It’s that time of the year again: the end of Daylight Savings Time. If you love long hours of sunlight and all the activity that goes with it, it might be a sad change. As for me, I’m a nester, so I love this time of the year. From fires in the fireplace, to candles and rooms filled with the glow of lamplight, there’s so much you can do to improve the lighting in your home this season.
First off, let’s go over some of the essential guidelines about decorating with lamps:
1. Floor lamps should be 68 inches tall, so the lamp shade conceals the bulb whether you’re standing or sitting.
2. Table lamps should be simple, so consider style and proportion when selecting them. The combined height of the table and lamp should be 58 to 64 inches.
3. Variety is good, so consider using a floor lamp at one end of your sofa and a lamp on an end table at the other end.
4. Use multiple sources instead of relying on a single source of light for a room. Lamps are a wonderful way to create focal points in what would otherwise be hidden corners.
5. Lamp shades should be 2 to 3 inches shorter than the base when set side by side, and should cover all but a 1/2 inch of the stem.
Photo by Focal Point Styling
If you’re like Lynda at Focal Point Styling, you have a lamp you love but it needs a change to update your room. Remember that a simple fix, like adding a new shade, can make all the difference.
This black shade is perfect in a black-and-white living room. Another guideline: round lamps look best with round shades.
Photo by HomeGoods
I’m crazy about blue and white, and lamps are the perfect way to add a pop of color to any space.
The turquoise lamp from my office makeover is one of my favorite pieces in the room, even though it breaks the lampshade size guideline. (That’s why they’re guidelines, not rules!)
Photo by Haneen’s Haven
Mirrors are perfect for reflecting lamp light. I love everything about this nightstand, lamp and mirror combination. Plus, the flowers add a beautiful touch. Pillows, a turquoise throw and lots of mirrors… that’s definitely my style.
Photo by House of Turquoise
Crystal lamps are elegant and work well with any color. The sconce provides understated light here as well.
Photo by HomeGoods
Don’t forget your entryway, which is a great place to add a single lamp and make your guests feel welcome as you open the door.
Photo by Dear Lillie
Finally, a little taste of fall from Dear Lillie. This is proportioned perfectly with the pitcher and tall bittersweet. Beautiful!
So, what’s your favorite way to revamp your lighting? Tall lamps? Short lamps? Floor lamps? Share your ideas in the comments!
Deb Wolf shares inspiration at Counting My Blessings. She believes every day should be celebrated and filled with laughter. (Join her on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.)