11 different types of lamps to spruce up your home

Lamps are a great feature to include in any room in the house. They’re versatile, easy to install and use, provide extremely helpful task lighting and look great too. With so many individual products to choose from knowing where to start can be somewhat challenging. Investigating the different types of lamps first is an efficient approach to take and will help you narrow down your search so you can find the perfect lamp for you.

Arc lamps are typically standalone lamps that sit on the floor itself. They're designed to stand tall and arc in a curve over a designated area in the room. Arc lamps are great when behind or next to sitting areas. They can be used to set a soft ambience in a room or for help reading resting on a comfy sofa.

Desk lamps are multi-faceted lamps that can be a huge help in a home office or study. They can be simple in shape, and therefore not too distracting from the overall feel of a room's interior design. One way to use desk lamps to create a more fun environment is to get a colourful one - blue, red, orange or whatever your preference might be. A bright pop of colour can easily add depth and dimension to a space as well as a little bit of joy.

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Bedside lamps are incredibly popular — and for good reason. They enable you to turn your lights off and on from the comfort of your bed. Bedside lamps are typically simple in design but have a wide variety of lampshades that can match or contrast against your bedroom interior. When it's time for you to wind down at the end of a long day, a bedside lamp will allow you to quietly read a book before nodding off to sleep, completely relaxed. An absolute must for every home.

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Another lamp that focuses on functionality is the modern touch lamp. They’re quite a novel and fun type of lamp, turning on and off with a simple touch of the hand. The theme of fun also usually comes through in their design with a wide range of styles to choose from. They are mainly used as bedside lamps because of their ease of use which is all the more important at the end of the long day when you don’t have the energy to fumble around for a switch on a cord.

It's possible that you've seen these lamps in boutique apartments and hotels as they are extremely versatile lights that can be used by one and all, quickly and easily. The adjustable swing arm pivots smoothly allowing you to direct the light source where you want it. They are becoming very popular for home-based entrepreneurs in creative studios who need to examine different documents closely any various times of the day.

Perhaps one of the most classic design looks, piano lamps have a timeless charm that is hard to beat. These long, sleek lighting fixtures create a subtle ambience that won't blind anyone with direct light to the face. They're called piano lamps since they've commonly been used to light the entire length of a piano. Nowadays, they're simply placed on a piece of furniture where they can light up a specific area or corner of a room. If you're looking for a lamp that contributes to an elegant aesthetic, this could be the one for you.

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A tripod lamp is a stunning choice of floor lamp that is almost akin to a designer piece of furniture in itself. They are essentially tall lamps that sit on three legs, nicely balanced with a good even amount of light distributed. They are particularly suited to an industrial-styled home interior but will comfortably complement most other styles too. They really draw the eye and become a design statement in their own right.

A torchiere lamp is another classic tall floor lamp, brimming with style, finesse and elegance. Torchiere lamps are built to provide adequate lighting in an area without taking up too much space or visual attraction. These tall, thin lighting fixtures are great for rooms that just need an added touch of visibility and work great with rooms with high, decorative ceilings.

Buffet lamps are decorative pieces that typically sit on a table or atop a cabinet or other piece of furniture. They are a nice go-between model for those who want something bigger than a traditional table lamp but smaller than a floor lamp. Their design style can be intricate and ornate, especially around the lamp holder, meaning they can also make an impression in a space without overwhelming it. A sensible choice that works for many.

If you're looking for a lamp that prioritises functionality, think about buying a utility lamp. These easily manoeuvred, and bright light fixtures are great for creative studios and workshops at your home. If task lighting for work is the priority, these will be a great asset.

Portable lamps are versatile lamps you can take and use anywhere, not just in your own home but elsewhere as well. They are typically powered by batteries, rechargeable or otherwise, enabling them to be moved easily without an attached power cord. Portable lamps come in various shapes and sizes and typically use energy efficient LED lamp lights meaning they’ll last a decent amount of time too.

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As you can see, there are many different types of lamps, each with its own unique qualities and uses. Knowing what you want to get out of your lamp will make your final decision much easier and with so many options available in Australia you might find a few that offer even more.

This article was updated on 28th November 2024

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