How to choose a Tiffany Lamp

What Makes a Tiffany Lamp?

A genuine Tiffany-style lamp is defined by its handcrafted stained-glass shade — hundreds of individual glass pieces cut, wrapped in copper foil, and soldered together to form a mosaic that glows from within. No two shades are identical. When light passes through the coloured glass, it casts warm, jewel-toned pools across a room that no printed or plastic shade can replicate. That's the reason these lamps have been treasured for over a century, and why choosing the right one is worth taking a little time.

The Four Decisions Every Buyer Makes

Buying a Tiffany lamp comes down to four choices, made in roughly this order:

1. Type — table, floor, ceiling, or wall?
2. Size — what shade diameter suits the space?
3. Colour palette — warm ambers, cool blues, or multicolour?
4. Room fit — where will it live, and what will it do?

Work through each in turn and the right lamp becomes obvious.

Step 1: Choose Your Lamp Type

Each lamp type serves a different purpose in a room.

Table Lamps

The most versatile option. A Tiffany table lamp sits on a sideboard, bedside table, or console and provides warm accent or reading light at eye level. Shade sizes range from compact 20 cm for a bedside table up to 40 cm for a living room statement piece. Browse our 30 cm table lamp collection or explore 40 cm table lamps if you want something with more presence.

Floor Lamps

A Tiffany floor lamp anchors a corner, frames a sofa, or fills a reading nook with ambient light. Because the shade sits at standing height, a larger diameter (40 cm or more) reads proportionally in the room. See our 40 cm floor lamps or shop floor lamps with 45 cm+ shades for a true statement piece.

Ceiling & Pendant Lights

Tiffany ceiling lights work beautifully over a dining table, in a hallway, or as a central fixture in a bedroom. A downward-facing shade pools light onto the surface below; an upright pendant diffuses it more broadly. Explore our full ceiling lights range, including downlight styles and upright pendants.

Wall Lights

Tiffany wall lights add layered lighting and decorative interest without taking up floor or table space — ideal for hallways, stairwells, or either side of a bed. Browse wall lights here.

Step 2: Match the Shade Size to Your Space

Shade diameter is the single most important dimension. A shade that's too small looks lost; one that's too large overwhelms the furniture it sits on. As a rule of thumb:

• 20 cm — bedside table, small accent lamp, pendant in a compact space
• 30 cm — side table, reading nook, small dining area
• 40 cm — living room table lamp, standard floor lamp, medium dining pendant
• 46 cm+ — statement floor lamp, large open-plan living, generous dining table

For a detailed room-by-room breakdown, see our Tiffany Lamp Size Guide.

Step 3: Pick Your Colour Palette

The colour of the glass determines the mood of the light. Think about the existing tones in your room before choosing.

• Warm ambers, golds, and reds — create a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Pairs well with timber furniture, leather, and earthy wall tones.
• Cool blues, greens, and purples — feel calm and elegant. Works beautifully in bedrooms and studies with neutral or grey palettes.
• Multicolour (dragonfly, wisteria, floral motifs) — the most traditional Tiffany look. Acts as a focal point and works across most interior styles.

Our Wisteria collection is one of our most popular for its classic purple-and-green palette.

Step 4: Consider the Room and Its Existing Light

A Tiffany lamp rarely needs to be the only light source in a room — it works best as part of a layered lighting scheme. Ask yourself:

• Is this lamp providing task light (reading, working), ambient light (general warmth), or accent light (decorative glow)?
• Does the room already have overhead lighting? If so, a table or floor lamp adds warmth without needing to be bright.
• Will the lamp be on for long periods? Choose LED bulbs within the shade's wattage rating to keep running costs low and heat minimal.

Quality Signals to Look For

When comparing Tiffany lamps, look for:

• Genuine copper foil and lead-free solder construction (not painted glass or plastic)
• Consistent solder lines with no gaps or rough patches
• A stable, weighted base (resin or metal) that won't tip
• A rated wattage on the shade — this tells you the manufacturer has tested heat tolerance

Ready to Shop?

Start with our Best Sellers collection to see the lamps our customers love most, or use the links above to browse by type and size. If you're still deciding between a table lamp and a floor lamp, our comparison guide walks through the differences in detail.