If you're using the lamp for ambient light (general room illumination) or as a decorative accent, almost any size will do. But if you intend to use it for reading, make sure it's big enough to cast light on the area where the reader will be sitting. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to read by the light of a tiny ornamental lamp. (Bed and breakfast owners, are you listening?) Check out our styles of cottage lamps to see the variety of sizes available.

If the lamp will be resting next to a chair or sofa, the bottom of the shade should be level with the ear of the seated person to prevent the bulb from shining in their eyes. Before purchasing, measure the height of the table the lamp will be sitting on, along with the distance from the floor to your ear, and consider those measurements when you shop.

Make sure the lamp is correctly proportioned to the table on which it will be sitting. You don't want the shade to extend beyond the edges of the tabletop. Conversely, you don't want the lamp so small that it's dwarfed by the tabletop.

Compare the lamp and see if the base is weighted. A heavy base won't be knocked over as easily--something to consider if you have young children or the lamp is located in a high-traffic area. As a rule, the cheaper the lamp, the less the base will weigh. Reserve lightweights for seldom-used areas or places where children don't roam.

Reading lamps should produce at least 100 watts of light. Since most single-socket on/off lamps take a 60-watt light bulb at most, opt for a fixture that holds a three-way bulb instead. Three-ways are always the best option. Even then, make sure the lamp works with a 50-100-150-watt bulb; a 30-70-100-watt bulb is less effective. An alternative is a lamp offering 2 or 3 sockets that can be activated independently or together.

Unless you live in a strictly regimented interior, you don't have to match the style to the room. Start by deciding if you want something such as a contemporary lamp or a traditional lamp. If you see a line you like, but not the exact lamp, ask us and we can provide the manufacturer's catalog.

Once again, anything goes. If you know what kind of surface the lamp will rest on, try to pick a lamp base that complements that finish.

The shade is just as crucial to a lamp's success as the base. For guidance, check out the article Before You Buy a Lamp Shade.

Lamp and Shade Collection is a premier provider of table lamps at wholesale prices. Why pay retail? Our philosphy is to provide exceptional deals on designer lighting, while keeping the costs down. Please contact us for questions, concerns, or to inquire about a particular product or lamp manufacturer. We make shopping easy!