Using Floor Lamps and Light Fixtures to Add Decor to Any Room in Your Home

A floor lamp or ceiling light fixture can add the finishing touch that turns a nice room into an elegant room, yet in the world of interior design, lighting is an area frequently overlooked. 

Homeowners tend to cut back on the light fixture budget in favor of spending more on other decorative items like throw rugs or furniture. This is due in part to advertising by home furnishings companies. Apparently the light fixture folks prefer a small advertising budget, or they spend the money on other things. Yet it is true that a floor lamp or ceiling fixture can tie the room décor together.

The floor lamp in particular must be both decorative and functional. Just about any type of table lamp will work on an end table or coffee table that supports light objects. The attractiveness of a table lamp is a matter of individual taste. But a floor lamp has a presence. It must be pleasing and blend in with the décor while also being functional and providing enough light for tasks. It must not produce glare or shadows or it interferes with tasks and may produce eye strain or even headaches.

The key to finding a floor lamp that is both attractive and functional is selecting the right shade. Shades with bright cloth patterns may look great in the daytime when the lamp is turned off, but in the evening when the lamp is turned on, the room is bathed in somber, spotty light with bright and dark spots. A floor lamp should have an opaque, light color of shade that mutes the bulb’s light yet provides plenty of illumination for performing tasks.

Coordinating the style of the floor lamp’s shade with other lighting fixtures such as ceiling fixtures and table lamps will result in a sophisticated, harmonious look. You can also coordinate a floor lamp shade with smaller versions of the same shade on a chandelier or other hanging fixture. Matching wall sconce shades add a subtle yet defining touch that will complete the look.

Along with matching the shades, you can coordinate the light fixture bases as well. For example, if your floor lamp has an antique brass base, try to find other lighting fixtures with the same type of base. As another example, if you have a Tiffany-style lamp shade with a nickel base, it will look out of place if poorly matched with fixtures that have copper bases. When it comes to décor, perfection is in the details. Be sure the base and shade of your floor lamp and the other fixtures in the room are coordinated for the best results.

 

Home improvement guides:
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Minor interior home projects
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All rights reserved worldwide. Always consult a professional before installing any new lighting. The content on this site is the authors opinion only and should not be considered professional advice.

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