1. Reading lamps often have a main light source and an adjustable arm extension that provides light exactly where the reader needs it. Lamps that are used for reading should provide a light source that directs the light over the reader's shoulder to light the pages.
2. Table lamps are usually 25 to 32 inches tall. The bottom diameter measurement of the shade should range from 2 inches smaller to 2 inches larger than the height of the lamp base; the height of the shade should not exceed the height of the harp, and the edges of the shade should never extend past the edges of the table on which it sits.
3. Task lights are designed to focus light on a specific work area, creating an illumination that is three times as bright as surrounding or overhead lighting. Gooseneck floor and table lamps twist to direct light in the desired path, and swing-arm lamps move horizontally via a triple-jointed mechanism.
4. The proper light strength for reading is a 100-watt bulb, which can be overpowering when you want to establish a serene level of light. Table and floor lamps with three-way switches allow you use one light bulb with low, medium, and high volumes of light, reducing the need for multiple light sources that clutter the decor.
5. Accent dark, shadowy corners or alcoves and add ambience with low lights. Check the positioning of lamps in perspective to the seating arrangements; when guests are seated in the room, they should not have to shun a glaring light and reposition themselves to comfortably carry on a conversation.
6. Torcheire floor lamps use a high-intensity halogen bulb and a bowl-shaped shade to ricochet ambient light off the walls and ceiling. For the best display of reflections, walls and ceilings should be painted light colors.
7. Before purchasing a desk lamp, consider available space and positioning of the lamp so it delivers the desired amount of light exactly where it is needed. Desk lamps are task lamps, intended for studying, reading, and hobby work; there are adjustable desk lamps that are equipped with a magnification lens for working on intricate projects.
8. Your first impression might be that ceiling lights are capable of producing all the light you will need in a room. The truth is, ceiling fixtures cause eyestrain when reading, studying, or performing intricate tasks that demands full use of your eyes - desk lamps and task lighting placed below eye level and used with overhead lighting prevent eyestrain.
9. The type of glass and the amount of detail used in a Tiffany lamp design determines the price of the lamp. Like individual works of art, floral, dragonfly, peacock, red rose, and wisteria Tiffany lamps are noted for vibrant shades of red, blue, lavender, green, and orange.
10. There are specific lamps that are designed to set on pianos, but the fact is, any adjustable, hooded task lamp can be used as a piano lamp. It is important that the lamp illuminates the entire piece of sheet music, and that the shade or hood keeps all glare out of the pianist's eyes.
11. Cheap or bargain swing-arm lamps can have problems swinging, and the arm mechanism can wear out quickly. Purchase a high-quality classic swing arm lamp with a three-way switch to provide different light options. Classic lamps have diffusers that soften the light for reading without eyestrain.
