Lighting Guide

Lighting is more than just a utility—it's a vital design element that defines mood, adds personality, and elevates every room. At Mark & Day, we believe the right lighting should balance functionality with ambiance. This guide will help you choose the perfect lighting fixture for every space in your home, offering expert advice on types, placement, materials, and care.

Lighting, Fixture & Bulb Types

Effective interior lighting is built on a layered approach, combining three essential types of light to create depth, function, and ambiance. Each layer serves a specific purpose, working together to enhance both the practicality and mood of a space. When thoughtfully balanced, layered lighting can transform an ordinary room into a dynamic, inviting environment that adapts to different needs and times of day.

Ambient Lighting

The primary source of illumination in a space, ambient lighting provides a soft, general glow that fills the room and sets the tone.

Task Lighting

Designed to illuminate specific areas used for focused activities like reading, cooking, or working. Task lighting reduces eye strain and glare, enhancing comfort and productivity.

Accent Lighting

Adds drama and visual interest by highlighting key features such as artwork, architectural details, or decorative elements. It creates focal points and enhances the room’s overall character.

Fixture Types

A thoughtful lighting plan incorporates a variety of fixture types tailored to the room’s size, layout, and purpose. The right fixture not only enhances function but also adds beauty and personality to the space. Each type of fixture serves a distinct role—some provide general illumination, while others offer focused task lighting or ambient accents. By combining different fixture types strategically, you can create layered lighting that adapts to your daily activities, enhances mood, and highlights architectural or decorative features in your home.

Portable Lighting

These fixtures are plug-in and easy to reposition, offering flexibility in placement:

Table Lamps, Floor Lamps & Desk Lamps

Primarily used for task lighting, these fixtures direct light downward, ideal for reading nooks, desks, or bedside tables. While functional, they also add style and can be used to complement surrounding décor.

Table Lamp

Floor Lamp

Desk Lamp

Ceiling & Wall Mounted Fixtures

These fixtures are typically hardwired and installed by a professional, offering long-term solutions for ambient and task lighting needs.

Pendants & Chandeliers

Hanging from a ceiling-mounted cord, rod, or chain, these fixtures provide focused downward lighting—perfect for dining tables, kitchen islands, or entryways. Their bold presence also makes them key design statements.

Wall Sconces

Mounted at eye level, sconces are both decorative and functional. They offer ambient or task lighting, often installed beside fireplaces, beds, or mirrors to highlight focal points and provide supplementary light.

Bulb Types

The right bulb does more than just illuminate a space—it affects mood, energy usage, and the overall aesthetic of a room. Whether you're looking for soft ambient light or bright task lighting, understanding different bulb types helps you make the best choice for your fixture and lifestyle.

BULB TYPE	FEATURES	BEST FOR
LED (Light Emitting Diode)	Long-lasting, energy-efficient, available in a wide range of color temperatures and shapes	Everyday use in all fixtures—ideal for ambient, task, and accent lighting
Incandescent	Classic warm glow, affordable, less energy-efficient, shorter lifespan	Cozy ambient lighting and vintage-inspired designs
Halogen	Brighter and whiter light, slightly more efficient than incandescent	Task lighting and spotlights where crisp, focused light is needed
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)	Spiral or enclosed form, moderate efficiency, longer warm-up time	General use where energy savings are a priority
Candle (Candelabra) Bulbs	Flame-shaped with a small base (often E12); available in LED, halogen, or incandescent	Chandeliers, sconces, and decorative fixtures where the bulb is visible
Edison / Vintage Bulbs	Exposed filament design with amber glow, now commonly LED for efficiency	Statement pieces, open fixtures, and vintage or industrial interiors
Smart Bulbs	LED-based with app or voice control for dimming, scheduling, and color change	Tech-friendly homes, mood lighting, customizable rooms
Globe Bulbs	Spherical shape with a decorative look, available in multiple sizes and finishes	Vanities, pendant lights, and statement fixtures
Tube Bulbs	Slim, elongated shape, used horizontally or vertically	Picture lights, sconces, or modern linear lighting applications

Choosing the Right Bulb

When selecting a bulb, consider these important factors:

Wattage vs. Lumens: Lumens measure brightness; wattage measures energy use. For example, an LED bulb with 800 lumens equals the brightness of a 60-watt incandescent but uses far less energy.

