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Table lamps on end tables next to sofa - ideal height?

7 years ago

So we bought what I felt were fairly standard height table lamps at 26". The base is 15" and shade is 11" so fairly well proportioned.

I know it's suggested to be below eye level when seated on sofa so you aren't blinded. Our sofa had 24" arms and we have 24" end tables. The lamp shades certainly feel a good height when seated.

When standing though? A bit too low. They are only ~50" high so when standing close you easily look over the shade and at the bright bulb.

This is especially a problem because the sofa and the 2 lamps are on the same wall as our front door and "foyer" area. You walk in and directly to your left, not even 1 foot over, is an end table (then sofa and other end table and other wall).

So it's hard to avoid the low light sometimes.

But I think the lights might look odd if we were to buy something 6"+ inches taller. Plus we'd start maybe having an issue with the light bothering while seated on sofa.

We need as many lamps have possible since no overhead light so can't get rid of these lights. Plus they look great on the end tables.

So what height should we be shooting for? Our sofa is pretty standard size. I can only.imagine this would be even more of an issue for someone with a really low sofa / low arms.

Perhaps there is a way to help diffuse light at the top of the lamp?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

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Comment (1)

cawaps
7 years ago
Instead of a drum shade you could choose a tapered shade with a narrow opening at the top. There are some lamps that are completely closed at the top, usually with metal or glass shades (probably because an enclosed shade could get too hot with a high wattage bulb for other materials). There are lots of Tiffany-style table lamps with dome or closed tapered shades, if that suits your style.

Another option would be to get a tall lamp with a tall shade. Something with this kind of proportions:

Another option would be to use a swag lamp rather than a table lamp. It gives you a bit more flexibility in placement, and might open up new opportunities.
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Well, I think the most "efficient rule" is that if you use the end tables to put your beverage on, that you are able to easily reach over, from sitting on the sofa, and reach it without bending over the arm! So I think it really all depends on the style of your sofa. If you have a traditional, rolled-arm sofa, the table probably needs to be higher than if you have a more contemporary lower sofa. Then I think you need to continue thinking about proportions and ease of use when you choose the lamp that you might be putting on that table--you don't want to be sitting on the sofa and watching TV and have a glaring lightbulb in your face when you reach for the end table, know what I mean? Of course, I don't think I really thought these things out when I bought my furniture--I bought what I liked when I saw the items. (And that's how the "bulb turned on" about the end lamp concern! I DO see a bulb. And it also annoys my dog when she's napping on the sofa next to me.) And, lastly, you might see a beautiful end table but it might not be the optimum height for your sofa. And that's when you just toss out the rules!
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