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One of the great things about home design is the multitude of choices. Sometimes, though, the number of options can be overwhelming. Our award-winning Milwaukee interior designers are well versed in the art of selecting pieces that beckon in your space and accessories that complete the look. Selecting lighting is particularly difficult, as the options seem endless! Here are a few tips our designers use when making choices.


Scale is crucial

One of the most common mistakes people make when selecting lamps is neglecting the scale. If you’re trying to light a large open space, a small table lamp won’t make much sense visually. The same goes for the opposite – if your space is quite small, an oversized ceiling fixture over your dining table will be too bulky and overwhelming. Look for pieces sized for your room and keep in mind the scale may be different for different spaces in your home.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Lamps offer an opportunity to add an extra touch to your space. To achieve a well-lit atmosphere, mixing lamp types is a must. A strategic blend of floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures will ensure even distribution of light and keep the focus away from the lighting itself and onto the design as a whole.

The same is true for the lamps themselves. While it’s good to stay within a specific style family, you don’t need for them to match. A tripod floor lamp complemented by a metallic table lamp will bring wonderful personality.

Understand shade styles

While it’s fine to mix and match lamp styles, you’re better off coordinating the shades. They don’t have to be exactly the same, but by coordinating them you’re reducing the distraction factor. If one lamp has a crisp white shade and the other has a rustic burlap, the clash of styles will make each of those pieces stick out. Even if you mix shade silhouettes, try to keep them in coordinating or matching fabrics.

If you’d like help selecting lighting pieces from our award-winning Milwaukee interior designers, visit our showroom today! We’ll help you take your space to the next – well-lit – level.