Light fixtures are sometimes neglected in the interior design world. Wherever possible, homeowners will significantly cut back on the light fixture budget in favour of something they think is more important. Even though light fixtures seem less like a focus in a design, light fixtures can be underrated and make a huge difference in the design aesthetic. A floor lamp or ceiling fixture can actually be the finishing touch that ties the room together.
Made in the Shade
Light fixtures, like the floor lamp, can be tricky to find because they must be both decorative and functional. A floor lamp must be pleasing to the eye while also providing enough light for tasks. Plus, a floor lamp cannot produce glare or it can cause eye strain which leads to headaches and discomfort.
Finding the perfect shade is key to a floor lamp that is both beautiful and functional. Shades with ornate cloth patterns may look great in the daylight and with the lamp off, but when the sun goes down and the time comes for the floor lamp to turn on, the room is bathed in a somber glow and there are bright and dark spots on the shade. The floor lamp needs an opaque shade of light color so that it mutes the light coming off the bulb while still providing enough illumination to perform tasks.
Coordinating a unique shade between the floor lamp and other lighting fixtures such as table lamps is a simple idea that can add a lot of sophistication to the home. It is even possible to coordinate a floor lamp shade with smaller versions of the same shade on a chandelier or similar hanging fixture. Matching wall sconce shades add that subtle yet defining touch that completes any look.
Matchy-Matchy
In addition to matching the shades, coordinating the light fixture bases can make all the difference. If you have an antique brass base on your floor lamp, then try to find other lighting fixtures with the same type of base. Even if you have a Tiffany-style lamp shade with a nickel base, the fixture will seem out of place and poorly matched if the other light pieces have copper bases. Perfection is in the details so be sure to coordinate the base and shade of your floor lamp as close to the other fixtures for the best result.
