The ‘big light’ (or the overhead light as it was previously known) has come under a lot of flack lately. And one person who “genuinely cannot cope with the big light” is financial advisor and host of She’s on the Money, Victoria Devine. When she recently joined editor-in-chief and host Elle Lovelock on The Edit podcast, Victoria went so far as to share that if someone turns on the big lights in her home, they “must be angry at her”.
The soft, gentle light of a lamp creates a completely different mood in your home and Victoria declared she “would take ten tiny pools of warm light over one giant ceiling light any day”. Former The Block judge Neale Whitaker is a self-confessed lamp lover and in his conversation on The Edit with Elle heralds the transformative effects of mood lighting using both layering and zoning – depending on the space.
And it turns out that psychologists agree, “bright lighting when we don’t need it can increase stress and irritability,” says psychologist Tim Cotter. “Having a variety of lighting options can give you a sense of control and agency over your environment. It also means you can match the lighting to your preferred mood with greater nuance. This isn’t just about brightness, but also the placement, such as having multiple lamps around the space, and even the type of light, whether that’s white, soft or otherwise,” continues Cotter.
There are countless combinations of shades, bases and sizes on offer, so many that you’ll be able to find the perfect colour, style and texture combination that your decor aesthetic calls for. It’s this abundance of choice that can become overwhelming, so we, with expert help, have shone a light on how to choose the perfect lamp for your space.
Listen to Victoria Devine on The Edit podcast:
Can I mix-and-match lamp shades and bases?
Table lamps usually comprise a base, shade, globe and cord. While you can buy ready-to-use table lamps, mixing and matching bases and shades allows you to blend with existing decor. “We use custom lampshades to bring a scheme together, often coordinating shade fabric to a cushion or hero fabric in the space,” says interior designer Amy Spargo.
Amy often tries different shade sizes on lamp bases before finishing the product. As a guide, the width of your shade should be twice as wide as the base, suggests Leesa Chandler, founder and director of lampshade supplier Pip & Haze. “And the height of your shade should be two-thirds of the total height of the base.”
How do I know what lamp base to buy?
Foundations are important, so take careful consideration when choosing your lamp base. Base materials can include brass, chrome, glass, crystal, natural stone, timber and ceramics in earthy or vibrant colours.
Not sure where to begin? “Look at the existing materials in your home,” offers Diana Di Corleto, creative director at Beacon Lighting. “If you have brass or bronze door handles, you may want to match this in with the lamps hardware so it all ties in.”
As always, balance is key. “If the base is patterned, you could opt for a block-coloured shade, so as not to eclipse the details of the base,” recommends Leesa. However, if you’re a maximalist, clashing patterns can set your home apart from others, she adds.
For more humble spaces, Diana suggests using narrower cylinder-style bases instead of thicker alternatives. Since moving lamps from room to room is an easy way to update your interiors, consider lightweight, portable bases.
How do I know what lampshade to buy?
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lampshade materials, which all serve different functions and suit different styles. “A bonded (or drum) shade is flat, letting the lamp base be the focus,” explains Amy. “A gathered shade is pretty and softening. Pleated shades are formal and great for a larger, bolder space. Scalloped shades are fun and quirky, for a child’s bedroom, for example.”
Leesa designs handmade gathered lampshades featuring block-printed fabrics. “A gathered lampshade doesn’t have a PVC backing but is lined with a cotton fabric that’s stitched around the top and bottom ring,” says Leesa. “This allows light to filter through all the layers of (gathered) fabric, creating a soft light and a focal point in the room.”
What is the best fabric for lampshades?
The type of shade fabric you select will determine how much your space glows as well as the mood you’re trying to evoke. “Lighter-coloured linen shades will emit more ambient light from lampshades than darker-coloured fabric shades,” says Marie Botsis-Premici, director of The Montauk Lighting Co. “Darker or metallic shades, such as brass shades, are more dramatic, throwing a more directional, warm and moody glow.”
Large drum shades that are open at the top and the bottom will disperse light above and below the lamp, she adds. The weight of the fabric is important if you want the light to filter through the weave, asserts Leesa. “Light-to-medium-weight fabric is the best.” Pro tip: highlight a special artwork by flanking it with two matching lamps on a console or mantelpiece. The effect will be stunning.
What material is a lamp made out of?
