Your modern décor deserves the best modern lighting you can find and your lamps are an important part of your décor helping set the mood and ambiance. So here are some tips for choosing contemporary lamps.
There are many different types of contemporary lamps to choose from. Which type you'll want will depend on which room you're planning to use it and what type of task lighting you need.
The style of lamp you choose is as important to your room's décor as the type of window coverings or carpet you choose. It's as important as the color of paint you choose or the style of furniture you pick. So don't underestimate the importance of your buy.
Accent lamps are great for hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and entrances. They are under 20" and provide nice accent lighting but fairly poor task lighting. They can also be used to provide accent lighting in dark corners.
Table lamps are larger measuring somewhere between 25" and 35" and are used for general task lighting and to make a statement. They work well in living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, and just about any other room.
Desk lamps
are usually somewhere between 12" and 20" and are designed to light a specific work area. That said there are some terrific styles available that can certainly make a décor statement as well as provide functionality.
Floor lamps are a great way to illuminate dark corners and areas where your regular lighting doesn't reach. They also make a great focal point in a room especially the touché lamps.
If you don't have the space but you need the light you should consider wall lamps or wall sconces. They look real good and they reduce the need for space. There are some great styles to choose from that are certain to compliment your décor. Wall lamps are a popular choice for the bedroom and sconces are often used in living rooms near the fireplace.
Now don't forget your lamp shade is as important as your lamp. After all it directly impacts the look and feel of your lamp. Contemporary shades offer some very neat shade choices including some unusual geometric shapes and some very interesting fabric finishes. Metal shades are also very popular and look fabulous in a modern décor!
Lamps may not be enough lighting for all areas of your home so you may need to consider ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or pendants which are an excellent method of illuminating a room.
Pendants work well over a specific area such as a table providing lighting to a specific area. Chandeliers can provide an abundance of lighting if you choose enough wattage and they are also very beautiful. Ceiling fixtures are available in a many different styles and provide good general lighting.
You should always make sure that stairs are lit totally from top to bottom and halls should have light fixtures every 8 feet. Use a ceiling fixture in a foyer and then you can use a lamp for accent lighting. If you have high ceilings you will want to use higher wattage to ensure the correct lighting reaches the lower levels.
Contemporary lamps are the ultimate finishing touch to any modern room but sometimes space can be a bit of a problem such as in a bathroom or hallway. For these times consider using wall mounted lights which are much more contemporary than the traditional wall sconces and there are a terrific selection of styles available to choose from. They also work well for reading light in a bedroom.
Any bathroom that is of adequate size should have at least one accent lamp. But of course your bathrooms going to need more lighting than that. Bath bars have become very popular in the past couple of years mainly because they offer so much flexibility in style. It's important that you provide excellent lighting over any vanity's and mirrors.
Decorative accent lighting is a great way to compliment your lamps. It works well in kitchens, curio cabinets, entertainment areas, and anywhere where you would like to backlight such as over your favorite picture. Much accent lighting is halogen so it is very cost effective to use and it's very flexible making it easy to focus on your target.
Recessed lighting also compliments lamps nicely. It works really well in small rooms adding visual depth. The down lighting is attractive and it's also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a great way to draw attention to your favorite flower pot or painting!
There are so many great websites selling contemporary lamps. Ikea, Walmart, and Jysk are just a few of the big companies with great selection, and of course there are plenty of other great sites.
Whether your idea of contemporary is Scandinavian, modern Danish, west coast, southwestern, country, funky and fun, or any other style there are contemporary lamps just waiting to compliment your décor!
