Portable Lighting: The Basics of Lamps
Many people assume that a lamp is a lamp, but there are a surprising number of different types of lamps out there. These light fixtures serve a variety of purposes, despite the fact that they are all classified as a single type of fixture. Here are the basics of lamps, the different varieties and their purposes so that you can be sure you’re choosing the right lamps for your space.
Lamps: “Portable Lighting”
All lamps are defined as “portable lighting.” This is because these are light fixtures that you can pick up and move around on a whim if needed. For example, if you rearrange your living room, you can move your table lamps or floor lamps around, as well as any other plug-in light fixtures, but you cannot move around any hard-wired light fixtures such as recessed lights or ceiling lights.
Note: typically interior designers and other lighting professionals refer to lamps as “portables.”
That being said, despite all being categorized as the same item, each of these items are unique in their purpose and overall design. For example, table lamps and floor lamps are both lamps but they do feature the same style. One is meant to sit on the floor and features a taller base to give it more height than a table lamp. However, floor lamps and torchieres are the same in style but are still two different types of lamps.
Different Types of Lamps
Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of “floor lamps.” It can be difficult to understand but all torchieres are a type of floor lamp, though not all floor lamps can be considered torchieres. These particular lights are the lamps that direct light upward toward the ceiling. Floor lamps that diffuse light or direct light downward are simply “floor lamps” and not “torchieres.”
Next, table lamps, desk lamps, piano lamps and every other variety of lamp all typically serve a specific purpose. Table lamps can be used for additional ambient lighting in a room, but they can also be used for various tasks. Meanwhile, lamps such as desk lamps or piano lamps are made for specific tasks such as working at your desk or playing the piano.
Finally, there are also armed lamps. Armed lamps are any of the above that feature a moveable arm in which you can move around to direct light where it is needed without having to move the base of the light fixture. These particular lamps come in a variety of styles from table lamps to large floor lamps, desk or wall lamps.
Despite popular misconceptions, not all lamps are created equal. Though they are all categorized as ‘lamps,’ there are actually a number of different sub categories and this is just looking at the fixtures themselves. Add in the different styles of shades, light bulbs and so forth and you could spend months learning about all the different terms associated with portable lighting. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Now that you have a better understanding of lamps, are you ready to enhance your home decor? Don’t forgot to grab one of our great pendant lights to help compliment your lamp choice.
About Kristen Crosby
Kristen is an avid design blogger who loves DIY projects. She gets her inspiration from fashion and music. Connect with Kristen, or find more home decor inspiration from Arcadian Home on Google Plus!
Tags: floor lamps, Lamps, light fixture, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, torchiere, Wall lamps
