WHAT IS THE BEST TABLE LAMP FOR A BEDSIDE?

Bedside table lamps generally sit on a fairly small bedside table, so you want a table lamp that doesn't take up too much room to leave space for your night time bits and pieces. A column or pillar lamp is ideal as fits into any style of decor, will provide ample light for reading by and you can add visual impact with the colour, size and shape of the lampshade you match with it.

Livingroom lamps are often chosen for their visual impact as they make excellent decorative features in a room, as well as adding layers of light. If you wish to create a formal setting, we suggest you opt for two identical table lamps on either side of a mirror, picture or on a sideboard and at either end of a sofa. For a bright, informal effect, try a brightly coloured, vase-style or large modern table lamp on its own to draw your eye.

As a rule of thumb, when sitting down, the bottom edge of the shade should be at, or just below, eye level so you are not looking up at the bulb, or down into the shade.

Adding a lamp to a window sill looks enchanting as long as the width of the shade doesn't take up too much space and block the light.

Take a look at your interior and decide if you want your table lamp to fit into the general theme of the room, or stand out against it? For a blended look, choose a lamp in a similar colourway. To create visual impact, select one in a contrasting colour or shape. Classic metal column table lamps suit a traditional setting and look chic on a glass table. Brass or gold designs contrast beautifully against black furniture, while an unusual or colourful table lamp will draw the eye and add character to a dull corner.

Go for a lampshade that mirrors the shape of the lamp; bottle- and urn-shaped lamps tend to work well with tapered shades, while square lamps look better with straight-sided shades that reinforce their geometry. Column lamps can handle both types of shade. For tips on how to measure your lampshade, it’s worth having a look at this handy guide.