Lamps

When it comes to the standard, everyday lamp that is seen in almost every household that needs one, it doesn’t have to be all art deco and modern contemporary. There are a few types of standard lamps that seem to survive no matter what the latest craze is in lamps. These types include floor, desk, and table lamps, and all have a specific price range as well as many options for each.

Floor

Floor lamps are the type of lamps that stand very tall, much higher than the average lamp. They can be shaped like a normal lamp up top, or can be in different shapes, like several arms with a different bulb on each. The shade options are varied greatly, as well as the price – it often depends on its height, material and style. The height of these standard lamps can sometimes be adjustable, and the different styles change with the seasons.

Desk

Another standard lamp style is the desk lamp. These lamps are very short, sometimes clip-on, and are meant to sit on a computer or office desk for extra light at night for studying and writing. Desk lamps also come in different styles, such as clip-on, banker’s, or regular lamps. Desk lamps come in all colors and sizes, and the prices range greatly with these as they do with floor lamps.

Table

These lamps are a lot shorter than floor lamps, and are usually meant to sit on a heightened surface of some sort, like a table or bookshelf. In some cases, these standard lamps can actually be built into the table itself to that it is one whole piece. The prices of these lamps vary so much that an average price is not even possible, depending on where you buy them and what type they are.

Brass lamps are beautiful and can be very versatile depending on your décor and preferences. This type of lamps are found all over the place, but the brass lamps of today are not the same as the brass lamps of yesterday. There are some singular differences between all of them, and several things you should know before and while you are shopping for one or more brass lamp.

Not Solid Brass

Most of today’s brass lamps are not solid brass as they used to be. More likely, they are made from a thick aluminum material that is covered with a thin brass plating to make it look like it is solid brass. It is much cheaper to make brass lamps this way, and this is the way you will usually find them. However, if you tend to hang around antique stores looking for lamps, the brass ones you come across here may be solid brass, but it would take someone who knows their stuff to tell for sure.

Cost Matches the Content

With brass lamps today, there can be a different level of brass from lamp to lamp. What you need to know about brass lamps is that the price tag will often match up with the actual brass content of the lamp, depending on the seller. Some antique shops will try to pass off cheap lamps for solid brass, and in this case that rule doesn’t apply. In reverse, some unsuspecting seller at a rummage sale somewhere may sell a truly brass lamp at a bargain price, not knowing what it was worth.

Options

The options for brass lamps are almost limitless. There are so many different designs of brass lamps that your choice will never run dry. Other options include being able to choose from almost any lamp shade on the market to fit with your brass lamps. Shopping for your options is quite easy, and you never know when you will find an amazing antique brass lamp for a steal.

Oil lamps are the type of lamp that have oil in the base and a cloth wick dipping into it and feeding up through to the shade. When the cloth is lit, it will stay lit by using the oil as fuel. These lamps are commonly thought of as old or outdated, but the truth is that they are as popular now as ever. There are many benefits of using oil lamps in your home, including emergency light, beauty, and price.

Emergency Light

Many people choose to buy and use oil lamps to double as emergency light in the case of a power outage or storm. Because these lamps run on oil and not electricity like standard lamps, they are ideal for use for emergency light. All that is needed is to keep matches or a lighter on hand as well as some lamp oil, and as soon as the lights go out you have some form of light that is not easy to blow out. There is a need for caution, of course, because if a lamp is knocked over it can cause a fire.

Beauty

Another main benefit and reason that people buy and use oil lamps is not only for emergency light, but for its beauty. You have the option of using different colors and different scents of lamp oil in your lamps, which makes them customizable to your décor and style plan. These lamps also usually have a very old-fashioned and elegant look to them that is appealing to many homeowners.

Price

Oil lamps are good in a tight spot and beautiful, as you now know. But what you may not know is that these aren’t their only redeeming qualities. Because they are considered so old-fashioned, manufacturers are concentrating on selling the new modern lamps rather than the older oil lamps, which means you are almost guaranteed to find them at a break-neck bargain price. This is of course unless you shop at antique stores, in which case old oil lamps may be sold at horribly high prices in hopes that someone will fall for it.

Victorian lamps are those beautiful older lamps that have opaque shades with flowers and beautiful golden trims that you see in the windows of antique shops and in beautiful old libraries. There are many lamps that fall into the “Victorian” umbrella, and this is why it is important to shop smart if you are looking for specifically a Victorian lamp.

