Traditionally, the thinking is that lamps should be about 58 to 64 inches from the top of the finial to the floor. So that means that the shorter the table, the taller the lamp should be.
That’s not the whole story though. There are other factors to consider. In general, I have a ‘go big or go home’ decorating philosophy, so I love really tall lamps, but sometimes I prefer something smaller.
I had these large lamps in my living room.
I still have the lamps; I really like them, but I didn’t like them here. I felt it cut off the room, so I wanted shorter lamps. I felt them didn’t crowd the room. Since you see my sofa from the back a lot, I didn’t want the lamps to obstruct the view of the living room.
These newer lamps are 52 inches from the floor.
I think they make the room feel more open. Just keep in mind if you go for a short lamp like this, you might be able to see down inside the lampshade and see the bulbs. That’s the case with these lamps, but I still prefer them because I prefer the short size here. If you are using the lamps for task lighting, then the height of the bulbs can be an issue.
If you want to raise the height of a lamp, you can always put some books underneath the lamps. Now I had a similar thought in my dining room. I wanted lamps a tad shorter. These lamps are 63 inches from the floor. I wondered if it would look more open with shorter lamps. I moved the older lamps in here.
These lamps are about 3 inches shorter, still in the recommended size. Because the chandelier is in here, I felt I could use shorter lamps to help the room feel more open.
These lamps are much shorter than the other lamps.
I have two lamps in my Soft Surroundings collection that I ADORE! First this very tall Dominique buffet lamp, CLICK HERE. The lampshade is stunning and oh so elegant.
I also selected this gorgeous candlestick buffet lamp, CLICK HERE. I love the height of these lamps.
This is another tall lamp on a tall cabinet. It’s also in the 70″ plus height. It’s very old. I think it’s pretty fabulous and the black is so dramatic! I changed out the dated lampshade for this trendy burlap one.
More short lamps in my bedroom. I had to go short because of the wall sconces above the night stands.
For a lamp next to a chair, you want the bottom of the lampshade at eye level. The lamp below is vintage.
Again, it’s the gold accents that I am drawn to. This is probably from the 60’s if I had to guess.
The bottom line is that it’s always good to know the rules. Once you know the rules, feel free to break them. Did I say that out loud?
So beautiful!! Thanks for the answers on lamps. I’ve often wondered. I’m assuming the same rules apply to floor lamps, too? Good luck on winning the rug design!!
KLOVELYLAMBERT
Yes I believe they do Kathy. Thanks so much!!
I am always moving my lamps around too. Thanks for the tips since I wasn’t aware of the traditional thoughts on the height of lamps. I’m grabbing my tape measure now! Best of luck on the rug! Your design is beautiful and so YOU!
Shelley
Thanks for the tips. I always wondered what heights were best for what areas.
Thank you for the lamp tutorial. I zipped all over my home checking out the lamp heights! I’m addicted to lamps and shades. A matched pair of either lamps/shades send my “need to own” into overdrive at a thrift store. No, I don’t always use them as a pair, but I have them. One of my “oh, darn it!” moments involve NOT carrying a pair of fabulous black silk lamp shades around a thrift store while shopping. When I decided to adopt them…someone else had already snagged them. Don’t forget, you can always ask the staff to hold items at the check out desk for you.
Great idea to bring your lampshades with you Johnna!!
Ooooppppps – you read my mind about the lamps! Everything looks beautiful- as always.
And – I didn’t know about lamp height. Just one more thing I’ve learned from you.
Love that you went with the smaller lamps on the console table behind the sofa. It really does open up the space. I’m a big fan of leaving “room to breathe”.
Very informative! I wish you the best with the rugs and would gladly vote, but cannot do Instagram. :/
Rule breaker, I am. My entire decorating is by gut. Put and using lamps is another. If I like it I use it. I guess you can say I am a bohemian at heart. I have a collection of Flea Market to road side finds. My favorite is a dented copper goose neck. Now housed on a stacked table in my living room. If you like/love it, and the rules don’t fit. Put it where you can see it and enjoy it. My opinion only. Decorating Warrior.
You are one smart cookie Betty!
Ok, thank you for the height tip. I have two lovely brass tall lamps that I found in our attic in my living room. The problem I have is how to choose shades. I bought two mundane shades so I could put the lamps in place but I would love to know the secret size a lampshade should be to the lamp.
I’m loving your blog — new to me
Thank you so much Judee, and welcome, welcome!!!
Thank you for lamp heights. I will be measuring mine now . Especially my buffet. I LOVE your Master bedroom spread, would like to know where I might find one. Judy
Judy in my book due out in March, I am including sewing instructions. I made mine.
I like how you mentioned that the right lamps can make a room feel even more open. My husband and I are trying to decide what kinds of lamps we ought to get to light our home. I think that the right lamp can really be a beautiful design feature in your home. After reading this, we’ll have to look at the furniture in our home, and find a lamp retailer that can provide us with the kinds of lamps that would add to the aesthetic of our beautiful home, making the space feel even more open.
I am just seeing this post and love the information you have provided. One question I always ask when buying a lampshade is how big should it be for the lamp. How big and how far down should it go? Your lamps are lovely, especially the black one with the burlap shade.