Lamps are a simple way to brighten up any room in your home. Plus, they are available in many unique styles, sizes, finishes and colors
to complement any decor. Menards®has a wide selection of stylish and functional lamps. Whether you're searching for a new desk lamp
for your study or a set of stylish table lamps for your bedroom, this guide will help you find the best lamp option for every room.
Your Lighting Needs
Before you begin shopping for a lamp, you must consider the room where you will place the light as well as how you plan on using your
lamp. This will help you determine which type of lamp is best for your area. Here are a few aspects you need to consider:
• Primary Function: You must first consider how you plan on using your
lamp. This will help you find the best lamp for your needs. If your lamp is
serving as the primary light source for your room, it must be bright enough to
comfortably illuminate an entire area. For task lighting, it must be more
focused, so you can clearly see your work.
• Type of Room: Different activities require different types and amounts of
light. Large gathering areas like living rooms and dining rooms require bright
light so everyone can see clearly and move safely about the room. For
bedrooms, a softer lighting scheme is preferable to create a calming
atmosphere and allow you to fall asleep more comfortably. You should also
consider the amount of windows and other light sources that are currently in
the room. This will help you ensure that your lamp provides the perfect
amount of light.
• Room Size and Layout: The type of lamp you need for a room depends
on the size and furniture of the room where you plan to place the lamp. If you
have a large open room, a small table lamp might not provide enough light for
the entire room. On the other hand, if you have a room filled with furniture
there might not be enough space for a floor lamp.
Types of Lamps
There are several different types of lamps,
including:
• Table lamps
• Desk lamps
• Floor lamps
Choosing a Table Lamp
Table lamps are a great option for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. These lamps are typically small in size and can be placed on
top of many types of flat-surfaced furniture, including end tables, nightstands and buffets. Table lamps are a simple way to add style or
color to a room, and they can easily be moved and rearranged. Table lamps tend to provide low, soft illumination for a cozy glow.
Because of this, they are normally used for accent lighting or to provide illumination for tasks like reading. Consider the following aspects
when choosing a table lamp:
• The Table: You will need to place your lamp on top of a piece of furniture with a flat surface that is close to an electrical socket.
Before you shop, measure the height of your table so you can find a lamp that is proportionate in size. Generally, the lamp should be no
more than one and a half times the table's height. The table should also be sturdy enough to support the lamp's weight.
• Lamp Height: Table lamps typically range from 24 to 34 inches tall (including the shade). When placed on a piece of furniture, your
lamp should be tall enough that you can't see the light bulb or lighting hardware beneath the shade. When seated beside the lamp, the
bottom of the shade should fall at eye level. For bedside table lamps, the base of the shade should be 20 inches above the top of the
mattress.
Tiffany Table
Lamps
Tiffany-style lamps are
famous for their
colorful glass shades
and art nouveau style.
Lava Lamps
Extremely popular in
the 1970s, these
novelty lamps provide
a fun, vintage look.
Classic Table
Lamps
These classic lamps
are available in a
variety of different
styles and colors.
Buffet Lamps
Buffet lamps feature a
narrower base so they
are able to be placed
on a buffet.
Outdoor Table
Lamps
Outdoor table lamps
give your patio or deck
a sophisticated look.
Choosing a Desk Lamp
Desk lamps are designed to give you proper illumination for studying, reading and writing at a desk. These lamps provide a tightly focused
light, so you can clearly illuminate a specific small area. When choosing a desk lamp, look for one with a slim design that won't take up
much space on your desk so you will have plenty of space to work. The light source of the lamp should also be positioned approximately 38
centimeters above your workspace. There are a few other factors you should consider when choosing a desk lamp, including:
• Adjustability: Many desk lamps are adjustable. This allows you to direct the light towards your work. Some desk lamps feature a
flexible neck while other lamps have an adjustable metal arm. Adjustable lamps are especially useful when you are working at a computer
because you can position the lamp so you can clearly see the keyboard.