Make Sure It’s Victorian

The first thing to do if you spot a lamp that looks Victorian and you are just itching to buy it is to bring a friend along that would know the difference and make sure it is Victorian. Try looking for a date, or something on the base that says it is fashioned after the Victorian style. Without some type of validation, you could be buying a modern flowery lamp that means nothing era-wise, and later you will be disappointed that you didn’t get what you were hoping you got.

Shop Around

If you have been frequenting antique shops looking for a Victorian lamp, try shopping around some more before you invest. Try looking online – usually you can find a similar product for not nearly so much by looking online and paying just a little extra for shipping. Shopping around is important because it can help you find a beautiful Victorian lamp for less.

Haggle

Coming across a beautiful Victorian lamp at a rummage sale can be a rare find. If you suspect that the seller of this lamp doesn’t realize what a treasure he or she holds, try not to let them know it. Even if they do realize what they have, haggling can have a great effect. By haggling with the seller, chances are you can get the lamp for at least a few dollars cheaper, making you a happy customer. Often times the seller at a yard sale just wants to get rid of it, and haggling will be more than acceptable.

Art deco lamps are extremely popular lamp choices for thousands of households across America. These lamps come in all different shapes and sizes, and their name may be confusing to those who are in the market for lamps. There are several things to know about art deco lamps, including what exactly they are, where you can find them, and how much they usually cost on average. These are all important facts to know.

Definition

The definition of art deco lamps is not one that is easy to explain. In general terms, art deco lamps are any lamp that has a modern or unique look to them – basically any lamp that is not the traditional standing lamp or table lamp falls under the category of art deco. The reason they are so difficult to define is that anything that looks artsy. Creative lamps of all kinds fall under this umbrella of art deco, and they are very popular for their singular uniqueness.

Shopping

Finding art deco lamps is much easier than probably any shopping you have ever done. Home improvement stores, department stores, antique shops, garage sales, rummage sales, church sales – all of these places and more are sure to have art deco lamps of all kinds. This is because art deco lamps can be new or old, in good condition or in brand new condition, etc. The bad news about shopping for art deco lamps is that finding one specific lamp after having seen it somewhere else is next to impossible. This is because each lamp is very unique, generally speaking.

Price

Just like the sizes, shapes, designs, and colors of art deco lamps vary greatly and are usually one of a kind, so are the prices of these different lamps. It is actually quite impossible to be able to give anyone an average price for an art deco lamp because they are so different from lamp to lamp. You may find an art deco lamp at a department store, for instance, for 500 dollars, while a similar one is at an antique shop with a price tag for 1000 on it.

Wall lamps are often confused with simple light fixtures, and for good reason. Wall lamps can be very similar to light fixtures, but the key is how they are mounted and where they are placed, as well as the style and design they fit into. There are several things that set wall lamps apart from the standard light fixture, and these are important to keep in mind when considering whether to purchase and use wall lamps instead of regular table or floor lamps.

Light fixtures are often mounted using industrial screws and fasteners that are not made to necessarily look pretty or to fit in with a décor. This is one of the biggest differences between wall lamps and light fixtures. Wall lamps are meant to be seen and looked at and admired – kind of like a piece of art. So they will usually include fasteners and screws that fit with the color and pattern of the lamp and will look good on the wall. Light fixtures often use screws or fasteners that are off-color or are bulky and unattractive for their mounting.

Possibly the biggest difference between a wall lamp and a light fixture is that of placement. Light fixtures, because the light itself and not the fixture is meant to be seen and appreciated, are often mounted in places where they are half or completely hidden and only the light will show when it is turned on. Wall lamps, however, are usually mounted in places that are out in the open where the entire lamp and the light can be used and appreciated. The wall next to an end table or above a night stand, for instance, are perfect places to find a wall lamp.

Because they are often used for accent lighting or underneath or on top of things like cabinets and shelves, regular light fixtures often don’t need a sense of style. With wall lamps, however, style, color, and design are all very important because they will be out in the open. Choosing the color and style of lamp is much more important in wall lamps than light fixtures.

