Table Lamps

Sitting there on the side table, many people never give lamps any thought. Professional interior decorators know that good lighting is one of the most important elements to designing a room. Aside from the natural light that comes in from the window or harsh overhead lighting, lamps are one of the only ways to make an indoor area brighter. Table lamps are, very practically, as important as the main pieces of furniture themselves. In fact the notion of a seating area flanked by accent tables and table lamps has become a standard in modern decorating. A sturdy mainstay of living, table lamps come in a variety of themes from old fashioned to futuristic. There are many different styles of table lamp to consider including traditional, modern, retro inspired, rattan and children's lamps.

Traditional

A traditional lamp could be anything like what you would expect to see in a great grandmother's parlor many decades ago. That is a classic design usually in a ceramic material with any manner of old time motifs or patterns adorning it.  A cream lamp with Romanesque architecture and crackled paint looks like something they would have used in the ancient world if they had electricity. The curves of a simple ribbed lamp fit in anywhere and are great for designing on a massive scale - such as in hotel rooms. There are other decals to choose from like floral, paisley, stained glass and even birds.

Modern

Many people prefer a sleek and modern appearance to their grandmother's den. Of course the concept of a modern design can go in as many different directions as old fashioned. Table lamps for a modern theme might be a narrow metal column or something that looks more like a robot than a lamp. Those who favour the avant-garde tend to be inspired by neutral colours like white, black or silver. There is no rule however stating that modern rooms have to be mono-chromatic and many times designers will incorporate splashed of bright colour via table lamps or other objects.

Retro-Inspired

Retro-inspired table lamps look as though they could be antiques from the Sixties, Seventies or Eighties. The difference between vintage and retro-inspired being that one is decades old and the other one is modelled after them. This practice has several advantages. First of all lamp technology must have improved remarkably since then and new materials have been developed. Next a new lamp is less likely to break down and stop working. Retro-inspired table lamps may be based on vintage designs but with a new twist. For example clear glass lamp bases are reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties.

Rattan

Rattan lamps are made with a woven material similar to what one would normally see in a basket. For those who love the look and feel of wicker furniture the rattan table lamp is an obvious choice.  The smooth fibres that are interlaced together look light enough to blow away but are not. Now the attractiveness and functionality of basketware is available in the form of a lamp. Many designers play around with the use of wicker. There are all sorts of options for people who love rattan including candleholders and furniture. This look is great for outdoor rooms and seating areas.

Children's

Technically a small child can use the same table lamp as an adult. But it is more fun for everyone to decorate their rooms in fantastical themes. One thing that is supposed to be good for children to be around is bright colours which stimulate their imagination and help them to learn. Table lamps that come in hues of rich red, deep blue or wispy pink are perfect for little people. To switch up the look of a plain metal or wooden base consider installing a new lamp shade. Lamp shades bearing imaginative designs can dress up any lamp turning it into a perfect source of light for any girl or boy.