Table Lamps & Lanterns

Table Lamps & Lanterns

Table lamps do two jobs at once, and it is worth knowing which one you are buying for. A reading or bedside lamp needs directed light at the right height, which in practice means the shade sits roughly at eye level when you are seated so the bulb is not glaring at you. A decorative or accent lamp is there to add a pool of warm light and to furnish the room, and brightness matters far less than the base and shade. Height runs from small 25cm to 30cm bedside lamps up to 60cm and taller statement lamps for a console or sideboard. Base material sets the character: ceramic and stoneware read traditional and heavy, glass catches light and suits a brighter room, and brushed metal and black finishes suit a modern interior. Shade colour changes the light as much as the bulb does, since a dark shade throws light up and down rather than out. Battery and LED lanterns are the other half of the range and need no socket at all, which makes them useful on a mantelpiece, a hall table or outdoors on a summer evening.

Tara Lane is by far the largest range, covering ceramic, glass and metal table lamps with matching shades across traditional and contemporary styles. Macquillan follows with table and accent lamps, and Anika supplies lamps and decorative lighting. Global Gizmos covers LED and battery lanterns and novelty lighting, The Grange Collection decorative lamps and lanterns, and Bambino, Tessi, Lloytron and Benross complete the range. For bulbs to suit them see Lightbulbs, for torches and work lighting see Lamps & Torches, and for fittings see Lighting.