Light Up: A Complex Guide To Lamps

Image via Complex Original

Truth: Lighting is important to home decorating.

You've bought all those cool prints, a great sofa, and amassed a sweet collection of designer toys. If you can't see them, so what?

Moreover, if you've taken time to cultivate a distinct aesthetic, do you really want to stick grandma's old lamp in the corner? Probably not. Lighting, like other elements of design, comes in varied shapes and styles. Selecting the proper fixture or table lamp isn't hard, you just need to know what to look for. Whether balling or on a budget, there is a lamp that will help properly illuminate what you represent.

With that, The Complex Guide To Lamps.

For the Broke College Kid

GRÖNÖ Table Lamp

Buy it from IKEA, $7.99

Yeah, we know you're not going to do any reading at home. Still, stump up $7.99 to have a decent lamp in the crib. With frosted glass, the GRÖNÖ omits a mellow glow that won't kill your vibe... or take money away from the next beer run.

For the Cool Guy

Philippe Starck Bedside Gun Lamp

Buy it now from Hive Modern, $948

If you need a lamp to match you 400% Bearbricks and Shepard Fairey prints, the Gun Lamp is your natural choice. Phiippe Starck is a hyped designer and the violent tone of the design shows you've got edge. Bang, bang. Win, win.

For the Design Nerd

Arne Jacobsen Table Lamp

Buy it now from Hive Modern, $836

Originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, this table lamp was initially intended to house an ashtray (light up, indeed). Jacobsen, famed for his extensive architecture and design work, also conceived a floor lamp for the SAS Royal Hotel project on the same principals. In both cases, you get what you need without much fuss.

For The Monied Modernist

Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giamocomo Castiglioni Arco Lamp

Buy it now from MoMA, $2,995

Designed in 1962, the idea for the Arco Lamp was to create a ceiling lamp that did not require holes in the ceiling. What!? Exactly, that would make it a floor lamp. Regardless, the marble base and stainless-steal shade are a winning combo. Prove your metal with an Arco Lamp.

For the Smooth, Sensual Type

Red Honeycomb Lamp

Buy it now from Designboom Shop, $97

Built of paper, Kyouei Design's Red Honeycomb Lamp has exceptional texture. It also omits a soft, inviting glow. Use it like a table lamp, or hang it. Versatility is king.

For the Book Worm

Suck UK Book Rest Lamp

Buy it now from Amazon, $63.95

This charming design is simple and effective. Shaped a bit like a house, the lamp allows readers to rest books naturally when they need a break.

For the Sports Fan

Louis Comfort Tiffany-Style Helmet Lamp

Buy it now from Bradford Exchange, $79.95

Your girl wants something from Tiffany's. You want something that proves your love of the game. Meet in the middle.

For the Cool and Contemporary

Santa & Cole Asa Table Lamp

Buy it now from All Modern, $550 

Spanish firm Santa & Cole was responsible for lighting Barcelona during the 1992 Olympic Games. A pedigree like that means lightening your home comes easy. They specialize in production of neat, soft fixtures like the Asa Table Lamp, which was designed by Miguel Milla in 1962. Broke college kids take note, this is how you step up from that first lamp you bought.

For the Environmentally Conscious

Yves Behar Led Leaf Lamp

Buy it now from Lumens, $429

Produced by Herman Miller, San Francisco-based designer Yves Behar's Leaf LED Light is composed of 37% recycled materials. Better yet, 95% of the entire lamp can be recycled at the end of its life. Add organic detailing, and this lamp just the ticket to illuminating your concern for the environment.

For The Baller

Poul Hennignsen Artichoke Light

Buy it now from Y Lighting, $8,046

Poul Hennignsen's Artichoke Light is considered by many a masterpiece of 1950s design. Make no mistake, these fixtures aren't discrete. If you like to put your money where your art is, and have instant conversation starters look no further.