Material:
Table lamps, even battery operated ones, should be made from durable materials such as metal, resin, or ceramic. According to interior decorator, Suzanne Kasler, the material can also have an effect on the overall aesthetic of the room. Metal and glass can create an industrial or modern feel, while ceramic and resin can fit into the contemporary or elegant categories nicely. If a shade is present on the lamp, they can be made from a range of materials including paper, canvas, cotton, and other fabrics to add another level of style to the room.
Size:
Table lamps can come in a wide range of sizes, and which size is best for you will depend on where you plan to place the lamp. For example, interior designer Darryl Carter says it's better to keep small lamps in more compact areas such as on a desk or as an accent light on a bedside table. Larger lamps look better in more eye-catching spaces such as on mantles, living room side tables, and dining room tables. Battery operated table lamps can also be suitable for use outdoors on a balcony or covered patio for some extra evening ambience.
Aesthetic:
The aesthetic of table lamps will depend on a variety of factors including the material the lamp was made from, the type and material the shade is made from, and the overall aesthetic of the room the lamp will be going into. California-based interior decorator Nathan Turner states that the room decor can help bring out and emphasize the aesthetic of the lamp too. If you place a brightly colored lamp in a whimsical or eclectic style decor, the lamp's aesthetic will be much more striking and fitting for that space.
Color:
Table lamps can come in a number of different colors, for both the base and the shade. Additionally, you may notice a variety of different color options for the light bulb itself. Designer Oliver M. Furth says the two most common light hues will be a bluish tint and an orange tint. The blue is normally referred to as a cool bulb, while the orange is a warmer bulb option. These temperature options can be great in certain areas, such as a cooler bulb fitting into an office setting well while a warmer bulb does better in a bedroom or as an accent light.