Table lamps can be a great way to light a room, and are also used for decoration and style as well. Table lamps can be a little confusing, however, especially when deciding on the specifics, like what material it should be made from, how high from your end table it should be, and what kind of shade to use. The good news is that depending on your needs and wants and your personal style, you can choose the perfect lamp with little to no effort.

Table lamps are made from a variety of materials for different styles and looks. Metals like wrought iron or chrome are very popular and can be fun in any décor with the right shade. Other materials include hard plastic or ceramic like porcelain, and these are great for rooms that need an odd or eccentric color to match the design because they come in more brightly colored patterns. Another great option is to buy a wood table lamp – they come in several different types, grains, and colors, as well as many stains and painted woods.

Table lamps come in a variety of heights, and some even come with adjustable heights. Depending on how much you use your lamp for actual light versus style, you may want a table lamp that sits higher than average for the amount of light it could give to the room. Others love the look of a smaller, squatter lamp with more style because they have other means of lighting the room. This choice is completely one of your own, and varies from person to person and lamp to lamp.

As diverse and varying as table lamps can be, the shades are equally as diverse and varying. One very popular shade design is that of mica, a beautiful, very thin rock material that makes gorgeous colors when light passes through it. Other popular shade options include thousands of colors, gems or sequins, and even tassle-like trim for the shade. Though the actual lamp base is usually quite plain, the real décor and decoration comes with the shade.

Floor lamps and standing lamps are often used interchangeably. Standing lamps are those that are free standing in the floor and reach up to a height that is way more than the average table lamp. There are dozens of styles of standing lamps and a different number of advantages and disadvantages of each as far as function and style. It is important to know you options when shopping for a beautiful, stylish and functional standing lamp for your home, whether it be for your bedroom, living room, or library.

One of the most unique styles of standing lamps is that of the swivel arm. Swivel arm standing lamps look like regular lamps as far as the shade, and a floor lamp as far as the base and shaft. The difference is that there is a joint at a 90 degree angle at almost the top of the lamp that allows you to move the shade and bulb of the lamp around in a circle to wherever you need it. These lamps are popular when they are placed between two seating areas because they can be moved based on who wants to read and who wants to watch TV. They come in different styles and hundreds of different shades to fit into any décor.

Another very popular standing lamp style is the one with several different adjustable arms and bulbs. These lamps have from two up to twelve separate arms, each with a bulb and small shade at the end, that are all adjustable. Not only do these lamps give off a great amount of light, but they add amazing depth and beauty to any décor. Often these lamps have chandelier style shades on the end, and also come in different colors, to add different shades and lights and make the room look more beautiful, as well as be functional.

All of these types of standing lamps – and more – are available on the market today. It is important to keep the function and the style of any standing lamp in mind when shopping for it, because a good standing lamp is never cheap, and you’ll want to find one that will last and you can keep for a while.

A modern lamp is a basically a loose term for saying “anything goes.” Modern lamps incorporate wild designs, eccentric stands, and exotic colors, and are very popular in homes and spaces where a modern décor is the style of choice. There are several different types of modern lamps that add beauty, style and a personal touch to your home or office. Showing your personality and personal style are both important to the purpose of modern lamps. You can find a modern lamp that also gives off plenty of light; you just have to know your options.

Jointed Lamps

Jointed lamps are a very popular modern lamp look because of their versatility. Jointed lamps are those that have several joints from about halfway up the lamp to the neck of the bulb to accommodate several different angles and variations on how you can position them. These lamps are popular for their modern, angular look and also for their versatility in usage. They are perfect for sitting between two sitting areas, especially if one person is usually reading or writing while the other is usually watching TV, or vice versa. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of lamps, and are popular as desk lamps as well.

Eccentric Lamps

Some modern lamps go all out with the eccentricity of the design. For instance, an antique gun lover may choose to buy a lamp with an antique gun as the stand part. There are also lamps that are built right into an end table or stand, making it all one piece. Lamps with large pieces missing from the shade to let the inner bulb show through are also popular. Eccentric modern lamps are becoming ever more important to those who really want to stand out among their peers in the interior design department.

Multi-Head Lamps

These lamps are so very popular in today’s time for several reasons. Multi-head lamps are those that have several individual bulbs with each bulb having its own small shade. Often all of these arms extending from the one lamp base are adjustable. The lamp may have different color shades for a child’s room or fun family room, or may have all dark shades for a more relaxed bar area.

