Want to curl up with your favorite novel? Need to examine a rare coin up close? Whatever your need, a good table lamp will shed some light on your subject.

Table lamps are probably the simplest type of lamp, and though extremely common, they are also often creatively and artistically designed, not to mention collectible. Their shapes are often rich with intricate details, whether it is a wood lamp carved in the shape of an animal or vividly colored blown-glass form manufactured on the island of Murano. Just as sought-after, and often more difficult to find in good condition, are vintage table lamp shades.

In a class by themselves are the table lamps of American designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose bronze bases topped by leaded-glass shades are some of the most iconic objects in the world of decorative art.