Scale of lamps on sofa/console table
Hey everyone, I have “big blank rectangular drywall room” syndrome in this house. I’m trying to make it feel more special and grand through a symmetrical layout and lighting.
I personally feel like these lamps are too wimpy. They are 28” tall, which is recommended size I saw online (Laurel Bern, Houzz, etc), but it doesn’t feel right.
Should I go larger? Maybe smaller?
Comments (18)
MarylandHomebody
3 years agoAnother view. Sorry, second photo was lamps from other room. My question is about the crystal lamps.
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How to size/scale a sofa table?
Comments (8)Lishaana, I really like that C&B table. I had been looking for something without a shelf so I could eventually slide a bench underneath it, but now I am reconsidering. I also worry about spraying something that is a bit more expensive. Parma, I am so glad that you sprayed yours and that it worked so well. You know, I always looked at your living room and thought your tables had to be PB. I would have never guessed OS! The original metal colors are pretty drab. Against my brown couch, anything other than gold/bright brass would get lost. That C&B one is 29.5" tall. I know that there is a problem with sofa tables being too tall, but would that be too short? Am I supposed to match the height of the couch back or the pillows?...See More*New Lamp(s)* New Console Table* still have time to return..(pic)
Comments (57)No wonder you are confused. My head was spinning after reading all of the opinions! I was following the original post, but this is my first look at your follow-up. I agree with the others about finding another shade for first lamp if you decide to use it. The present shade is too short and it is the wrong style. My suggestion would be to take the lamp into a lighting store that sells shades. There you will have some expert advice as well as the option to "try on" various shades, much in the same way that you would try on clothes to determine the most flattering fit and combination. Think of the gas you will save! These are some guidelines for shades that I have found useful: 1. Match the base  think size, shape, style, color. Your goal is to match the mood of the base. 2. Compliment the base  the shade should make the base look better without competing with for attention (like that patterned shade on the metal lamp) 3. Hide the switch  the shade should just barely cover the switch (usually the height of harp + ½ inch). Try different sized harps, or add a shade riser to fine-tune. 4. Sizing Rules of Thumb: (1) Shade height should be about ¾ the height of the base (2) Bottom of shade should be wider than widest part of the base. (3) Shade width should be approximately equal the height from bottom lamp base to the top of the lamp stem, (just below the socket cap) I like both lamps. I think either one will be beautiful, but I would not use both of them in that room. Rather than another ginger jar, it would be nice to use a different architectural form on the console. I like the console very much. I do not like the metal/glass (marble?) lamp with the patterned shade. I would look for gorgeous buffet lamps. I am thinking wooden with an antique gold finish (very simple, but elegant). These are high end lamps, but use as examples. If you want the console to appear more sophisticated, remove the dried flower wreath that is resting on the books below, and remove the wicker basket with the greens from the top of the console. Replace it with a grouping of three (the magic number) similar objects (candles, boxes, ceramics, etc.) of different height and proportion. Good luck and keep up the good work. I am amazed by your shopping energy and resourcefulness....See MoreRight size for a sofa console table?
Comments (5)Thanks for all the comments! I wasn't able to respond earlier. That's interesting about Wayfair increasing the price if they know you are looking. Is there proof of that? Yes, that trestle table went up at least $100 but I figured it was one of the short sales that ended. Update: I just found this: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/06/24/beware-of-these-online-retail-pricing-strategies...See MoreConsole Table Styling? New Lamp?
Comments (13)Fun rabbit hole for me. The lamp is pretty, but it is white on white and, imo, needs some coloring and anchoring. I would keep the lamp on the left and then I would add a ceramic planter with flowers to have ground it. Something like this as inspiration: I would then put a stack of pretty coffee table books with something tall on top, to mimic the height of the lamp. And your urn on top: Or you could go with something like this on top of the books: (I also spied a pretty blue and white ginger jar near your bonsai trees. You could always put the blue and white jar on the other side of the table with a bonsai in the middle.)...See More
Angel 18432
3 years ago
decoenthusiaste
3 years agoIf lamps and table meet these height guidelines, you should be OK. If they do so and still seem 'weenie' to you, they probably need to have a chunkier, rather than slim and transparent base.
MarylandHomebody thanked decoenthusiasteMarylandHomebody
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago@calidesign I uploaded this on mobile and went through a few different iterations of this room. Here it is at its current state - two big horizontal pieces about 44x60 on each "side" (living room / dining room with console and two lamps in dead center).
I appreciate everyone's posts! I have been watching sex and the city and was obsessed with Mr. Big's over-sized lamps, and thought I needed something more substantial for this room, but maybe standard height makes sense and I just need something thicker.
ratherbesewing
3 years ago- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago MarylandHomebody
3 years agoMoved them closer together, put bigger shades on, and put some “placeholder” books there and feels SO much better.
MarylandHomebody
3 years agoMarylandHomebody
3 years agoAngel 18432
3 years agoMarylandHomebody
3 years ago@Angel 18432 thanks so much!
Frankly, I can't tell either. The new shade is creamy linen, the old one was an off-white silk. I think I definitely need some ivory in here. I am planning to return lamps (have 3 days left in Home Good's return policy), and replace with something ceramic.
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3 years agoAngel 18432
3 years ago
MarylandHomebodyOriginal Author