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Beside a chair
A shade that sits at eye level when seated, wide enough to throw light sideways rather than straight down. Ceramic bases stay put; thin metal ones tip.
On a shelf
Small, low wattage, warm. This is atmosphere, not reading light, so 40W equivalent is plenty.
In a corner
Floor lamps with an upward component do the most work per pound. Look for a 1.5m cable minimum, or you will be buying an extension too.
What to check before buying
Bulb included or not, cable length, switch position, and whether the shade is fabric. Fabric is what makes the light warm; plastic never quite does.