When you’re using floor lamps to light a room, it is important to know your options. There are several different types of lamps you could choose from to give your whole room the right amount of light. Lamps can come in several different styles each, but there are a few specific types that are easily recognizable among the different styles, and include the club lamp, six way lamp, down bridge lamp. Each of these types of floor lamps provide a different benefit and lighting option, depending on your needs.

Club Lamp

A club lamp is the type that looks like a regular lamp on the top with a standard lamp shade, but has a very long base for it to reach the height required to call it a floor lamp. These lamps come in a variety of styles as far as the base goes, and is best for area lighting, like beside a favorite reading chair or an important part of the room that would need more light. Club lamps can usually be found in one height and adjustable height forms.

Six Way Lamp

The six way lamp is a floor lamp that is one of the best in terms of lighting up a large room. A three-way mogul bulb is use and is surrounded by up to three different bulbs as well. All of these bulbs can be used at the same time for maximum lighting, or separately for dimmer or more subdued lighting. This lamp is one of the best for adjustment and different levels of brightness.

Down Bridge Lamp

For a lamp that has many of the classical lamp looks while still being considered a floor lamp and lighting up a great space, the down bridge lamp is the way to go. The down bridge lamp looks like a regular lamp shade on top, only the shade and top of the shaft for the base is curved over so that it looks like it’s hanging. These lamps offer a great light source for small to medium sized rooms, and are really great for reading chairs and special lighting areas.

Desk lamps are very different from several other types of lamps, including bedside and table lamps. This is because unlike bedside lamps where you may need the light for a few minutes before bed to read, desk lamps are often needed for several different activities for sometimes hours on end, and they often get much more use than the average bedside or table lamp. There are several types of desk lamps to choose from, and knowing what you want and what’s available is a huge part of choosing among these different types.

Banker’s

Banker’s desk lamps are those short lamps with a horizontal green shade and a small pull chain to turn it off and on. There are some distinct advantages to choosing a banker’s desk lamp. The light from a banker’s lamp is much more concentrated on one area of the desk, so for those who are working at a computer and taking notes, or working with a calculator with faded ink, this could be a good thing. However, banker’s lamps do not usually come over 18 inches tall, making the concentrated lamp light a hindrance for some people who have a lot spread out over their desk.

Goosenecks

Gooseneck lamps are among the most graceful types of desk lamps on the market today. Gooseneck lamps look like, well, a goose neck. The shade and shaft of the lamp are curved over into a sort of “n” shape with the light being shown directly underneath. Gooseneck desk lamps offer more style and sophistication to a work area and often give a wider range of light than other lamps like the banker’s.

Jointed

For those who never know where on their desk or how much of the desk they will need to be lighted, there is the jointed desk lamp. These lamps are often clip-on or even wall mounted, and have several joints along the shaft and the neck of the lamp head for adjusting. This allows you to change the height of the lamp, the angle, and the exposure to get as little or as much light as you need as you work.

Crystal lamps are among the most popular types of lamps available on the market today. There are both advantages and disadvantages of owning and using a crystal lamp, as well as several dozen ways to incorporate crystals in the design of a lamp. Knowing the options as well as the downfalls of crystal lamps is important when you’re considering whether to buy one or more for your home. How crystals are used in the stand and shade, as well as the hefty price tag are all important aspects of crystal lamps.

The Stand

Crystals are used in the base and stand of lamps in several different ways. Some lamps use three or more large crystals stacked on top of one another as the stand of the lamp, while others incorporate tiny crystals in the design or pattern of the stand. Crystals used in the stand are often very clear and very beautiful. A crystal is often used at the end of the switch chain as well, adding another detail of beauty. These crystals can sometimes be difficult to keep clean, and are more likely to be broken than other lamps.

The Shade

Crystals are used several different ways in the shade of crystal lamps as well. Small crystals sometimes dangle from the edges of the shade. Sometimes crystals are the center of small flowers that are embroidered on the shade. Sometimes, there is no shade at all! Some crystal lamps feature several bulbs at different angles from the base and a curtain of crystals surrounding those bulbs throughout the lamp. Crystals like this are often difficult to keep completely dusted and clean, however, because of all the angles, and it is quite a lot easier to break crystal lamps than it is metal or wooden ones.

