Everything you need to know about animal lamps
Key takeaways:
- An animal lamp is a table lamp whose base depicts an animal, such as a mouse, a raven or a chameleon, which holds or carries the bulb.
- Most often made of resin, in a gold, black or white finish, it serves as a decorative object as much as a supplementary light, on a bedside table, a console or a desk.
- It is not a toy: in a child's bedroom, it is placed on a stable piece of furniture, out of reach of toddlers, with an LED bulb, which gives off little heat.
Why choose an animal lamp?
An animal lamp is a table lamp in the shape of an animal. Choosing one is an excellent way to add a touch of originality and charm to your home. Mouse, raven, chameleon: these sculptural lamps are true decorative objects, which catch the eye and make your guests smile.
Inspired by animal forms, they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal in a bedroom as well as in a more creative space. Placed on a bedside table, a console or a desk, an animal lamp turns an ordinary space into a distinctive place, one that looks like no one but you.
Types of animal lamps
Animal table lamps
Animal table lamps are very popular, and come in many models. Most often made of resin, they depict an animal holding or carrying the bulb, standing, sitting or perched. Their finish, gold, black or white, gives them a strong character, somewhere between design and humor.
With a well-chosen shade, or an attractive exposed bulb, an animal lamp adds a touch of refinement or whimsy to any space. With an LED bulb, it lights well, for low consumption. Discover our table lamps.
Animal bedside lamps
Perfect in a bedroom, animal bedside lamps add a playful touch to the decor. Placed next to the bed, an animal lamp replaces a classic bedside lamp, while bringing much more personality.
Their soft light suits reading in bed as well as supplementary lighting. On a narrow nightstand, choose a compact model, whose base stays firmly in place. Discover our bedside lamps.
A soft light for the evening
An animal lamp gives ambient or supplementary light, ideal in a reading nook, an entryway or a bedroom. Paired with an LED bulb with warm light, it creates a soothing atmosphere, very pleasant at the end of the day.
Left on in a hallway or a living room, it serves as a luminous landmark, softer than a ceiling light, and makes you want to linger in the room.
Choosing by theme
Familiar animals
A mouse, or another small everyday animal, brings a tender and amusing note. These lamps create a warm and slightly nostalgic atmosphere, as if they had stepped out of a picture book.
Their singular design and warm light make them ideal on a bedside table, a bookshelf or a small entryway piece of furniture.
Birds
A raven has a strong, almost theatrical presence. Perched on its base, with the bulb in its beak or on its head, it suits a modern, gothic or cabinet-of-curiosities decor.
Bird lamps bring a touch of mystery and elegance. They are readily placed up high, on a mantelpiece or a sideboard, where their silhouette stands out well. On the wall, a bird wall sconce carries the same theme further.
Exotic animals
Add a touch of exoticism and adventure, with a lamp that depicts an animal from elsewhere, such as a chameleon. These lamps appeal to those who love nature and travel.
They go well with green plants, rattan and natural materials, for a jungle spirit. Their lively look and decorative presence brighten up any room.
How to choose the ideal animal lamp?
According to the age of the user
It is essential to choose a lamp suited to the person who will use it. These lamps are decorative objects, not toys. In a child's bedroom, place the lamp on a stable piece of furniture, out of reach of toddlers, with the cable neatly stowed.
An LED bulb, which gives off little heat, is recommended. With adjustable intensity, the light stays soft in the evening, and brighter for daytime activities. Discover our children's lamps.
According to the room
Choose your animal lamp according to the room where it will be installed. In the living room, choose a larger model, which becomes a conversation piece, on a console or a bookcase. In a bedroom or on a desk, a more compact model is a better fit.
An animal lamp lights a reading nook very well, and brings a touch of whimsy to a workspace. Check the dimensions on the product page, so that it finds its place on your furniture.
According to the type of lighting
Think about the type of lighting you want. An LED bulb uses little energy, lasts a long time and gives off little heat. In warm white, it gives a light close to that of old-style bulbs.
