Where to Start: 6 Tips for ‘Lampscaping’ Your Home

“Lighting is key to the atmosphere of a room…” - Penny Morrison

Lamps are the perfect opportunity to infuse your home with pops of colour, create harmonious ensembles and add a touch of height and gravitas to any room. As with anything, knowing where to start when choosing the right lamp base and shade isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to illuminate your home with these delightful sources of light and introduce you to the art of ‘lampscaping’!

1. Add layers of colour and interest

If you're looking to add a vibrant burst of colour to your room, table lamps are your secret weapon! Choose lamp bases in bold, eye-catching hues like fiery red, rich greens or calming blue. We find that ceramic bases in particular create an excellent sheen when the light is switched on. Amplify the boldness of the lamp base with a contrasting lampshade to create a playful visual contrast. Picture a vivid red wiggle ribbed urn lamp base topped with a citrusy lime green lampshade with a complementary red trim.

2. Harmonious Pairings

Balance your space with pairs of lighting. Select two lamp bases that match each other in style or colour to create a sense of symmetry. It could be a duo of double-gourd ceramic lamps or a pair of delicate bone-inlay bases. Then, crown them with lampshades that perfectly complement the base colour or pattern. This symphony of coordination will bring a sense of elegance & harmony to your space.

3. Height and Gravitas

Sometimes a room needs a touch of grandeur. Add impact with oversized table lamps, they not only illuminate your space but also add a sense of height and gravitas to the room. Opt for lamp bases with elongated designs, such as tall, slender candlesticks, teardrops and tiered bases or work with more statuesque sculptural pieces. Topped with a large lampshade to balance the granduer, these lights will make a statement and elevate your room's aesthetic.

4. Mix and Match: Quirky and Eclectic

We love to embrace the beauty of the unexpected. Mix and match your shades and bases to create a look that reflects your style. Try mixing shapes and patterns. Use a mix of scalloped lampshades and traditional styles to create points of interest in your space. We like to focus on variety in a room, rather than sticking rigidly to one particular shape and style throughout. Let your imagination run wild and create a delightful, one-of-a-kind combination that reflects your unique personality.

5. Sizing Your Lamps

We have found that the most useful lampshade sizes fall between 8” and 22”, but the absolute best size will depend on the base itself. You can see our Lampshade Size Guide and recommended shade carrier sizes on our website for more information. The key to achieving the correct lamp size is selecting the right shade carrier or harp—make sure it sits at the correct height on the lamp base and looks in proportion.

6. Accessories and Accents

Consider looking for decorative elements like trims and pleated or scalloped edges for your lampshades for an extra touch of style. Our Founder, Penny Morrison was one of the first designers to create lampshades from Indian Saris on a big scale after visiting India many times where she began her collection of old silk saris. All of our Limited Edition shades with borders are made from saris and the others are printed on silks for a sophisticated and luxurious finish. Explore lamp bases with intricate details, such as textured surfaces or a hand-glazed speckled effect, to create a visual feast for the eyes.

Embrace colour, mix and match styles and shapes and have fun with the process. Your lamps will become more than just sources of light; they'll be artistic expressions that bring life, personality and a touch of charm to your home.

Our ceramic bases come in many striking silhouettes and colours, while our range of bone inlay lamps is elegant and easily paired with colourful silk lampshades offering the perfect snapshot of the power of lamps, and how quickly they can transform a room. For more inspiration, you can browse our Penny Morrison lighting collection on our website.