Dimmability: Not all bulbs are dimmable. Always check the packaging and ensure your fixture and dimmer switch are compatible.

Base Types: Make sure the bulb base matches your fixture. Candle bulbs typically use E12 bases, while standard bulbs often use E26.

Color Temperature

Warm White (2700K–3000K): Cozy, inviting light—perfect for living rooms and bedrooms

Cool White (3500K–4100K): Balanced tone for kitchens and bathrooms

Daylight (5000K–6500K): Bright, crisp light ideal for task areas like offices

Anatomy of a Lamp

Understanding the construction of a lamp is key when planning lighting for any space. A standard table lamp consists of multiple parts, each playing an essential role in both function and style. Below is a breakdown of the key components of a typical lamp and how they work together to create a cohesive lighting piece. By learning how each part contributes—whether it's for stability, illumination, or aesthetic appeal—you can make more informed decisions when selecting or styling lamps. This knowledge is especially helpful when customizing fixtures or troubleshooting issues like flickering or instability.

Component	Function
Lock	Secures the lampshade to the harp or lamp frame.
Lampshade Fitting	Connects the lampshade to the lamp body, usually via a spider, uno, or clip-on fitter.
Lampshade	Diffuses light and defines the aesthetic of the lamp.
Bulb	The light source, available in various wattages and styles.
Socket Shell	Houses the bulb socket and supports the electrical connection.
Insulation Sleeve	Provides safety by insulating the internal wiring of the socket.
Switch	Allows the user to turn the lamp on or off.
Base (Neck)	Connects the upper socket components to the body of the lamp.
Threaded Tube	A hollow rod running through the lamp body, housing electrical wiring.
Body	The main decorative portion of the lamp, often made of ceramic, metal, or wood.
Lamp Base	Supports the structure and weight of the lamp; ensures stability.
Anti-Slip Mat	Positioned at the bottom to prevent the lamp from sliding or tipping.

Lamp Components: Neck to Finial

Understanding each part of the upper lamp assembly helps ensure compatibility when replacing parts or selecting shades, and it also allows you to personalize the look and function of your lamp with confidence.

COMPONENT	FUNCTION
Finial	A decorative ornament that secures the lampshade in place. It may be simple or ornate.
Harp	A wire support that holds the shade and attaches to the saddle at the top of the lamp.
Saddle	The metal base that the harp clips into, connecting the shade support to the socket.
Socket	The threaded part that holds the light bulb and connects to a power source.
UL Label	Certifies that the lamp has passed safety testing and complies with UL standards.
Neck	The portion between the body and the socket assembly. It supports the saddle, harp, and socket. The finish of the neck should complement the base.

How to Measure a Lamp

Properly measuring a lamp is essential when choosing shades, positioning fixtures, or ensuring balance in your space.

Measuring Total Height

Place the end of the measuring tape at the top edge of the shade and extend it down to the base of the lamp. This gives the full height of the lamp, including the shade.

Measuring Total Width

Position the measuring tape at the widest point of the shade and extend it across to the opposite edge. This will provide the total width of the lamp with the shade attached.

Shade Constructions

Outer Structure

Lampshades come in two primary constructions: hardback and softback. A hardback lampshade features a rigid inner lining—usually plastic or similar—that blocks light from passing through the sides. This lining is adhered behind a decorative outer fabric, helping the shade maintain its shape over time.

In contrast, a softback (or stretched) lampshade uses a flexible lining like linen or paper, which allows more light diffusion through the sides. Due to its pliable nature, this shade requires vertical supports to retain its form.

Inner Structure

The inside of a lampshade is just as critical as its exterior. Most shades are built using one of two structural methods:

Standard Framework Includes a top ring (called the spider) and a bottom ring. The spider determines the top diameter and drop, while the bottom ring defines the shade's base width.

Full Framework A more robust build that welds the top and bottom ring together using vertical ribs. Fabric is tightly stretched and sewn over this frame for durability and structure.

Shade Fitters

A fitter is the mechanism that connects the shade to the lamp. It’s built into the lampshade and determines how the shade is secured. Mark & Day offers the most common fitter types:

Slip Uno Fitter Slips directly on the lamp socket and is held in place by the bulb.

