Small Accent Lamps

Small accent lamps can turn a room from dull and boring to bright and beautiful.

Most rooms have the standard ceiling light, and it typically serves a purpose. Walk into a room, flip a switch, and let there be light! Still, small accent lamps can add ambiance to any room even if the primary light source is a ceiling light or track lighting. Many people only think to use small lamps on a nightstand in a bedroom or an end table in the living room, and while this is certainly acceptable, don't overlook other areas of a house. Accent lamps can actually add warmth to an otherwise blah corner of a room…any room.

• Do you have lots of counter space in your kitchen? Consider adding a small lamp to one corner of the counter, place a decorative plate and stand next to the lamp, and/or add a bowl of fruit. You've just added warmth to your kitchen! Just be sure you place the lamp away from the sink to avoid a risk of electrocution.
• Does your bathroom seem drab? Again, consider adding an accent lamp to a vanity (be sure it is a very large vanity so that the lamp is placed far away from the sink), or for larger bathrooms, place a lamp on an antique table, old dresser, wicker basket, etc.
• Need an office space? Everyone needs a corner to call his or her own, and you can create an office space just about anywhere in your home. Empty out a walk-in closet, and place a desk with a small lamp inside. Add shelving above the desk for papers, storage, etc. Find a corner of your living area and designate it office space by adding a desk, chair, and lamp.
• Need soft lighting in a child's or baby's room? A small lamp with a low wattage bulb is perfect for those late night feedings and diaper changes.

Accent lamps come in hundreds of styles, so choosing the right one often comes down to a matter of preference and price.

• Decide on the purpose of the lamp. Will it be used as a primary light source, or is it mainly going to provide accent to the room?
• How much can you spend? You can find small lights for as little as a few dollars to several hundred.
• What is your décor? If you like early American, then look for a lamp that features wood and brass tones. For a more rustic look, consider purchasing an iron lamp. Contemporary lamps come in sleek metal designs, while crystal lamps feature a classic look. Look around your room to see what will go best before you head out to the store.
• Do you like the idea of matching lamps for your room? You can often find deals on sets of two and three lamps. A set of two typically offers two accent lamps in the exact same style and size. Sets of three may include a floor lamp that echoes the same design as the smaller lamps.

If you are feeling creative, then consider making your own small accent lamps. You can make a lamp out of virtually anything. All you need is a light kit that is sold at your local hobby or home improvement store. Lowe's offers easy-to-follow instructions for creating your own accent lamp. You can also find more ideas at HGTV.

Remember, lamps can be an inexpensive but important design element for any room in the house. You don't have to spend a fortune to recreate a room by adding a few well-placed accent lamps. Best of all, lamps are easy to move from one room to another, and they can be recycled and revamped to fit your room's changing style. The following sites offer lamps for sale online, but you can also find a wide variety at any department store in your area.

• Target
• Amazon
• Tiffany
• Bellacor
• Lamps Plus

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