How to Choose the Correct Size Table Lamp for a Console Table

Decide how you will use the table lamp. Lighting options include task lighting, which is ideal for reading and performing activities that require direct light; ambient lighting, which is used to create a mood or add supplemental light to a lighting scheme; and accent lighting, which is ideal for accenting or focusing on a specific location in a room.

Choose a buffet table lamp. Characterized by its sleek and slender shape, buffet table lamps are commonly used as accent pieces. Use a buffet lamp if you require moderate lighting or want to position your table lamps in pairs. Sizes can range from 25 to 33 inches, with many styles considered tall. Ideal for a sturdy, solid mahogany console table with doors, buffet table lamps complement fine dark woods and feature panels that match the window panels found in the doors of many console tables.

Choose a rustic lamp. Characterized by its rustic appearance and outdoor color scheme, rustic table lamps offer warm mood lighting with golden brown tones. Use a rustic lamp if you want to complement a rustic color scheme in the room where it will be used or to add only a touch of light to an already lit room. Sizes can range from 16 to 28 inches, which many styles considered medium size. Ideal for a half moon console table, rustic lamps are best paired with traditional, dark console tables like the half moon varieties.

Choose an accent table lamp. Use an accent table lamp to add direct light to a specific location or piece of furniture in your home. Sizes range from 4-inches tall up to 9 inches or taller. Place accent lamps around your home to spotlight specific décor; additional light may be required for additional lighting. Ideal for a Mission style console table, accent lamps can be paired or used alone to accentuate books or picture frames stored along the shelves of a console table.

Consider the size of your console table. Choose a table lamp with a base that sits comfortably at the center of the table without its edges appearing beyond the curve or edge of the table. Guests should not be able to see the bulb when seated at eye level.