Threaded Uno Fitter Screws into the socket, typically used with down-bridge lamps for downward-facing bulbs.

Spider Fitter Used with lamps that have a harp. It rests on top of the harp and is secured with a finial.

Shade Shapes

The shape of a lampshade affects both function and aesthetics, whether for reading, ambient light, or decorative accent. Some shades include diffusers (top, bottom, or both) to conceal the bulb and soften the light. These diffusers are made from materials such as acrylic, plastic, metal, or glass.

Common shade styles include:

Drum

Barrel

Bell

Cylinder

Rectangle

Square

Oval

Empire

Switch Types

Different lamps offer different switching mechanisms for ease of use. Mark & Day lighting may include:

3-Way Turn Knob: Allows the bulb to toggle between high, low, and off settings.

On/Off Line Switch: A basic inline rocker switch.

Cord Switch: An on/off switch conveniently located along the cord.

Foot Step Switch: Floor-based switch activated by foot—common in floor lamps.

Twin Pull Chain: Operated by two chains connected to the socket for easy on/off functionality.

Base Constructions

The lamp base houses electrical components and provides the weight and balance needed for stability. The rod inside the base secures the electrical wiring, and many bases include a weighted core (usually 1–5 lbs) to meet UL stability standards, which require that lamps not tip over on an eight-degree incline. Table lamps often meet this standard with a 2 lb. base weight.

Each lamp includes a polarized cord—typically between 8 and 12 feet—featuring a small blade (hot) and large blade (neutral) to prevent electrical shock and ensure safety.

Materials & Finishes

Base Materials

The lamp base is just as essential as the shade in completing a cohesive design. Like jewelry for your home, the base material adds both function and flair. Below is a quick guide to some of the key materials used in Mark & Day's lighting collection.

MATERIAL	CHARACTERISTIC	BENEFITS
Metal	Durable, versatile, commonly used in lighting bases	Provides structural stability and a sleek aesthetic
Ceramic	Moldable, smooth finish, often hand-glazed	Offers artistic and decorative appeal
Wood	Natural, warm, and textural	Adds organic charm and works well in cozy spaces
Glass	Smooth, elegant, fragile	Creates a refined, airy base with reflective appeal
Marble	Solid, luxurious, veined patterns	Elevates the design with high-end elegance
Resin	Lightweight, moldable, often used for sculptural bases	Allows creative shapes and cost-effective options

Base Finishes

FINISH	CHARACTERISTIC	VISUAL APPEAL / EFFECT
Polished Brass	Shiny, reflective gold-toned metal	Adds a touch of glam and sophistication
Antique Bronze	Matte, dark brown with a weathered patina	Brings vintage warmth and depth
Brushed Nickel	Soft sheen with a silvery tone and brushed texture	Modern and clean, resists fingerprints
Matte Black	Flat black finish with no shine	Bold, minimal, and versatile for modern interiors
Aged Iron	Textured, dark gray or black with rustic character	Industrial charm with a timeworn look
Glossy White	Smooth, reflective white surface	Crisp and fresh, blends well with neutral palettes
Natural Wood	Visible wood grain, often sealed or oiled	Earthy, cozy, and ideal for Scandinavian styles

Lighting Sizing & Placement Guide

Lighting plays an essential role in both the functionality and ambiance of a space. Thoughtful placement and appropriate sizing can enhance a room’s design and ensure optimal illumination. The following guidelines outline best practices for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces across various rooms of the home.

Living Room

Overview: A balanced lighting plan in the living room should incorporate ambient, task, and accent lighting. Combining ceiling fixtures, floor and table lamps, and sconces ensures a layered and functional design.

Table Lamps

Position on side tables, buffets, or consoles. Recommended height is between 26–34 inches. For optimal functionality, the bottom of the shade should align with eye level when seated.

Floor Lamps

Ideal placement is adjacent to seating areas. A height of approximately 68 inches ensures the bulb is concealed whether sitting or standing.

Chandeliers/Pendants

Install centrally in the room. Maintain a minimum clearance of 7 feet from the floor for 8-foot ceilings. Increase height by 3 inches for each additional foot of ceiling height.