If you live in the northern hemisphere you’ve hit that dreaded time of year when the sun rises later and sets earlier. We have about eight hours of good daylight streaming through our windows. The extra darkness can be depressing, but it can also be a great time to bring coziness into your home with furry blankets, crackling fires, and warm lamplight.
Many of us live in builder-designed homes that include one overhead light per room that often casts a dim, unwelcoming glow. The easiest fix for this is to add functional and stylish lamps to your space. Lamps not only help us see, but they can also change the ambiance of our homes. It's important to find a lamp that adds visual interest and casts an inviting light. Bamboo lamps are the perfect solution to add interest and help us live more sustainably.
What Is a Bamboo Lamp
The difference between bamboo lamps and others you’ll find on the shelves of your local store is the base or the shade is crafted from bamboo. Just like bamboo vases, they’re available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles and can be used in any room of your home.
Why Choose a Bamboo Lamp
Lamplight adds a level of coziness to any room and choosing a bamboo lamp brings in functional style. Bamboo decor has been used for thousands of years because it’s an abundant natural material. In some cultures, it’s believed to bring good luck and symbolizes growth and prosperity.
Bamboo is also considered one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. Choosing a bamboo lamp reduces your carbon footprint compared to acrylic or metal. Acrylic lamps are a form of plastic and are toxic to the environment. Toxic fumes are created during production and acrylic is not biodegradable or easily recycled. A broken acrylic lamp can sit in a landfill for over 200 years. Metal lamps aren’t much better, because it’s a man-made material that causes greenhouse gases when it’s produced.
Bamboo is a great alternative to acrylic and metal because it’s a natural material. It needs very little processing to be used for sustainable home decor. Many of the lamps on the market use smooth bamboo poles for bases or pressed bamboo fibers for shades.
Which Bamboo Lamp Is Right for Your Home
Before choosing a bamboo lamp for your home, you need to understand the purpose of the lamp and where it will be placed. There are many types of bamboo lamps so understanding the placement will help determine the size, shape, and style that’s right for you.
Bamboo Table Lamps
The easiest way to add extra lighting to your home is by adding a bamboo table lamp. This type of lamp sits on your side table, dresser, or nightstand to provide extra light. The base is usually made from bamboo and topped with a linen shade.
To find the right bamboo table lamp for your home, consider the size of the table and the height of the seating area. You don’t want to be blinded by bright lights if the shade is too high and you can peek underneath. You also don’t want the shade so low you have to sit practically underneath to read your latest novel.
Bamboo table lamps come in a range of prices and styles – from larger, high-end designs to slimmer and more budget-friendly options. They’re the perfect addition to living rooms because the natural bamboo material has a warm finish. Bamboo table lamps are also a great choice for a nightstand because they’re a perfect complement to bamboo sheets.
Bamboo Floor Lamps
Adding a bamboo floor lamp to your home is a great way to get task lighting without sacrificing table space. They’re ideal for behind your favorite reading chair or to brighten up dark corners in the evenings.
Most bamboo floor lamps use a solid bamboo pole or many woven strips to create a base. Look for a traditional bamboo lamp stand with a linen shade if you need functional lighting. Or, for a stylish addition, try an eye-catching basket weave bamboo floor lamp to bring in light and an easy conversation starter.
Bamboo Pendant Lights
Bamboo pendant lights are overhead lights, but replacing your builder-grade dome light with one makes your space instantly more stylish. The fixture is hung from a chain or cord and the woven bamboo holds the bulb for a perfectly shaded glow. They work best suspended over dining tables, in entryways, and even in a large bedroom.
Bamboo basketweave pendant lights are a popular choice because they’re lightweight and the natural material works with any decor. Or add a smooth-sided bamboo pendant light for a more modern look.
Bamboo Lanterns
You’ve likely seen bamboo lanterns being used outdoors, but they can also add visual interest and soft lighting to any living space. Bamboo lanterns are often made from woven bamboo or a bamboo base with a paper liner that creates a soft glow from the light inside. Many have traditional drawings or shapes so your lamp can double as art.
While bamboo lanterns can give off a decent amount of light, they’re not often used for task lighting. Bamboo lanterns are ideal for adding a stylish glow and whimsical touch to your home. Because the light is usually dimmer, they work well in bedrooms, especially as nightlights for younger children.
Care and Maintenance of Bamboo Lamps
Bamboo lamps are easy to care for but need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best and functioning properly. Always disconnect the power to your bamboo lamp before cleaning. Dust your lamp base and shades to prevent build-up that may cause allergies or, worse, a fire hazard. Wipe lamp bases with a damp cloth and replace any damaged or frayed cords immediately. Simple care and clearing will allow you to enjoy your bamboo lamp for years to come.
Bamboo Lamps Give You Lasting, Sustainable Style
This winter don’t let the shorter days leave you tired and irritated. Welcome the fading sunlight and keep your home cozy and warm with a few well-placed bamboo lamps. Natural materials never go out of style so including bamboo decor in your home decor is a great way to add function and sustainable design to your home.
If you’re ready to create a more sustainable home, check out our recommendations for using bamboo decor to elevate your space in any season!
