Lighting can be so incredibly tricky. Which is why we were not surprised when we got this query from a faithful follower: What are the design rules for choosing the size of a lamp? Are there different rules for lamps in the living room versus those in the bedroom or, say, on a console table in the entryway? We turned to the expertise of Kimberly Reuther, interior designer and founder of DesignSpeak. She responded with three rules of thumb:
1. Keep the light bulb out of your sight line. Figure out your desired reading position for floor lamps, table lamps, and nightstand lamps. Usually you should go a bit taller for living room table lamps and lower for nightstand lamps.
2. Dresser lamps depend upon the height of the dresser. If the dresser is over 40 inches tall, select a 24-inch lamp or shorter. If the dresser is 30 inches tall, the lamp should be approximately 32 inches in height.
3. Consider the scale of the console or chest as well as the artwork, ceiling height, etc. when selecting entry lamps. Typically, this lamp should be around 36 inches in height but it can be higher depending upon the space.