The Price

Unfortunately, crystal lamps are often matched by the price. Crystal lamps are as a general rule much more expensive than other types of lamps, though a good quality lamp of any kind will be expensive. The beauty and look crystal lamps give a room is often enough to make up for the price tag in many people’s minds.

Ceramic lamps sometimes get a bad rap among table and floor lamps. They are easier to break than a wrought iron or metal lamp and sometimes give a look that is undesirable to some. For others, however, ceramic lamps are ideal, and for several reasons.  Color options, newer styles, and the same shade options as other lamps all make ceramic lamps very much worth buying. The days of squat little round-ish ceramic lamps with a plain white shade are gone.

Color

Unlike wrought iron or metal table and floor lamps, or even those made from wood, ceramic lamps have the possibility to be several, even hundreds, of different colors. Many people buy ceramic lamps to show off their own color choices because it is relatively easy to remove the bulb apparatus and shade and spray or hand paint the base of the lamp whatever color or pattern you like. Many people paint beautiful floral designs or use a bright, neon color for children’s rooms, etc. to use color to their advantage with ceramic lamps.

Style

Ceramic lamps are not only very short, squat little lamps with a round base anymore. New ways of designing and making lamps have made ceramic ones that much more popular because the style is much more varied than before.  Ceramic lamps can be much taller, up to two feet or more tall, and can come with several different base shapes. One very popular shape is that of a pyramid-style one made from ceramic. The style really chooses the lamp now instead of vice versa.

Shade

When ceramic lamps first came out, they usually offered only neutral shades for them, like beige, cream or simple white. Now however, the shades can be just as varied and diverse as the lamp itself and other lamps made from different materials. Tassel trim, sequins or beads, even gems, and varied colors are all very possible when buying and using a ceramic lamp for decoration. Shades can be interchanged from lamp to lamp, so if you buy a new ceramic lamp and want to get rid of your old wooden one, you can likely use the same shade so as not to have to hunt for a perfect one to fit with your existing décor.

Bedside lamps usually have the purpose of providing light at the time right before bed when last minute reading, working, journaling, etc. is going on. Light from a bedside lamp should be bright enough for these activities not to hurt your eyes yet still be subdued enough to know it’s almost bedtime. Choosing a bedside lamp should always keep three main things in mind – its intended use, shade, and height to maximize its use and keep it in your life for a while.

Use

Do you work a lot at bedtime, or do you like to unwind and de-clutter your mind with reading or journaling? Or do you just like to have a little light as you watch some TV or check your email right before bed? Think carefully about what the intended use is for your bedside lamp and this will help you a lot when choosing one. Knowing what you will be using the lamp for will help you when deciding the following aspects of the lamp and keep the lamp in your décor and on your bedside table for a long while.

Shade

Keep the lamp’s intended use in mind as you look for a bedside lamp. If you need more light for reading or writing, try choosing a shade with a light color or one with a very wide bottom so the light spreads further throughout the room. Another option is a floor lamp with a shade that directs light in one narrow direction, like right at your book. Shades can be very stylish and beautiful and still give you what you need. Try turning the lamp on in the store to see how the light looks through the shade before you purchase it.

Height

Taller bedside lamps will provide more light and less wear on your eyes straining to read, while shorter lamps provide just enough light for mood lighting or the subtle light you like while checking your email or watching TV. While shopping, look for a setup that is similar to your bedside setup and try it out to see if it will be enough height for a good light or too overpowering for its use.

Antique lamps are some of the most popular types of lamps for people to buy and use in their homes. The aged look as well as the sturdy construction and gorgeous style are all great reasons to want antique lamps. Shopping for an antique lamp, however, can often be overwhelming, confusing and even frustrating without the know-how. There are several tips you can use and keep in mind before and as you shop, however, that will help you greatly in your journey to find the perfect antique lamp.

Make Sure It’s Antique

Take someone along with you that knows a lot about antiques. Don’t get gipped! There are a lot of antique shops and stores out there that try to pass off lamps that have been distressed to look antique or those that are just old and in horrible shape as antiques, and hundreds fall for it. If you’re looking for genuine antique lamp or set of lamps, know what you’re buying. Try checking out the shop or store beforehand, talk to some of their previous customers or the better business bureau to make sure they are reputable and honest.

