Your lighting is very important to the function and look of the room. And with so many options it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what's right. To help you make the right choice here are some tips for choosing accent lamps.
1. Location
Accent lamps can be used in almost any room - living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, and even entrances. Place them anywhere you find that needs just that extra little bit of lighting.
2. Lamp Size
Accents should be under 20" in height so that they are able to provide the "accent lighting" they were chosen for. To tall and you've suddenly got general lighting.
3. Bulbs
You can choose incandescent or halogen for accent lighting. Halogen is brighter and whiter, while incandescent is softer and has somewhat of a yellow hue. Choose according to your room needs. If the lamp has a 3 way switch you'll need to purchase three-way bulbs.
4. Decorative
One of the best uses of accent lighting is to accent your favorite collection, your favorite piece of art, or your favorite ornament. Backlight the cabinet by placing accent lamps on the top or toe light by placing at the base of the cabinet. Halogen works well for this purpose.
5. Shade
In general the height of your shade should equal to the height of your lamp from the base to the socket but on accent lighting sometimes the rule isn't followed. Just make sure it looks proportionately right.
Your shade needs to be at least as wide as the widest point of the body of the lamp.
An opaque shade works best for accent lighting or to direct light to a work area.
6. Style
Choose a style that is complimentary to your room. If your room has curves and a soft flow then choose lamps that have soft flowing bodies. If your room is very square and contemporary choose lamps that are square and modernistic. That said if you want to make your lamps a strong focal point choose opposites to your room style.
7. Theme
Whether your room is French Country, Rustic, Modern, Victorian, or the list could go on and on, choose a lamp that is flattering and complimentary to that theme. For example a rustic room looks fabulous with an antler lamp, while a Victorian room looks amazing with a Tiffany lamp.
8. Color
There are literally as many lamp color choices as there are fabric, furniture, and paint color choices. Bring fabric swatches with you when shopping for lamps. You'll also need to consider what your lamp décor is going to be transitional, contemporary, or traditional, and then choose your color accordingly.
9. Price
Lamps are available from the low price range right up to high price ranges. Invest in quality and you'll have a lamp that last for several decades. Set your budget and stick to it.
10. Perfect Lamp
The perfect accent lamps is going to provide some useful lighting and enhance your décor. To properly light a 10 by 20 foot room you will need 5 lamps of varying sizes.
Accent lamps are a great way to provide some low watt functional lighting and enrich the mood and décor of your room.
