Have all different styles - don't prefer one over the other.
Don't know about your lr, wendek, but those lamps work for me in your bohemian-style (IMHO) bedroom. If it were my bedroom, I'd standardize both the shades and height. (The lower one could be placed on books or possibly a wooden accessory box to accomplish that.)
I don't think there's a standard other than having them the right scale. You might choose a different configuration based on your particular needs such as you enjoy reading in bed, you have a particularly small surface area on your bedside table (or no table), etc. I tend to like some level of symmetry, but I don't think you have to use twins.
The only recommendation I would make (other than same height) is to use matching shades. That said, I have not yet done that with my bedside lamps as it's not a priority and I haven't yet found any I like at a price I like. Mine are non-matching but the same height. One is crystal and the other has some crystal on it and I had DH paint the yucky brass parts antique white. Mine are even taller than yours but the beside tables are matching and large and the room and my headboard are quite large. They appear to me to be in scale. Both yard sale finds which I like and may never replace as they work well for reading in bed.
IMO there is no 'correct' style for bedside lamps as long as you like them and they fit with the rest of the decor.
Is there a reason your bed is not centered on that wall?
Lucky
"I have always had an aversion to the concepts of in style and out of style." ~Rose Tarlow
I might add along with the importance of scale mentioned, that you factor in if you read in bed or not. If so, the shades that are dark such as your black shade tend to cast light downward and upward whereas a lighter shades allows light to filter thru the sides too. Importantly for reading is the height of the lamps and the wattage variances of the bulbs. Readers often mount side lamps on walls, as has been illustrated, or feature candlestick style lamps that tend to be higher than most. In any event, the lamps should be in scale to the bed.
Posts: 16757 | Location: Right here, duh! ;) | Registered: Nov 03, 2005
I love your lamps wendek! I think they look great! (Except of course it would look better if the shades matched)
The important thing with bedside lamps is that they are tall enough to cast good light down on a book if you are reading in bed. When you are sitting in bed to read, the bottom of the lampshade should be at about eye level. If lamps are too tall the light gets cast against your head causing a shadow to fall on your book. If lamps are too short the light misses the book.
Your lamps seem to fit the bill perfectly. The color is good in your room, and the scale is nice. (Just get another black shade for the lamp in the right.)
Thanks for the ideas.. I like the wall mounted styles, that's clever. I do read in bed so height is something to consider. i'll stack a few books and see what I get
Picking out, or finding the right shades is a big deal too. Next time I'll buy all the lamps at the same time. On the hunt for a matching shade now.
Posts: 4223 | Location: SF | Registered: Feb 27, 2008