Desk lamps are available in a wide variety of styles to
complement different types of décor. However, desk lamps
can be generally categorized in to three
styles—traditional, contemporary and transitional.
Traditional looks include piano, banker and pharmacy-style
desk lamps. The lamp bases are commonly made from wood or
metals such as bronze, nickel or brushed steel. Traditional
style desk lamps are often outfitted with glass or metal
shades.
Contemporary styles include desk lamps crafted from
polished metals with a more streamlined, modern look. The
lampshades are made with materials ranging from paper and
fabric to glass and metal. Some of the most popular and
useful contemporary options are swing-arm desk lamps, which
easily adjust to direct light where needed.
Transitional desk lamp design falls somewhere between
traditional and contemporary. To put it simply, these lamps
are less ornate than traditional styles but not as
minimalist as contemporary looks. Expect to see desk lamp
bases made of either metal or wood with lampshade materials
similar to those of contemporary styles.