Glass Lamps: The Ultimate Neutral Lighting Fixtures
See your way to using clear glass table and floor lamps in any style room to put the focus exactly where you want
Shawn Gauthier
May 21, 2012
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
Picking out a table lamp is harder than it looks. If you've let your lighting become an afterthought, there's a lot to keep in mind. If you feel like adding a lamp to your vignette is going to take it from cute to cluttered, your answer may very well be a glass lamp base. These sleek, elegant and timeless fixtures provide functional light without compromising visual space.
Glass lamps are perfect for rooms with neutral palettes. The glass maintains the softness of the grays, whites and taupes in this room.
If you’re cringing at the thought of table lamps distracting from artwork over your bed, a glass design will provide necessary reading light without stealing the show. The focal point remains on the art, but you'll be able to read comfortably.
The same concept applies for artwork above bedside tables. The shade may have to interrupt your artwork, but the glass base will keep the eye bouncing back to the art instead of drifting down to the lamp.
Here’s another successful example of glass lamps providing function while letting the artwork have the limelight.
If you want a styled table to be the main focal point in a room, avoid a heavy lamp that will divert attention. Instead, opt for a delicate glass lamp that'll create a more appropriate balance.
This eye-catching striped dresser stands without competition yet is appropriately functional when accessorized with a small glass lamp.
Use this lamp design to enhance elements of your tabletop. If you have a glass tabletop, use a glass lamp to create a seamless connection between the two pieces.
Looking for more light in your room? Instead of allowing a table lamp to distract from your window’s view, choose a design that lets the light shine through.
If you’re working with a small surface, don't visually overload it; consider a glass lamp in a narrow design. The clear presence removes visual bulk, while the narrow design leaves room for a clock or a book.
Is your vignette missing something? Add some color to your invisible lamp. The orange shade on this lamp provides a punch of color that complements the artwork and plants, yet its slender, clear design doesn’t detract from the vignette as a whole.
Speaking of vignettes, glass lamps make wonderful accessories to these artful arrangements. Turn on the light at night so your knickknacks and collectibles shine without competing with the lamp itself.
Glass lamps work just as well in rooms chock-full of color and texture. Choose a simple lamp with a classic shade to balance the look instead of putting it over the edge.
Certain fixtures, like chandeliers, deserve all the attention. However, you may still have a dark corner that needs a light. A glass lamp will provide ample light without battling with the main fixture overhead.
If you have an unusual furnishing as an end table that won’t support a typical lamp, light your sofa in subtle yet chic style with a standing glass lamp. This versatile piece gets the job done while leaving your eyes focused on your sophisticated space.
Eager to outfit your home with glass lamps? Check out these great possibilities.
Eager to outfit your home with glass lamps? Check out these great possibilities.
These square glass lamps by Greige will solve your problem of accessorizing small surface areas.
The Harriet glass table lamp from Lamps Plus blends a traditional base shape with a contemporary shade.
Glass lamps can be a great way to sneak in subtle texture. If you’re looking for something beyond smooth glass, choose a design like the Fillmore Smoke from AllModern.
This piece by Seventh Avenue achieves an extra level of style with its unique shape and silver base.
More:
15 Creative Lamp Bases
Vintage Lighting Shines
More:
15 Creative Lamp Bases
Vintage Lighting Shines
Related Stories
Bedrooms
How to Light Your Bedroom Right
By David Warfel
Discover these professional tips for lighting your bedroom and achieving a better night’s sleep
Full Story
Home Offices
4 Steps to Getting Your Home Office Lighting Right
By David Warfel
Learn the mix of lighting types you can use to create a productive and comfortable workspace
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
By David Warfel
Find out how to develop a layered lighting plan that will help you enjoy your time around the dinner table
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
Holidays
10 Ways to Decorate With Outdoor Christmas Lights
Use these techniques to light up your house and garden for the holiday season
Full Story
Events
10 Interior Lighting Trends for 2024
Statement chains, modern-meets-traditional designs and warm metals were bright spots at the fall 2023 High Point Market
Full Story
Kitchen Design
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen
By David Warfel
Develop a layered lighting plan to create a functional, adaptable and illuminated kitchen
Full Story
Events
7 Stylish Contemporary Lighting Trends for 2023
New looks at the recent ICFF trade event included ceramic, loopy, linear and folded designs
Full Story
Events
12 Terrific Interior Lighting Trends for 2023
Shells, blues, edgy rattan and wrapped forms were among the latest lighting looks at the spring High Point Market
Full Story
Bathroom Vanities
Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting
By David Warfel
Follow this lighting expert’s list of 9 do’s and don’ts to select the best light fixtures for your bathroom vanity
Full Story
Red Door Home Staging
Mandeville, LA