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Lamp shades come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours, so choosing the material or texture they're made from is a good place to start.
Linen or hessian lamp shades will diffuse their light, giving you a softer glow and fewer shadows. This means the light they give off is easier on the eye. Whereas if you're looking for a brighter light, a crisp white coloured material lampshade will help you achieve what you're looking for.
Whatever lamp shade you choose, a good tip is to make sure that you can't see the neck of the light bulb or the socket when you're either sitting or standing next to the lamp.
When choosing a lamp for the bedroom, you should be looking for one that balances a soft light with a style you love. You'll need one that gives off enough light for bedside reading and to get dressed by.
You can experiment with textures, colours, patterns or sizes of bedroom lamps, as long as you're choosing one that complements the overall feel and mood of the room. Sleek glass or chrome floor lamps look great in contemporary styled bedrooms. However, you should pick a more traditional style lamp for a country themed bedroom.
If you don't have an overhead light and you're going to place a lamp on the bedside table, make sure that the shade only covers up half of the table. This will leave plenty of room for other things on the table surface. A good tip if you have a queen-sized bed, lamps on both sides of the bed will light up the room effectively, whereas smaller beds probably only require the one bedside lamp.
Lamps are all about colour and design in kids bedrooms. You should be looking for a smaller, denser shade, which will provide a soft, soothing light. Using a dimmer will also mean you can use it as a nightlight for the little ones. Have fun with the lamp shade by changing things up as their tastes evolve – a dinosaur lamp shade can easily become more modern as the kids get older. You could even choose a small desk lamp if you're short on space.
Having some lamps in the dining room can help you create an inviting area to share a meal with friends and family. Use well placed floor lamps along with candles on the table to create a layered lighting effect. Also, try to avoid making the lamps the focal point—the focus should be on what's on the table and your guests.
When setting up your layered lighting effect, one thing to try and avoid is making the lamps the focal point of the room. The main focus should remain what's on the table and your guests.
Lighting up a bathroom can be tricky because of all of the reflective surfaces such as mirrors and shower screens. A lamp mounted to the wall or a sconce can give off a nice warm glow that can help you create a luxurious bathroom.
Make sure you avoid fabric lamp shades in the bathroom as they may attract mould. Try opting for glass or plastic shades instead.
Living rooms are often the largest room in your home, so they offer plenty of opportunities to get creative with lamps. Try mixing and matching lamp shades and lamp bases with your furniture, floor coverings or even what you hang on your walls for a great look. If you have downlights in the living room, use lamps to highlight areas or lighten up dark corners.
A good tip is to vary the heights of your lamps to make the room more interesting. Contrast table lamps with a floor lamp next to your couch to make your living room feel cosy and relaxing. Lamps with an adjustable angled head can be aimed away from your eyes while watching TV, or pointed towards a feature in your room that you want to highlight.
Check out the full range of lamps available at your local Bunnings.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
