Decorative Table Lamps to Brighten Your Days

With Blue Monday behind us and twilight clocking in after 5 p.m., it seems things are looking up for those of us affected by the grey skies of January. In the midst of a particularly isolating winter, it’s never a bad idea to freshen up your indoor lighting situation. Short of a light therapy box, we’ve picked out nine brightly coloured table lamps that will lighten the mood. 

We’re strong proponents of shopping locally and this roundup includes decorative table lamps from some of our favourite Toronto retailers. For information on delivery and curb-side pickup options, be sure to check out their online shops, or give them a phone call. 

Bicoca

Lightweight and portable, this geometric lamp by Christophe Mathieu is versatile enough to fit any room. The shade is tiltable, so you can direct light anywhere you need it. This decorative table lamp also comes with a magnet that can be affixed to its base, allowing you to place it on any metal surface — even vertical walls — to defy gravity. $310, at Robinson. 

Filter

Defined by its pair of perforated metal screens, the Filter lamp is dimmable, compact, and available in a plethora of colours to add texture and mood lighting to any room. $389, at Urban Mode.

Reunion

Nichetto Studio‘s Reunion Lamp is an Italian-Canadian collaboration. Its thick mouth-blown glass base is made in Murano, Italy, while its hand-spun aluminum shade hails from right here in Toronto. The result: a minimalist yet memorable means of lighting up your space. $1,750, at Mjölk. 

Dipping Light

Designer Jordi Canudas‘ Dipping Light is the result of his experimenting with dipping a lit bulb into paint several times. The result: layers of paint refract the light within, filtering it through candy-coloured hues. Available in a variety of colours and finishes. Available at Standard Shop, call for pricing. 

Bellhop

Designed by Edward Barber and Jay Ogersby for Flos, the Bellhop table lamp is inspired by classic uniforms of namesake hotel staffers. The cordless lamp works hard, too, going up to 24 hours in between charges. $373 at Design Within Reach.

Ware

Toronto-based designers MSDS Studio came up with this table lamp for New Works. Made to appear like a pair of shells huddling together, Ware’s translucent diffuser is nestled into the smaller half and shines into the larger, creating a sense of depth for a warm, welcoming glow. $419 at Average. 

Dome

Sculptural yet laid-back, this lamp’s matte clay finish has fresco painting vibes. Each ceramic shade is crafted by hand and remains unglazed, ensuring a natural look. Available in several organically inspired shades. $1,800 at Good Room. 

Riflesso LT 3

For the Riflesso LT 3 table lamp, designers Alfredo Chiaramonte and Marco Marin channeled childhood memories of blowing soap bubbles on a warm summer day. Made of glass and metal, it is also available in grey, amble and untinted. $1,015 at Lightform.

Flower Pot

&Tradition‘s Flower Pot table lamp is a re-issue of the iconic, flower power-era original. Designed by Danish mid-century icon Verner Panton, the simple design, featuring two hemispheres of spun metal, has stood the test of time. Available in multiple shades or raw steel or brass. Call for pricing, at Buro Klaus.