We all know that lamps and lighting are absolutely essential to the design of a space. Designer light boxes, or lamps, serve a double purpose: they can be gorgeous objects in themselves; and the light they make can determine the whole mood of the room. So buying the right light box/lamp requires a bit of thought.

With numerous designs, shapes, colors, dimensions and lighting option available, light boxes and lamps constitute one of the most convenient methods to alter the lighting tone of a room. In fact, the lighting selected and used can or improve a room’s decoration and provide the ambience one is looking for.

Apart from just looking good, it also has to filter the light in the right way, and match the room setting. Keeping all these aspects in mind, here’s our short guide on choosing lamps and light boxes for your rooms starting with five key questions you need to ask yourself when selecting a style, a base and a shade.

 

1. Do you want your lamps/light boxes to make a statement?

A striking light box can be a living room feature in itself – adding height, color and character to a room - or it can be a more subtle addition, blending in to the furnishings and fittings.

Basically, don’t you want your visitors to go, 'Gosh, look at that lighting!'?

Choosing a statement light box/lamp may well depend on the space you have available. A tripod box, for example, will work really well in a sizeable empty corner, but may take up too much precious floor space in a smaller room.

Another option if you want the lighting to be a talking point is to go for a simple base, but then splash out on a large, flamboyant shade that will add color and life to an eye-level space.

A striking shade will look just as good in the daytime with the curtains drawn as it does when illuminating your after-dinner drinks.

 

2. How will the light boxes fit with the scale of your living room?

When deciding on designer light boxes, you need to consider the scale of your living room – especially the height of the ceiling.

If you have a low ceiling a very tall lamp can look out of proportion, while if you have a lot of overhead space a floor lamp that's too short will also stand out for the wrong reasons, dazzling guests with its glare instead of filling the room with ambient light.

The trick, then, is to get a tape measure and work out your ideal height first, so that you know how tall the base can be before those rectangular boxes would start to dominate the room.

 

3. What kind of light do you want in your living room?

Light boxes can be used for both task lighting and ambient lighting, so deciding on the priority may help you to decide on the best type to purchase.

If you want your light box next to a sofa or armchair to provide reading light, then the lighting should be bright rather than warm.

Choosing the right ambient lighting is also important. A semi-translucent shade is ideal for softer ambient light, while if you want to highlight a wall or ceiling feature then go for an opaque shade, as these are better for decorative accent lighting.

 

4. How will light boxes work with the décor and design of your living room?

Light box bases can come in various color ranges, so there is plenty of scope for matching your box to your living room’s style, period and décor.

However, you can also use light boxes to add character and new elements to your living room. Why not combine a designer piece with a small armchair and side table to create a cozy reading nook?

They are also a great way to turn ‘negative spaces’ into positive design features. Those ‘nothing’ areas like an empty bay window or the gap between your sofa and wall can be lit, adding depth and character and bringing the room to life. Choose a semi-translucent shade to give a soft, diffuse light and create a warm glow.

One more quick tip: when deciding where to place the light box, take care not to obstruct the line of sight between seats. A splendid light box is a fine thing, but you don’t want guests to have to crane their necks during conversation.

 

5. Should you layer light with multiple light boxes?

In a living room, layering light with multiple light boxes is much better than relying on a single overhead source. Having several lamps of different sizes means you can use different combinations for different moods and situations.

So if you are buying a light box along with a table lamp, a desk light and wall lights, there is lots of fun in creating a lighting ‘family.’ They don’t all have to match; craftily mismatched shades and styles can also add a lot of personality to a room.

Of course, you also need to consider your budget. This is where our Kala Kathmandu product range comes in. You can mix and match shades and bases to create your own unique style, and while our light boxes may look expensive, they’re designed to be affordable as well as distinctive.

But really, the most important thing is to go with a style and effect that you love. Please drop in to our showroom at Chakupat, Patan to look around and see the range of light boxes made in Kathmandu itself, and have a chat with us for ideas and options.

You can even follow Kala Kathmandu in facebook and instagram for our exclusive array of light boxes. Our products are highly customizable in terms of size, texture and designs.