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Choosing lamps for your living room can be a daunting task. Lighting can make or break an interior design and plays a crucial role in the functionality of your space, so careful thought is required when choosing locations for your table lamps to ensure your living room has optimal illumination.
In this post, we'll explore 8 of the best spots in your living room for table lamps and cover some suboptimal placements to avoid. These tips are intended to provide you with guidance and inspiration for lighting arrangements that feel balanced, aesthetic, and practical.
Before we get started, here are some essential things to consider:
Think about size: Assess the space you want to put a table lamp in. Avoid putting oversized table lamps in small spaces, as this combination can throw off the balance of the space. On the other hand, a small lamp may not be the best option for an especially dark corner, as it may not provide sufficient light.
Consider the type of ambience you want to create: For a relaxing evening ambience, place lamps at a low level, such as on a low accent table, to create a soft glow and reduce any harsh shadows. For a bright, functional atmosphere ideal for hosting guests or completing tasks, consider placing table lamps so the bottom of the lampshade is at eye level when seated.
Aim to create balance or symmetry:Â When placing multiple table lamps pay attention to how you space them. Arranging table lamps symmetrically, such as on end tables on either side of a sofa, creates a neat and visually pleasing look and provides even lighting. If the symmetrical look isn't possible or isn't your style, opt for a more organic style by placing the lamps at varying heights or on different surfaces around the room - ensure strategic spacing between each one for a balanced effect.
Illuminate the darkest areas of the room: While table lamps should be placed with consideration to aesthetics, it's also important to ensure you get the most out of your lighting. Look for spots in your living room that are especially dark and lack natural light. These are the spots that will benefit most from a table lamp.
Consider the type of lampshade:Â Different table lamps can create vastly different effects. For example, selecting a diffusing lampshade will help create a soft and even glow throughout the room. On the other hand, perforated lampshades, while they may look pretty, can create harsh and unsightly shadows that disrupt the light and aesthetic of the room.
Consider the type of lightbulb: The light bulb colour temperature significantly affects the ambience and functionality of your living room. Warmer colour temperatures create a cosy atmosphere, while cooler ones are more suitable for task-oriented spaces. Choosing the right color temperature enhances the overall feel and usability of your living room. In general, to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, warm white lightbulbs are the best choice for living rooms.
8 Best Places for Table Lamps in the Living Room
1: On Either Side of a Sofa
Place end tables on either side of the main/central sofa in your living room and top each one with a table lamp, with either matching styles or a mix-and-match of designs. This will create a sense of symmetry while providing even and ample light for the space.
2: On Bookshelves
Along with providing storage, bookshelves are also a great place to display decorative elements such as vases or ornaments. Because of this, placing a table lamp on your living room bookshelves can illuminate your decoration while providing lighting for an otherwise quite dark area, particularly with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or those that cover a full wall. Choose shorter table lamps with diffusing lampshades for bookshelves so the light isn't overly obstructed by any shelves above.
3: On a Mantlepiece
A fireplace mantelpiece is a central feature of a room, and placing a table lamp on it can further accentuate the focal point.
4: Between Armchairs
Having ample light near seating areas is crucial for a functional living room. Place a table lamp on an accent table between two armchairs to create a cosy and welcoming space to read, watch television, or engage in other activities.
5: On a Console Table
Console tables are not only ideal for displaying decorations but also provide the perfect spot for adding additional illumination with a stylish table lamp.
6: In a Dark Corner
As we said above, the perfect place for a table lamp is somewhere that lacks natural light or feels especially dim. This could be a corner far from windows or an area obstructed by objects or furniture. Illuminate the corner by adding a table lamp, making your space feel more balanced.Â
7: On a Window Ledge
Adding a table lamp to a window ledge can enhance the natural light during the day, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere with a multi-layered lighting effect. In the evening, this light will add to the cosy ambience and, when paired with other light sources, will create an expanded sense of light in all areas. Opt for small lamps on window ledges so they don't obstruct natural light during the day.
8: Next to Decorative Elements
Decoration alone is great, but if your space lacks optimal lighting, the hard work you put into your interior design can be thwarted. Consider placing a table lamp under a piece of wall art, or next to a houseplant or decorative vase to highlight their beauty.
Less than Ideal Spots to Avoid for Table Lamps
Next to a television:Â This can create distracting glare on the screen.
On a coffee table: When it comes to coffee tables, it's better to keep them clear of bulky items like table lamps - they take up valuable space and create cord clutter. If you need extra lighting in your coffee table area, consider using a small, cordless lamp, like a globe lamp, which is compact and convenient for the space.
Obstructed areas:Â Make sure not to place a table lamp where the light will be blocked, making it ineffective, for example, behind a curtain or between tall objects.
Reflects glare or harsh shadows: To prevent frustrating glare and make the room more comfortable, avoid placing table lamps with very bright bulbs next to dark-coloured walls. Instead, opt for diffusing lampshades to soften the brightness and make it easier on the eyes. Similarly, avoid harsh shadows by placing the table lamp so that the light is not directly facing the wall. Harsh shadows from table lamps can also be remedied by choosing diffusing lampshades.
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