Think About the Style

Before you go shopping, think about what it is you’re looking for. Do you want it to be antique wood, or antique metal? What type of material do you want the shade to be made from (some older antique lamps have shades made from animal skin of some kind). Do you have a color in mind? How much wear do you want it to show? These are all really important to be thinking about before and as you shop. A clever salesman could talk you into something you don’t want otherwise, which ruins the whole point of your shopping experience. Deciding a few of these things early on will keep you on the right track.

Shop Around

Antique shops are notorious for overpricing their products, whether they are worth the money or not. Shopping around will help ensure you find a gorgeous antique lamp and at a price that is okay for you. Knowing what you want and a price you want will help you enormously.

Any time you find yourself fumbling to turn the switch on a lamp in the dark, or reaching awkwardly around a piece of furniture to get to a lamp, you have identified another ideal place for a touch lamp.  Available in a myriad of different styles and sizes, touch lamps add convenience and style to any space.

Fumbling in the Dark

The bedstands come to mind as the ideal places for touch lamps.  A late night phone call or a crying baby can pull you out of bed in the dead of night, and coming out of a deep sleep can make finding the lamp switch even more difficult.  With a touch lamp, one light touch to the base or the side of the lamp, and the light will turn on.  The bathroom and the hall are additional ideal places for touch lamps for the same reason.  A late night trip to the bathroom can turn into a catastrophe, especially if there is the possibility of a child’s or a dog’s toy in the hall to cause an accident.

Awkward Placement

Sometimes placement of a lamp is more advantageous to the overall look of the room than it is to the utility of it.  A floor lamp behind a couch is a good example.  It looks nice, and it sheds light in exactly the right place, but the switch is hard to reach.  From a sitting position, it is almost impossible, and from a standing position, you must lean over the couch to reach, which is particularly inconvenient if a guest is sitting on the couch at that time.  Replacing lamps like these with touch lamps will mean that someone sitting down, can reach and touch the lamp at any convenient place and it will turn on.  Another touch and it is back off again.

No Restrictions in Style

Touch lamps come in almost any style, shape, and size.  Traditional looking table lamps or elegant Tiffany-style bedside touch lamps can be found in many different stores.  Desk lamps and floor lamps are also available as touch lamps.  They may be sleek and modern, or traditional; touch lamps will add convenience to your life if placed strategically.

A room needs a source of light.  There is no question about this.  During the day, that light can come from windows, but in the evening, there needs to be a source of electric light by which to read, do homework, sew, or work a crossword puzzle.   There is more to lighting than function, however.  The source chosen for that light also becomes a part of the décor of the room.  Therefore, a lot of thought must go into shopping for lamps.  Lighting is an important part of our homes.

What Kind of Light Do You Need?

Our needs change from room to room, and from family to family.  In the bathroom, a woman may need lighting sufficient for applying makeup, whereas, a teenage boy may only need enough light not to trip over the clothes on his bathroom floor.  One person may create intricate carvings in his living room, while his neighbor may only use his living room for watching the game.  With differing habits come differing needs for lamps, lighting, and placements.  Take the time to assess your particular needs before shopping.

What Will Match Your Décor?

This is the fun part.  You need to know if your room is best suited to table lamps, lighting mounted on walls above the furniture, or ceiling lights.  All of these are available in varying styles, colors, materials, and sizes.  Finding the right match for your furniture and walls will only be difficult in that there are so many choices.  Bear in mind also that the lamp shades you choose may add at least as much to your décor as the lamp itself.

Creating Something Unique

You are not necessarily limited to what you find in the stores.  Lamp shades can be embellished with fake jewels or small prisms, and lamps can be painted or decorated.  You do a number of things to personalize your lamps.  Lighting need not be an “off the rack” experience.  A simple wooden  lamp can be painted to look like marble or granite, or a plain glass lamp can be painted to look like stained glass.  Whatever you choose for your lighting needs, be sure to make choices that match your personal style.

You have been happy with the décor in your living room for years.  Now it seems stale.  The budget is tight, and you cannot even begin to consider redecorating, but the room needs a change.  Adding a pair of glass lamps could be exactly the ideal change.  Available at any price range, glass lamps add an air of elegance that cannot be achieved with any other materials.  Clear glass, cut crystal, or stained glass lamps will change the feel of any room.  Each option is available at multiple stores and websites and at a wide range of prices.

