How to Tell When You’re Ready for a New Lamp Relationship

Lamps are either the equivalent of an adequate, functional table in your life, or they’re a sign of something bigger and juicier going on.

Such as, some lamps (like those found sparkling in the Grandin Road Lighting Collection) say that you’re really living your life passionately, and embracing every nuance, which is why your life is more amazing than everyone else’s, and everyone talks about how wonderful your lighting makes them feel when they come over to see you, and how lucky you are to have that kind of lamp by your side.

Think about it. And ask yourself:

What’s your lamp life really like?

• Are you living with lamps that can make you feel really good, every day? Or lamps you got because you needed some light? And they were around, and seemed cute, and it was dark, so, you know, you took them home?

• Do you live with lamps you got because you fell in love with them? The same way you fell in love with the look of your magnificent, calls-your-name-in-that-special-voice furniture? Your endlessly chic Lucy Sofa? Your new accent chairs?

• Or are you with that lamp just because… well, it was there? And other people said you should get one too? And okay, your best friend didn’t want it, but you thought it might work out better with you?

• Have you ever looked at photos online and wished you were hanging out with a cool pendant light, or a tall, sleek, vintage-looking silver globe filled with 1960s suave-mod charm? An Italian-looking design that really got who you are? Something with more glittery pizzazz? A strong, classic, silent type with a chiseled base? Maybe one that’s cute, and good with kids?

But you settled for… something more basic? Something that was okay, maybe worked once, but it’s… not you anymore? The magic is simply gone?

Sure, you have lamps in your life already. But, are you lamp satisfied?

Did you just hesitate before answering?

This may mean it’s time for… a new lamp relationship.

Here’s how to get yourself back on the path to the perfect lighting:

Break up with your old lamp(s). Just because it lights up when you turn it on, doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. Lamp break-ups and lamp divorce are acceptable today. Remember the good times (“Yes, we read all those books together, but you’re fighting with my new sofa too much!!”) and wish it well and move on. Pass your unwanted lamps on to someone who can use them and who will be happy to find the perfect style fit. Charity shops and resale stores are delighted to get nice working lamps to add to their stock. Good karma for you! Then go shopping for a lamp you’ll be more compatible with.

Take a personality test. Lamps with extra personality are actually timeless. They’ve been classic in some of the finest homes, and now they’re back with a modern energy. We’re talking about lamps shaped like textured water vessels, or made of hammered metals or formed concrete, with a boho or industrial ethos.

 

Shining, vintage-looking mercury glass bases can feel romantic, Parisian-elegant, and utterly unique, too. The glimmer of gold is always good. If a look speaks to you, if you find it witty, warm, appealing, consider it seriously. Listen to your heart this time around.

Our Kiri Pendant of “folded” metal is a design-rich choice with a modern architectural presence. 

Acknowledge your architectural yearnings. Architectural design is influencing everything from running shoes to fabrics, and it’s touched the look of lighting. Sculpted metal shades, interruptive materials like concrete and metal and wood being paired, and a play of oversized bases with sleek modern furniture lines brings sophistication to lamp décor – and that kind of mature, understanding sophistication lets you play more freely with the look of your room. Open-work, metal-base floor lamps, or “stacked” metallic shapes deliver the look, too. Lamps with an intelligent, cool, architectural presence can be thrilling to live with: suave, knowing, very together. If you’re ready for this in your life, embrace it.

   

Remember too: light placement is part of getting the most out of your home’s architectural design. Mix pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps to cover the three necessary levels of perfect room lighting. You’ll know when it’s really working.

    

Pay attention to mood cues. Identify your lighting mood and honor it. Do you like it brighter in your home? Sultry? Cheery? Mixing a number of lamps in a room allows you to create a brighter, happier space via clean, balanced illumination. You can stay in a theme for your lighting (all glass bases, all metal, easy-to-work-with colors like green or blue ceramic), or you can play. A few classic shapes (elegant task lighting, columns, or spheres) can be joined by the surprise of the whimsical personality of a specially designed lamp. For example, consider styles with unusual modern shapes to pop in your space, or try looks based on classic, natural symbols, such as our Owl Lamp or pineapple-inspired lamps.

Remember: glass-based lamps also allow light to bounce and reflect, for a sense of openness and extra brilliance. Do you prefer a quieter, softer, dreamier mood? Stone and ceramic bases paired with neutral-toned cloth shades can offer a sense of solidity and soothing calm. Elemental concrete bases work well today, too. And some wood or wood-patterned bases are still the cool, free-spirited pirates of lamp living.

Make yourself lamp happy, always. Communicate this to your lamp partner.

Shade games. A white shade illuminates a little more. A darker cloth shade can add a sense of modern mystery or create a sense of a soothing escape. Shades with a pale pink or rose tone improve the look of your skin tone and create a calming, romantic, or deeply peaceful ambience you and your new lamp can share. Lampshades that glow a little amber, yellow, honey, or cream bring a sense of English country grandeur into play.

Best of all, you can always personalize a lamp base with a new shade that’s perfect for your space. Never reject the base you like just because you’re ambivalent about the shade. Simply make it your own by getting the shade style you prefer.

Remember: it is okay to give your lamp partner a shade makeover: lamps are very understanding that way.

The relationship you have with your lamps can be pivotal to your home’s décor. Feed your creative desires, live fully, and re-design toward the light!