Buying guide to lamps

Different styles of lamps obviously give you light for different activities but they can all help set the right mood for your room.

Want to create atmosphere or need focused light for specific activities? Table lamps are brilliant for both. From living rooms to bedrooms and hallways, they generate subtle, glowing pools of light in just the right areas. Quite simply they add welcome warmth and depth to any room.

It's easy to check if a lamp's right for a table. Simply sit next to the lamp, and the bottom of the shade should be no higher than your eye level. Any lamps you place between chairs should have thin or transparent bases. That way, lines of sight aren't blocked and your conversation can flow freely. And you might want to know...

• We sell complete lamps in a variety of fashionable styles, finishes and colours.
• We also offer lamp shades and bases separately so you can mix and match.
• Create a co-ordinated lighting scheme with our ranges of matching table and floor lamps, ceiling lights and wall lights.

Like table lamps, floor lamps are both functional and mood-setting, and especially good for studies, living rooms and halls. Use floor lamps to create areas of light and shade that add interest and warmth to a space.

• There are loads of floor lamp designs to choose from and they're often made to partner table lamps.
• You can mix and match bases and shades but floor lamps are generally sold complete.
• Why not try father and child lamps? With these an uplighter shoots light onto the ceiling, which bounces off to create a soft glow. And a second, directional light gives you focus for reading. Very smart. Some feature useful dimmer switches and easy-reach pull on/off cords to save you getting up. Luxury!
• For a cool, contemporary vibe, cylinder and column-style lamps with paper or fabric shades really shape up. And you'll appreciate the ambient light they generate.

Helping you stay focused, desk lamps are the perfect choice for your home office. Here's how to make the best of them.

• Get the position just right. Place your desk lamp so it gives you enough light to read documents and see your keyboard, but without directing the light at your eyes or computer screen. That'll reduce glare around the screen and prevent eye strain.
• Look for sturdy lamps with desk clamps or a weighted base. Right-angle arms allow greater movement for effective positioning.
• Using a desk lamp for fine work such as drawing or sewing? Fit it with a daylight bulb. This type of bulb replicates noon light and produces excellent and accurate colour rendering and contrast.

A shade's colour, shape and material make a huge difference to the look of your lamp so here are a few tips for getting it right.

Choose a shade in proportion to the size of the base. Too big or too little and the lamp will look odd and out of place. The shade shouldn't be less than one-third of the height of the light fixture. It should cover the fixture's 'hardware' and come to the top of the lamp base. Make sure the shape suits the fixture. Drum shapes generally look more modern and conical designs are more traditional.

For reading lamps always choose a bulb of at least 60 Watts, or 11 Watts for energy-saving bulbs. Need advice on finding the right bulbs for your lights? See our buying guide to light bulbs.

Here's a way to save cash. Use cheaper-to-run energy-efficient lighting in areas that are lit for long periods - kitchens, living rooms, hallways and stairs.

Beat the burglars when you're away at work by using a table lamp with a timer plug. The timer turns on the lamp at preset times so it looks like you're at home.

It may seem obvious but... when buying a lamp always check the flex is long enough to reach the socket!