One of the most powerful and versatile tools in your interior design armoury is lighting – for so many reasons.
As well as its primary function (illuminating your space), lighting sets a mood, adds a pop of personality to a quiet corner and is the perfect decorative accent. If, like us, you like to experiment and change the way your home looks on a regular basis, lighting is your go-to homeware accessory every single time.
And the hero of the bunch? Table lamps. These are a magical combination of function and style, whether you're drawn to classic table lamps for a coffee table beside the sofa, cordless lamps for your bedside table or unusual and quirky table lamps for the hallway sideboard, there’s a world of design potential waiting to be explored.
In this blog, we’ll delve into how to style table lamps across various interior styles, how they fit into different rooms, and how to use them as part of a layered lighting scheme. Looking for creative ways to style table lamps in your home? You’ve come to the right place!
Table Lamps: From Classic to Quirky
Whatever your aesthetic, there’s a table lamp to match! Modern table lamps often feature sleek lines, minimalist bases and contemporary materials like glass, marble or brushed metal. These pair well with neutral colour palettes and clean, architectural spaces.
Classic table lamps, on the other hand, might feature more ornate bases - think ceramic finishes, antique brass, or wood - and traditional lampshades like tapered linen or pleated silk. These lend themselves beautifully to traditional, country, or cottage-core interiors.
If your taste leans toward the eclectic or playful, funky lamps or animal lights add a bold twist. Unusual and quirky table lamps can serve as both lighting and statement decor.
Of course, lampshades play a crucial role when it comes to choosing your table lamp. Fringed lampshades add an eclectic charm to both vintage and boho-inspired interiors, while oversized drum shades in bold colours add drama and structure. Opaque or metallic shades lend a more modern, industrial effect.
What Lightbulbs Work Best?
The choice of bulb not only affects how the lamp looks but also how it functions. For most table lamps, standard E27 or E14 bulbs work well (our table lamps come with bulb info as standard, so you won’t be left in the dark, literally or metaphorically). Don’t forget about LED lightbulbs – not only are they energy-efficient, making them a more sustainable option, they’re also available in various tones, from cool white to warm yellow.
We particularly love the exposed filaments in more modern bulb designs – paired with an opaque smoked glass lampshade, these look fabulous above a kitchen island. We have an extensive range to choose from, so don't overlook this most important element!
Let's talk for a moment about warm lighting and the difference this can make to a room. Light bulbs with a lower Kelvin rating (around 2700K) emit a soft, ambient glow. This is especially important for creating mood lighting for the living room or bedroom, where relaxation is key. Add a few strategically-placed candles to enhance the glow and you’re all set!
Where to Use Table Lamps
One of the biggest advantages of table lamps is their versatility. They work beautifully in multiple areas of the home, each bringing its own set of benefits.
1. Living Room
In the living room, table lamps are ideal for adding warmth and breaking up the intensity of ceiling lighting. Use them on side tables or consoles to bring focus to seating areas and create inviting corners. Pair with floor lamps and wall sconces to create a layered effect.
2. Bedroom
A pair of bedside table lamps is essential for any bedroom. Whether you go for classic symmetry or mix and match, they add ambient light that’s perfect for when you want to wind down at night. Choose soft-glow bulbs and shades that diffuse light evenly for a restful atmosphere.
3. Hallway
Table lamps really come into their own in the hallway. They help create a warm welcome in what can be an overlooked space, which is especially important as it’s the first area of your home visitors see. Style table lamps on a console table or a sideboard to create an ambient atmosphere and soften a transitional space. Placing lamps in a pair is a beautifully effective way to introduce symmetry and a sense of intention to a space, too.
It’s worth mentioning cordless lighting here, as it’s perfect for areas without easy access to power sockets. Cable-free table lamps are stylish, flexible, and often rechargeable, making them a great option for smaller spaces.
What to Style With Your Table Lamp
So - we know where we’re putting our table lamps and why we’re placing them there. Next up: what do we style with them? The ideas here will help you create balance and are the perfect complementary decor.
Greenery: A leafy green plant (faux? Your home, your rules!) or vase of vibrant blooms adds a fresh, outdoorsy feel and brings a splash of nature to your indoor space. Plus, they contrast beautifully with more structured table lamp bases.
Trinket trays : Useful and stylish, these are super-handy for jewellery, crystals or colourful pebbles.
Photo frames : Personal touches like family photos or artwork add an intentional and meaningful feel to your space.
Books: Using a dinky table lamp that’s just a bit shorter than you’d like? Pop it on top of a stack of interior design books or classic novels to add height and interest. Gorgeous.
Styling your table lamp with carefully chosen accessories makes it a visual focal point as well as a functional light source.
Layering Light With Table Lamps For A Warm, Inviting Space
A well-lit room uses multiple light sources at different heights to create depth and warmth. The following technique is a super-simple way to create an ambient space that’s both inviting and energising – an atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing in, but also makes for great entertaining.
Start with overhead lights for general illumination – this is your backdrop. Wall and table lamps add pools of light that also add texture and warmth to your space (you could throw in an extra cordless lamp for extra ‘lit’ fabulousness). Candles, fairy lights and string lights add a top layer of magical fairy dust, resulting in a rich, welcoming atmosphere that’s full of depth and character. And that's it! No need to overthink it – just do it!
The exception to this room is small rooms , where every inch of space counts. When thinking about how to light a small room, think about how you can use light to visually expand the space - a cordless table lamp on a floating shelf, for example, keeps surfaces clear while still providing an enchanting glow.
Table Lamps vs Desk Lamps: What's The Difference?
It's easy to assume that table lamps and desk lamps are one and the same, but actually, they serve very different purposes. A desk lamp falls into the category of task lighting , designed for focused work, reading, or crafting. It usually has a directed beam and a functional design.
A table lamp, however, is ambient lighting. It contributes to the overall feel of a room rather than targeting a specific task. While you can read or work by a table lamp, its main purpose is to enhance the mood and style of the space.
Final Thoughts: Table Lamps Are Where Style Meets Function
From elegant classics to fun styles with bags of personality, table lamps offer an unbeatable combination of beauty and practicality. They bring warmth, character, and versatility to every room, helping you express your style while shaping the perfect ambience.
Whether you're looking for bedside table lamps , cordless lighting for tight spots, or bold animal lights that spark conversation, there's a table lamp to suit every taste. Combined with carefully chosen homeware accessories, you'll not only light the room , but give it soul.
There are so many decorative lighting styles to choose from, styling your table lamps is less about rules and more about creativity. After all, the best-lit spaces are those that feel like home!