Clear Glass Lamps

It is amazing what a simple clear glass lamp can do.  Their lines are generally simple, and their appeal rests on their ability to add quiet charm to any living space.  During the day, they reflect and refract natural light; in the evenings they glow from the light of their own bulbs.   Additionally, plain glass lamps can be embellished with paint or filled with colored marbles or shells to accent the theme of the chosen décor.

Crystal Lamps

For a homeowner wishing to bring about a look of quiet elegance, crystal is the obvious choice.  A cut above plain glass lamps, crystal lamps are delicate and beautiful, often accented with crystal tear drops or prisms, dangling from the shades.  While glass lamps will reflect and refract natural light, crystal lamps will dazzle with the shades and hues of light that will be thrown about the room.

Stained Glass Lamps

If you are drawn to the elegance of glass lamps, but would like to add color as well, then the operative answer is stained glass.  With these lamps, the choices of colors and designs are endless.  You may choose a stained glass lamp with a traditional shade, or a traditional lamp with a stained glass shade.  Of course the lamp and shade may both be glass.  In the evenings, when you turn on your lamp with the stained glass shade, the colors you have chosen will be cast about the room, giving a soft light to all of your furnishings.

Redecorating can be an enormous expense.  However, there are steps you can take to brighten a room and change its look without spending a lot of money.  One of the easiest ways to do this at very little cost is to purchase new lamps.  There are many different cheap lamps on the market that do not look cheap and that can add a new décor to your home.

Your budget does not have to limit you in your choice of styles.  Take the time to assess the space, the colors in the room, and the amount of light you need.  Do you need a soft glow, or is this light needed for reading or close work?    Once these particulars are decided upon, a search online or a shopping trip to a couple of department stores will make it obvious to you how many cheap lamps there are that will meet your needs.  You will be able to choose from glass, ceramic, wood, and metal lamps, all of which will be available to meet any price range.

If your desired look is more specific, it may be advantageous to use cheap lamps as a starting point, then embellishing them to achieve the desired look.  Simple glass lamps, for example, can be filled with colored marbles or fake crystals, which can be found at any craft store, to personalize the appearance.  Glass lampshades can be painted with special paints to give them the look of stained glass.  Ceramic lamps can be painted using stencils or freehand, to turn a cheap  lamp into an instant heirloom, and wooden lamps can be stained or sponge painted to give the look of an antique or of marble.   Another advantage to cheap lamps is that it is okay to take risks, because if your project does not turn out the way you would have liked, you have invested very little money, making it feasible to start again.  You might even consider adding a new shade or embellishment to an old lamp, in essence, making it a new accessory.

While the preference in many rooms leans toward indirect lighting from table lamps and floor lamps, ceiling lamps can add lighting and decorative value to a room as well.  Traditionally, the ceiling lamp is generally used in the kitchen and the dining room.   However, it can be a useful piece in other parts of the home as well.

The kitchen is a natural gathering place in the home, and a go-to room for family members off and on all day.  It is convenient to be able to turn on a switch and have light in the kitchen.  Additionally, most cooks do not want to give up counter space to a lamp.  While recessed lighting may be preferable to some while cooking, generally a ceiling lamp is sufficient, if not preferable.  The ceiling lamp in the dining room is the ideal way to illuminate the entire dining room table at once.  Either of these lights may benefit from a dimmer switch, to control the amount of light flooding the room at any given moment.

These ceiling lamps need not be just for function.  There are many options which include light covers that hug the ceiling or dangling chandeliers.  The simpler, less intrusive lamp is usually preferable in the kitchen, as it is out of the way for the cook to work, but in the dining room, a decorative chandelier, or crystal or brass, may be a delightful accent.

Another, less obvious room that may be a prime location for a ceiling lamp is the sun room or three-season room.  What would make a ceiling lamp ideal for a room like this would be the addition of a ceiling fan.  Because these rooms are often not included in the air conditioning system in the home, a ceiling fan can be very useful in keeping the room comfortable; it also adds to the décor and ambiance of the room.  Again, a dimmer switch is recommended for ceiling lamps in rooms such as these.  Because they are rooms for relaxing, you will want to control how bright the light is.