As I sit here on the couch with my overheated laptop, I must admit that it’s way too dark. Soft lighting is wonderful except when you’re reading or staring at a computer screen like I am right now. Yes, it’s time for our living room to grow up a bit, with a pair of matching table lamps rather than the odd ones we have now. So, I’ve started looking for curvy gourd-shaped lamps, like the ones from Barbara Gosgrove (above, $355). I’ve long loved their feminine shape and the natural fabric shade, but the price is a bit steep (especially if I’m buying two). Luckily, this design trend has reached “masstige” markets. Click through to the next page to see the affordable versions I’m considering now.

Jonathan Adler’s Whittier lamp, $425, is where this trend started. Others may follow, but his is still the prettiest.

Z Gallerie’s Spheres Lamp, $199, looks sophisticated with its finial and pair of dangling switches. Plus, it takes two bulbs so it can go from soft to very bright light.

La-Z-Boy’s Lathed Ball lamp is a nice wooden one, but the shade looks a little too small, and I’m not sure of the price (you can only look, not buy online).

This chrome lamp from Target, $109, is a strong contender, but I wish the shade was more modern.

The Fruiteria Lamp at Anthropoligie combines two trends: the gourd shape with the pleated ridges. But it’s $228 and the shade is an extra $58.

Pier1’s Crackle Lamp, $130, certainly looks more expensive than it is.

West Elm’s Wavy Lamp, $99, is almost a twin to Adler’s. I wonder what it looks like in person.

Did I miss any? Let me know, and I’ll keep you posted on my decision. –Angela M.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 10th, 2006 at 6:23 am and is filed under decorating, shopping, surfing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.