Table lamps do more than light a room, they have the power to act as a piece of furniture or art. The right lamp can do more than refresh your space – they can define it by adding some personality to make the room feel complete. No matter where you place them or their size, they can make a big difference in your home.
Like most aspects of the home, there tends to be some common mistakes people tend to make when it comes to choosing a table lamp. So before you make any purchases, it’s best to avoid these five mistakes.
Mistake 1: Choosing the wrong size
One of the most common errors people make is buying a lamp purely because it looks nice, without considering its scale. A lamp that’s too tall can be uncomfortable and cause light to shine light directly into your eyes when you’re seated or lying in bed, while a lamp that’s too small can disappear visually and fail to light the space properly.
The proportion of your lamp is key. For example, on a bedside table the bottom of the shade should sit around chin level when you’re lying down, so the light is useful for reading. On a sideboard or console table, a taller lamp helps balance the height of the furniture and any décor behind it, like mirrors or artwork.
Mistake 2: Poor placement
Even a beautiful lamp can look out of place if it’s positioned poorly. Having lamps that are too close together can leave other areas dark, while lamps placed too far from where you sit won’t provide helpful task lighting.
It also affects how a room feels to move around. You don’t want a lamp blocking part of a walkway or cluttering a corner where it can be ignored.
The trick is to have some form of balance. Take for example, a lamp on only one side of a sofa. It can make the room feel lopsided if there’s only one source of light. For symmetry and a more polished look, it’s better to have a light either on a bed or sofa.
Mistake 3: Ignoring shade and light quality
Another common mistake people make is neglecting shade, which plays a huge role in how a lamp lights a space. A shade that’s too small can cause harsh, direct light. Whereas one that’s too big can overwhelm the base and block useful light.
The colour and material of your lampshade also matters too:
- Opaque or dark shades create a cosy, atmospheric glow but don’t brighten a room
- White or linen shades spread soft, even light for everyday use
- Glass shades give brighter, more task-focused light
The shape of the shad also affects the direction of light. Drum shades, for example, spread light both up and down, while tapered shades push more light downward.
Mistake 4: Overcomplicating style
It’s easy to get carried away with trends like metallic bases, textured ceramics and bold patterns. But too many statement pieces in one room can make things feel a bit chaotic. If a lamp clashes with nearby furniture or décor, it can stand out for the wrong reasons. You want a table lamp that complements your space rather than compete with it.
Sometimes the simplest design is the one that helps your other pieces shine. Look at what’s already in the room: the shapes of furniture, metal finishes, and colour palette should guide your choice.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to layer light
You can’t only rely on table lamps for light as it can leave parts of the room gloomy and limit what you can actually do there. You want to use a mix of lighting types and add dimmers where possible so you can control the ambience. Good lighting works like a team: ceiling lights for general brightness, floor lamps for filling corners, and wall lights for atmosphere.
When you combine different sources, a room gains depth, mood, and you can adjust lighting for whatever the occasion such as for cosy nights, reading, or entertaining.
Should table lamps match?
They don’t have to match, but they should feel like they belong in the same space. Matching lamps are often used in bedrooms or living rooms for symmetry.
In more relaxed or creative rooms, using lamps that are different can look great too. The key is to link them in some way, whether it’s through colour, shape, height, or the style of shade. That way they still feel coordinated, even if they’re not identical.
How many table lamps should a living room have?
This will depend on how large your room is and what you use the space for. Many homes work well with two or three table lamps, as they help remove dark spots and add softer light in the evenings.
Rather than thinking about a set number, think about coverage. You want light beside seating, in corners, and near areas where you read or relax. And because table lamps can’t light a whole room alone, combine them with ceiling or floor lamps for good overall lighting.
How do I mix lamp styles without clashing?
Start by choosing one clear thread that runs through your décor. This could be a material like wood or brass, a shape like rounded bases, or a colour that repeats elsewhere in the room. If your furniture and accessories already include strong patterns or bold statement pieces, simpler lamp designs usually work best.
Which lighting brand should I buy from?
There are lots of quality lighting brands to choose from, whether you prefer something modern or more traditional. Laura Ashley is a good bet if you want lighting that feels refined but unassuming. Their pieces tend to lean on timeless design making them easy to pair with different kinds of décor.
Tiffany lights tend to offer more decorative and traditional lighting. Their pieces often suit period-style homes and interiors where a lamp can double as a small feature piece.
Or if you care about texture, craftsmanship, and natural materials rather than sleek trends, Nkuku could be a worthwhile choice. Their designs suit homes with a warm, organic, perhaps minimalist or rustic vibe.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure to avoid these mistakes to get the most out of your lighting.