or just something that doesn’t detract from it. Most of Lamp Works pieces come with a choice of bulb type–regular incandescent lights, or LED light. The LED style is a little more expensive, but LED lights are significantly more cost-effective. They last longer, don’t give off as much heat, and can be brightened and dimmed more easily. If being green is one of your goals, an LED lamp might be the way to go.
Background Fade
Here’s a lamp that could potentially fade into the background (literally, being see-through) if you weren’t looking for it to have direct involvement in your decor. It’s got a traditional shape, no bright colors or shouty patterns, and would match just about any surface. It would also fit quite well into a contemporary theme, or an art-deco one.
Two of a Kind
When you start looking for a lamp, the first thing you want to ask yourself is what kind of space you are going to be working with. If you don’t have a lot of surface area, you don’t want a huge, cumbersome piece. Some lamps get warm, too, so factor that in too–try to avoid curtains or other fabrics. If your space is limited, consider several small lamps instead of one large one. Depending on your decor, you could go for a matching set like the one above, or mix and match. The great thing about lamps is that they’re incredibly varied and generally inexpensive.
A Crooked Deal
Floor lamps are great because they’re typically easy to move, can be set up anywhere with an outlet, and don’t need a table or desk to be set up. They’re another good option when you have limited work space, and would also make a cool alternative to an overhead light. Lamp Works has a variety of styles, from very traditional upright lamps, to this more whimsical right-angle lamp. I think this would look great with a dark leather couch or any kind of monochromatic theme.
Well Ensconced
This is another cool option for getting your lights off your table and freeing up space. It would take a little more effort for installation, but after that a sconce would be a great addition–it could in theory be easily incorporated into a modern or old-fashioned decor. Again, these are offered in both incandescent and LED.
Lamps may not rank high on your list of most coveted items for the new year, but they’re worth putting some thought into. Chances are good you can find or two to match your decor, and the selections from Lamp Works are a great place to start.
