Porche Tips & Tricks: How to Select the Perfect Lamp + Lamp Sizing Guide

How to Select the Perfect Lamp :: Porche & Co. Tips & Tricks

We hope you are loving are weekly Porche Tips and Tricks. If you have any feedback on future posts you’d like to see, please reach out to us on Instagram and let us know! In this post, we are sharing our tips for selecting the perfect lamp! Whether selecting a lamp for your bed side, end or console tables, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to make both aesthetically pleasing and functional at the same time. Come explore our guide for each of these table spaces below and make your lamp hunt a whole lot easier!

Tips for End/Accent Table Lamps:

When choosing a lamp for your end or accent table, you’ll want to pick a lamp that is approximately 25-30 inches tall. The reason for this height range is because you’ll want to bottom of the lamp shade to be at eye level (or slightly lower) when you are seated. You do not want to be sitting next to a lamp that is glaring in your eyes, but you also do not want a lamp that looks too small or large in proportion to your table and sofa. Seated eye level for a man is approximately 30” while seated eye level for a woman is approximately 25”. You’ll want to measure the height table that you are putting the lamp on as well as the height of the seat beside it and take both into account when determining the approximate lamp size for your table.

You’ll also want to take into account the width of table you plan to put the lamp on. The general rule of thumb is that the lamp base should be approximately half the width of the table. This ensures that the lamp fits well onto the table without drowning it. However, we are loving the oversized lamp trend lately. If you are too, it is fine to break some rules…but be sure to allow enough table space to function to your liking.

Tips for Bedside Table Lamps:

You can follow the above end/accent table guide in selecting a lamp also for your bedside table. You will want to take into account the eye level of a person when sitting in the bed. Usually a nightstand is around the same height of a mattress (give or take a few inches), so therefore you should look for a lamp that is about two to three inches taller than your nightstand. So if your nightstand is around 23” inches high, a lamp that is around 26” high will look best.

You’ll also want the lamp to look proportional to the space. If you have lower bedside tables, you may want to add a few inches to the lamp and err on the taller side to ensure adequate reading light. Remember, these are just guides…always feel free to go a little crazy and test breaking the rules and see how this works in your space :) Sometimes broken rules can make for gorgeous designs!

Tips for Console Table Lamps:

We LOVE selecting lamps for console tables, because since these are more for mood lighting versus functional lighting, there are less rules that you need to follow. We love seeing at least one lamp on a console table. It can add so much warmth and inviting ambiance to a space. To create a more modern more interesting look on your console table, go with one lamp balanced by an object of similar sizing on the opposite side of the console table. To create a more traditional and symmetrical balanced look, go with two of the same lamps on both sides of the console table. We love to use a mixture of materials in a console space to achieve interest, texture and dimensions. Lamps are a great way to incorporate a new material- cement, ceramic, woven, glass etc. Have a little fun with your console table lamps- and don’t be afraid to make a statement!

In regards to sizing for console tables, if you have a large piece or artwork(s) or mirror behind the console you’ll likely want a taller lamp to provide balance with added weight at the bottom. Conversely, if your console is smaller in scale along with the items on the wall behind the console, try a shorter lamp for optimal balance. If your console is floating in the room (like a sofa table) then there is no real rule here. If your space needs to be broken up, try some taller/wider lamps. If your space is smaller and you want it to feel more open, try some shorter lamps.

Still on the hunt for the perfect lamp? Come visit our “Favorites Shop” and explore the lamps our design team and client’s have come to love! Happy Styling ❤️

Be sure to “Follow Us” to stay up to date on everything Porche and Co. & The Porche Place!

**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**

Do you love what we did with this space? Do some rooms or spaces in your house need some designer help but you aren't sure how to get started?

Check out our various Packages through the link below & let's get started designing your dream room(s) today!

Follow these 3 easy steps to get started today:
1. Select the E-Design package from that best works for your design needs
2. Complete the short Client Design Questionnaire on each space
3. Sit back and watch your dream home come to life!

You will have direct access to Emily through messenger throughout the whole process.

Multiple revisions are included with each package to ensure you are completely happy with the end result!