High and Low: Globe Table Lamps

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IKEA's Fado Table Lamp is one of those rare finds - a simple but classic design that seems like it costs a lot more than it does. Although the design is a basic one, prices for globe lamps can range into the thousands depending on what you're looking for...

A basic polypropylene base and glass shade keep the Fado Lamp under $20, but prices go up as the design gets a little more sophisticated. For $50, you can get a lamp with a steel base from Rockwood Industries. Artemide's Dioscuro offers a concealed base and halogen bulb for around $150, while the Castore comes with a steel stem for a little over $200. If you're willing to spend big bucks, you can find a glitzy mirrored bulb by British designer Tom Dixon for over $800 at Design Within Reach.

• Fado Lamp, $15 at IKEA
• Globe Table Lamp from Rockwood Industries, $50
• Artemide Dioscuro Table Lamp, on sale for $151 at Y Lighting
• Artemide Castore Table Lamp, on sale for $218 at Y Lighting
• Tom Dixon Mirror Ball Table Lamp, $845 at Design Within Reach

Comments (12)

Why do they not sell the Fado on the website? That makes me unhappy, as I really like the lamp and the nearest Ikea is at least 3 hours away. Poop.

~Amanda
onehappypanda.blogspot.com

posted by mandabear on March 31st 2009 at 6:18pm
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PS: is it bad that I actually like the $15 Fado better than the more expensive lamps?

~Amanda
onehappypanda.blogspot.com

posted by mandabear on March 31st 2009 at 6:20pm
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I like the cheap ikea Lamp better also. It does look like it costs more than $15!

posted by xDaniel on March 31st 2009 at 6:25pm
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Fado is a great lamp. I have it behind my monitor at work, illuminating the corner of my cubicle.

posted by graefix on March 31st 2009 at 6:33pm
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I've been quite happy with my $15 Ikea light. (I like globe lights all around.)

Elizabeth
http://emblemorstain.blogspot.com

posted by emblem or stain on March 31st 2009 at 6:44pm
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I have the Fado as well, in my bedroom. The one issue I have with it is that, with the white-ish glass, it gives off a very unflattering bright white light! I wish I could get it to give off a warmer light. I even tried a yellow bulb but that was a bit much. Has no one else experienced this?

posted by emsiemilia on March 31st 2009 at 7:18pm
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Maybe try a lower wattage bulb?

posted by JenPDX on March 31st 2009 at 8:18pm
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ive always wanted this globe lamp. it literal it a globe in a lamp.

http://www.techfresh.net/earth-globe-lamp/

posted by MFlick on March 31st 2009 at 9:54pm
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Can't believe you skipped the classic Flos Glo-Ball by Jasper Morrison!! http://www.thefind.com/homefurnishings/info-glo-ball-table-lamp

posted by Kathryn on April 1st 2009 at 8:24am
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The polypro Fado is a better choice than glass if you're going to put it on the floor or someplace where it could get bumped. (I learned that by breaking a more expensive glass orb with the gentlest of accidental taps.)

posted by CJL on April 1st 2009 at 9:16am
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Where is the other taller lamp with 3 little shades from?

posted by tdeb on April 1st 2009 at 1:25pm
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I've tried a few wattages and I still find the light much too white... I guess I'll go lower, it's either that or turn it off.

posted by emsiemilia on April 2nd 2009 at 7:53pm
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