LIGHTEN UP

Table and floor lamps add the finishing touches to a room, so selecting the right shade for your lamp base is an important decision. Simplify the process by following a few tried and trusted guidelines. First, the shape of your shade should reflect that of the base, so a straight- sided shade suits an angular base and a round shade with sloping or curved sides is best for a round base. The width of the shade at its lower edge should be equal to the height of the base and the height of the shade, between two thirds and three quarters of the base height. Light- coloured shades tend to give a di use light, making them better providers of ambient light. Dark shades, meanwhile, emit most light through the open top and bottom for dramatic e ect.

ABOVE Stable and stylish, a tripod base stands proudly in a family living room. ‘Mya’ wooden floor lamp with black fabric shade, £109.90, Lights.co.uk RIGHT Column lamps are slim, elegant and neat – the perfect fit for small side tables. ‘Canary’ table...