• Light Bulbs: The right light bulb can also help you focus on your work without straining your eyes. LED and halogen light bulbs provide
bright, clear light and help reduce eyestrain and glare. Plus, these light bulbs have extremely long lives for hours of use.
Swing Arm Desk
Lamps
Gooseneck Desk
Lamps
Clip-On Desk
Lamps
Organizer Desk
Lamps
Charger/Speaker
Desk Lamps
Easily adjustable,
swing arm lamps
provide a classic,
sophisticated look.
Gooseneck lamps
feature a flexible neck,
so you can get the
best lighting position.
A great option for
dorms or small offices,
clip-on lamps take up
very little space.
Keep your workspace
neat and tidy with
organizer desk lamps.
Easily charge a variety
of devices and listen to
music while you work.
Choosing a Floor Lamp
Floor lamps are the largest type of lamp and can be used as a room's main light source or for task lighting for reading or writing. These
lamps are supported by a pole and a base, freeing up the surface space on your tables and other flat-surfaced furniture pieces. These
lamps can also easily be transferred from one room to another without rearranging your furniture or finding a flat surface to place it upon.
Floor lamps are a great option for apartments because they do not require drilling holes into the walls or ceiling and take up minimal space.
Consider the following aspects when choosing a floor lamp:
• Lamp Height: A floor lamp should be proportionate to the room. Before you shop, measure the height of your ceiling. A floor lamp that is
too tall may scrape the ceiling, while a lamp that is too short can cause unwanted glare. Like table lamps, if you are seated beside a floor
lamp the bottom of the shade should fall at eye level.
• Lamp Base: To ensure that your lamp is sturdy, look for a lamp with a heavy base. This will prevent the lamp from being knocked over in
areas of heavy foot traffic.
Torchiere Floor
Lamps
Torchiere lamps
feature a glass bowl
instead of a traditional
shade.
Console Floor
Lamps
Reading Floor
Lamps
Outdoor Floor
Lamps
These traditional floor
lamps are available in
many unique styles to
complement any
decor.
These floor lamps
include a smaller light
specially designed for
reading.
Outdoor floor lamps
give your deck or patio
a unique and
sophisticated look.
Shades
Whether you previously purchased a lamp base without a shade or want to update an old lamp base, the right shade can transform the
look of your lamp. Lampshades come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and colors. Follow these simple rules to find the perfect
lampshade for any lamp.
• The Lamp Base: When choosing a lampshade, look for a shade that has the same shape as the base. For example: If your lamp
base is square, look for a square lampshade.
• Shade Measurements: As a rule of thumb, the lampshade should be two-thirds the height of the base to remain proportionate.
Also, the diameter of the floor lampshade should never exceed the height of the base.
• Primary Lighting Function: Consider what the primary function of the lamp to determine how much light you will need. For
example: If you plan on using the lamp for task lighting like reading, choose a shade made from a translucent material so you can clearly
see the light through the shade. If you're using the lamp for accent lighting, you can choose a shade with a darker, more solid color.
• Location: Make sure that the shape and size of your lampshade fits in the location where you plan to put it. It the shade extends too
far, you're more likely to bump into it and knock over the lamp.
Square Shades
Drum Shades
Empire Shades
Bell Shades
Mini Shades
Square shades feature
an angular look that
complements chic,
modern lamps.
Drum shades are a
round option that best
suit lamp bases with
wide proportions.
Empire shades feature
a round diameter
before tapering off for
a cone-like shape.
The sides of this
elegant shade shape
curve inwards,
resembling a bell.
These shades are
designed for use with
small table lamps or
buffet lamps.
Menards® offers a variety of stylish lamps in many unique styles and colors. For additional help and to see some our fashionable
lamp options in person, come visit the lighting department at your nearest Menards® store. Our friendly Team Members will be
happy to assist you.
©2004-2016 Menard, Inc. All Rights Reserved.