How to Shop for the Perfect Table Lamp

The humble table lamp is very much the workhorse of the lighting world. It adds personality and character to a room, but there is no need to fuss around with fiddly ceiling screws or spend hours searching for a shade which hangs just right. A good table lamp just works; it pulls a space together, especially during the winter, when curtains are drawn early and lighting is used to keep the night out.

Table lamps are one of the easiest accessories to buy for a home. They can be placed almost anywhere (within the range of a socket), they do not need to match the height of ceilings, and they come in a huge variety of different styles and designs. The Mantra lighting collection is ideal for modern and minimalistic homes. With clean lines, geometric patterns, and elegant chrome frames, these Mantra lighting solutions are a great way to make a style statement.

Thinking about the Right Size

The size of the table lamp which you pick will almost entirely depend on where you plan to place and use it. Whilst only the smallest of spaces are unsuitable for large accessories, like this beautiful Alfa Table Lamp, it is still a good idea to pick a lamp which is compatible with its location. For example, it is best not to pair a very heavy or tall lamp with a skinny accent table, because it could topple over. You should also keep in mind the fact that smaller lamps look better on taller surfaces and vice versa.

Choosing a Compatible Style

The good news is that this is the easy bit. You can have a lot of fun with it too, because there are scores of different styles available in the Mantra lighting collection. The first step is to think about what the existing style of the room says about the space. Is it quite traditional or is it very modern and contemporary? If your room falls into the latter category, you might want to consider an accessory like this futuristic Lupin Table Lamp. It is bold, unusual, and guaranteed to turn heads all year round.

Picking a Pleasing Shade

If you are planning to invest in a designer lamp, much like the ones available from the Mantra lighting collection, it is important to remember that they do not always come with detachable shades. These are statement pieces – produced on a limited run – by extremely skilled designers, so they should be used as accent accessories and interior decoration, as well as lighting solutions. This means that it is important to pick a shade which complements the space. For more light, opt for a paler colour. If you prefer a cosier and slightly darker feel, choose a more opaque shade.

Considering Your Wattage Needs

Once you have picked out the perfect lamp, do not forget to find yourself the right kind of bulbs too. As bulbs for table lamps can range from anywhere between 15-150 watts, the decision can make quite an impact on the look and feel of a space. Plus, many modern table lamps are now compatible with LED and CFL bulbs too. The thing to remember is that you should never use a higher-wattage bulb than a lamp can handle; there should be a small sticker or tag located somewhere on the fixture which details its exact specifications.

For more advice on shopping for the perfect table lamp why not or to browse a broad selection of designer lamps from the Mantra collection? Alternatively, you could ring us on our contact page 01394 288240 or email us via, or pop into your local Abbeygate Lighting store today.