Check the base and the maximum wattage, shown on the product page. A bulb with adjustable intensity meets several needs, from soft ambient light to a stronger light. Discover our LED lamps.
| Finish | Look | Decor style |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Chic and quirky | Art Deco, elegant |
| Black | Graphic, bold | Modern, gothic |
| White | Understated and bright | Clean, Scandinavian |
Decor ideas and tips
Creating a themed atmosphere
Pair your animal lamp with other decorative elements, to create a themed atmosphere. Plants, patterned cushions and natural materials give a jungle spirit. Old books and dark wood evoke a cabinet of curiosities.
Gold objects, a mirror and a brass tray, for their part, make up a chic and quirky decor, around a gold lamp. In every case, leave a little space around the lamp: it is the one that plays the leading role.
Personalizing the decor around the lamp
Rather than modifying the lamp, play on what surrounds it. A base, a stack of books or a matching frame showcase it, and change its look with the seasons.
You can also choose a decorative bulb, with an LED filament, which becomes part of the decor. The electrical part, however, must not be modified.
Conclusion
In short, animal lamps have many assets, from originality to design, by way of their warm light. Explore the different models and the different finishes, to find the lamp that best suits your home and your needs.
Discover the Lustria selection, to find the model that will give character to your bedroom, your living room or your office. Also discover our original lamps.
Frequently asked questions about animal lamps
What are animal lamps made of?
They are most often made of resin, a material that faithfully reproduces the animal's details, from plumage to fur. Resin is also lightweight, which makes a resin lamp easy to move.
Each material gives the lamp a particular look. The materials of each model are specified on its product page.
Can an animal lamp be put in a child's bedroom?
Yes, provided it is placed on a stable piece of furniture, out of reach of toddlers, with the cable neatly stowed. An LED bulb, which gives off little heat, is recommended.
These lamps are not toys: they are decorative objects, sometimes fragile. For a very young child, place it up high, on a dresser or a shelf.
How do I care for an animal lamp?
Dust it regularly with a soft, dry cloth, or with a brush for the details, with the lamp unplugged. Avoid humidity and abrasive products, which could damage the paint.
From time to time, check the condition of the bulb and the cable, and follow the advice in the instructions.
Which bulb should I choose for an animal lamp?
An LED bulb with warm light, between 2700 and 3000 K, creates a soft atmosphere. If the bulb is exposed, a filament LED, globe-shaped, nicely complements the animal's silhouette.
Always follow the base and the maximum wattage shown on the product page.
Where should I place an animal lamp?
On a bedside table, a console, a shelf or a desk. It stands out more in an uncluttered spot, at eye level.
Avoid squeezing it between many objects: its silhouette needs a little empty space around it to be shown off.
Why choose an animal-shaped lamp?
Because it brings a touch of personality and humor to your interior decoration. In a living room, a bedroom or an office, it gives a pleasant light and a distinctive design, which complements every style.
It is both a light fixture and a decorative object, and an original gift idea.
Which finish should I choose: gold, black or white?
The gold finish suits an Art Deco or chic interior, and catches the light. The black finish suits a modern or gothic decor, where it draws a clean silhouette.
The white finish fits a clean or Scandinavian style, and blends into a bright room.
Is an animal lamp enough for reading?
It mainly gives a supplementary light. To read comfortably, place it close to you, with a sufficiently bright bulb.
If you read for a long time, complement it with a reading light, which directs the light onto the page. Discover our reading lamps.
How do I choose the size of my animal lamp?
According to the piece of furniture that will hold it. On a bedside table, choose a compact model, which leaves room for a book or a glass of water.
On a console or a sideboard, a larger model has more presence. The dimensions are given on each product page.
How do I fit an animal lamp into my decor?
Give it room: it is an eye-catching piece. Pick up its color on one or two accessories, such as a cushion, a frame or a vase.
Avoid multiplying novelty objects in the same room: a single animal lamp is enough to set the tone.
How does an animal lamp light and decorate a room?
Table lamp or bedside lamp, it adds a playful and decorative touch to your spaces. It creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with lighting suited to your needs.
Switched off, it remains a beautiful sculptural object, which is not true of every light fixture.
Is an animal lamp suitable for an office?
Yes. On a desk, it brings a touch of whimsy to the workspace, and gives a pleasant ambient light.
To work for a long time, pair it with an adjustable desk lamp, which lights the work surface precisely. Discover our desk lamps.