Six gorgeously-illustrated tips for turning your side table arrangements into works of art (including lots of table lamps, naturally)...
As any interiors enthusiast knows, a side table or cabinet is an opportunity. An opportunity to style. An empty table top is to an interior designer what a blank canvas is to a painter – it’s a space for expressing yourself. And where should you start? With a light, of course. After all, what are tables for if not to display table lamps? For your inspiration, here are six tips illustrated with some very stylish table arrangements created by very stylish people (and all featuring Pooky table lamps or shades)…
Tip 1: Layer by using objects with different heights
Like so much in interior design, making a beautiful table arrangement is all about layering. Materials, colours, and especially, objects with different heights. Vases, boxes, photos, books, plants…whatever it is, think about height first. Here’s a very smart table all the way from Lausanne, Switzerland by Jennie Schmid featuring our Artur lamp.
Image credit: Jennie Schmid
Tip 2: Threes work best for small square tables
The rule of three, that old design chestnut, applies especially to smaller tables. Nobody knows exactly why, but the eye likes odd numbers. Here’s a very cool use of a lamp and two very different floral vases by Lucy of Make Me Loved.
Image credit: Makemeloved
Tip 3: On a long table, balance a lamp with something floral or green
On a longer side table or cabinet, you’ll want to balance things out. A lamp at one end and a plant at the other usually looks fab. Instagrammer One Pea and Me has brilliantly balanced our Elsa lamp with a plant – note the way the greens and terracotta colours are flipped on each item.
Image credit: One Pea and Me
Tip 4: …Or double up the lamps
Or even better than a plant, why not another matching lamp? How about this stunning table by Katharine Paravicini, doubling up on the Saba table lamps…
Image credit: Katharine Paravicini
Tip 5: Make the most of lampshade opportunities
Lampshades are a great, easy and affordable way to bring bold colour and pattern into a room. Seize the opportunity! As Cath Joliffe has here with our orange ikat shade…
Image: Cath Joliffe
Tip 6: Experiment endlessly
Play around, change things, experiment, mix and match random stuff and come up with a style that’s all your own. Here are two ways to style a Wisteria glass table lamp. You might be gorgeously distressed like this by the marvellous Matilda Goad… 
Image: Matilda Goad …or be a creative upcycler like Emma Merry - who added pom poms to an old shade.... 
Image: Emma Merry Although it is possible to take experimentation too far… 
Image: Hector Pickleton, plus Pooky Verona table lamp and ikat shade. We’d love to see your table arrangements. Share a snap with us on Facebook or tag us on Instagram or Twitter. See our full range of table lamps here and find more interiors inspiration on our blog.
