Reading Lamps

One of the main criteria for buying reading lamps is the person's personal preference. Obviously, most people will look at lamps to enhance or complement a room's appearance. If the individual has a contemporary style room, then reading lamps should be made with modern materials and have more up-dated designs and features. However, if the person were looking for lamps specifically for an informal room, perhaps one with rustic or country décor, then the lamps should also have a low key, casual look. Along with appearance, there are many other factors to consider when buying new reading lamps.

For instance, size of reading lamps would be a consideration. If the lamps would be placed on a smaller, narrow table, then they need to be on the smaller side. If the table, nightstand, or end table is larger and bulkier, then the lamps need to be larger; but not so large they overtake the table but large enough to keep them from getting lost in the overall scheme. In addition to size, height is also important. A good rule of thumb is that when using reading lamps while sitting in a favorite chair, the bottom portion of the lampshade should be even with the person's cheekbones, which allows the light to illuminate the reading material perfectly.

Next, wattage for reading lamps is also something to factor in with most being 150 watts or more. This way, the light is bright enough for reading material while also eliminating the need for the person to squint or strain the eyes. However, to reduce glare, the bottom part of the lampshade should hide the light bulb socket. All the person needs to do is stand a few feet back from the lamp and see if the socket is visible. If so, then a larger lampshade would be needed.

Of course, part of buying reading lamps is the shade. Today, lamp shades come in hundreds of options that include design, style, material, color, and shape. Some styles of design could include glass lamps and antique lamps. Again, the person would need to consider the decorum of the room, choosing a shade that would complement. Typically, darker colored lampshades would be chosen for a foyer or entryway in that they cut down on light output but for a living room, family room, or office, lighter shades work best.

The great thing about buying reading lamps is that there is no real right or wrong choice. However, taking some things in consideration, an individual will be able to buy lamps that look and function best. The most important aspect of buying new reading lamps has to do with safety. This means purchasing the lamps from a reputable company, making sure they are UL certified, and always following the manufacturer's recommendation for bulb wattage. This way, the reading lamps will provide years of enjoyment but without worry of potential danger.