Lampshade material doesn’t need to be confined to linen. “We use rattan, wallpaper and contrasting binding to add interest,” says Amy. “Look at antiques for something unique.”
For bases, sturdy but luxurious materials such as travertine, marble and alabaster are trending, reports Diana Di Corleto, creative director for Beacon Lighting.
Where should I put lamps in my home?
Before you even think about buying new lamps, consider the location of your power points, advises Marie. Amy is a fan of hardwiring lamps, which allows them to be controlled at the light switch, in pairs if necessary. “Mood lighting for an entire room at the flick of a switch all in one spot!”
Which globe is best for lamps?
For safety reasons, only use globes purchased in Australia, to comply with safety standards. “Don’t exceed the maximum wattage and use the globe shape or type that’s specified by the manufacturer,” says Marie. “LED globes are best, and brighter globes with a colour temperature of 3000K are ideal for lamps used for functional lighting.” For ambient lighting in living areas or bedrooms, opt for ‘warmer’ 2700K globes.
“Think of lamps as decoration. They are a great way to bring interior trends into the home without the huge investment.”
Diana Di Corleto, Beacon Lighting
Shop our favourite lamps to buy in 2026
01
Brady floor lamp in apricot
$590, Fenton & Fenton
A soft statement floor lamp that adds both visual and textural intrigue.
Key features:
- Velvet finish
- Fringe detailing
- E14 fitting
02
Darcey table lamp
$183.20 (usually $229), Freedom
Best for: reason
This lamp’s hat-shaped, white-linen shade and metal, PU wrapped stand offers an elegant and minimalist look.
Key features:
- Minimalist design
- Quick assembly
- 40 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm
03
NÖDMASTLED portable lamp light pink/dark grey-green
$29.99, IKEA
Devine is a lover of a portable and rechargeable IKEA lamp that she can carry around the house as needed. This little lamp offers a pop of colour as well as a soft pool of light.
Key features:
- Battery operated
- Easily transportable
- Devine-approved
04
Oi Soi Soi x Tigmi lamp in Bordeaux/raw silk
$745, Tigmi
This lamp’s soft silk shade and deep red lacquered base make for an ultra luxurious lighting experience.
Key features:
- Lacquered MDF
- Raw silk shade
- E27 bulb
05
Thomas O’Brien ‘Iota’ small lamp
$1440, The Montauk Lighting Co
With a hand-carved Alabaster base and streamlined linen shade, this Thomas O’Brien table lamp can pass as a piece of home decor as well as lighting.
Key features:
- Hand-carved Alabaster base
- Linen shade
- E27
06
Genie rattan lamp
$329, Kip & Co
This sweet rattan lamp is the perfect statement piece for your bedroom, kitchen or living space.
Key features:
- Hand woven rattan
- E27
- Ethically made
07
Vibrant glass table lamp
$1,339, Lighting Collective
With a coloured glass base featuring a symmetrical composition of mixed forms, this electic lamp is guaranteed to bring some personality into your living space.
Key features:
- Mole Green/Green Leaf shade
- E27 bulb
- White fabric shade
08
Floris glass table lamp in opal
$159, Beacon Lighting
With a wavy, glossy design this lamp is an affordable option for staying on trend.
Key features:
- Chic wavy look
- Glossy white
- E4 bulb
09
Puffball lamp in blood orange
$179, Dennis Did It
This lamp is designed to stand out. The soft orange glow of the puffball lamp feels like the last rays of sun setting in the evening.
Key features:
- Whole lamp glows
- Made to stand out
- Floor globes inside
10
Cindy table lamp in sky
$220, Fenton & Fenton
With a fun striped design and elongated shape, this 70s California-inspired lamp is the perfect blend of cosy and cool.
Key features:
- 30cm x 55cm
- Cotton string with metal wire shade and base
- E27 bulb
11
‘Bonnie’ lamp
$395 (usually $449), McMullin
The warm browns of this stylish table lamp will bring a sense of warmth into any living space.
Key features:
- Textured linen fabric
- Ceramic base
- E27 bulb
12
Raw linen shade prism floor lamp
$1995, MCM House
The bold brushed stainless steel and prismatic shape makes it a perfect statement piece.
Key features:
- Brushed stainless steel base
- Sculptural elegance
- E27 bulb
