The right table lamp can be a crucial piece to a room’s overall design, setting the tone for mood and bringing a touch of character. From traditional decors to modern designs, there’s a variety of styles to choose from when it comes to designing a table lamp. With a little research and some creative thinking, you can easily design a table lamp that will fit seamlessly into your decor.
Choosing the Perfect Light Bulb
A general rule of thumb is to choose a table lamp with a light bulb that matches the overall size and scale of the space. If you plan on using your lamp for reading or studying, look for a lamp with an adjustable arm and shade that can be adjusted to direct light where it is needed most. Or, if you prefer to use your lamp for decorative or mood lighting, you can opt for a lamp with a diffused opal glass or delicate Asian-style paper shade.
If you are going with a contemporary look, try a table lamp with a minimalist base and a sleek, metallic finish that will make your space feel clean and modern. Alternatively, for a more relaxed aesthetic, you can go with an antiqued metal finish that adds a rustic vibe to your interior.
Adding a Lamp Felt Bottom
If your base has a metal base, it may be worth considering adding felt to the bottom of the lamp, since the metal can rub against wood surfaces and potentially scratch or damage the surface. You can use pre-cut felt circles, or make your own with a felt sheet and a box cutter. If you choose to cut your own, lay the felt sheet on a cutting mat and use a box cutter to slice through the felt sheet, following the shape of the lamp base. This is a time-consuming step, but will be well worth it when you see your completed lamp!
Themed Designs for a Unique Look
If you’re looking to make your space stand out from the crowd, consider adding a themed table lamp. Whether you’re into classics like Greek key, damask and Ikat or novelty themes such as goldfish, trout and elephants, you can find a wide selection of whimsical, themed lamps at Home Depot to suit your style.
Creating Your Own Stovepipe Lamp
A stovepipe lamp is a fun way to give your home a bold accent. It’s easy to assemble, and you can make it in any size you want.
To make a candy cane-shaped lamp, you’ll need two 24-inch sections of straight pipe and two 90-degree elbow sections. You’ll also need 12 feet of lightweight lamp cord.
The lamp can be finished in a shiny red or any color you choose. You can also paint it matte black for a bedside lamp, or white for a study lamp.
Next, thread the end of a 12-foot piece of lightweight lamp cord through the cord hole drilled into one of the straight pieces of pipe. Leaving about 8 to 9 feet of cord outside the pipe, tie a loose knot in the cord to anchor it against the drilled hole. Once you have the cord hooked up, attach a quick-clamp plug to the free end of the wire.
