Choosing the right bedside lamp can make your bedroom more comfortable and stylish. This guide will help you find a lamp that looks good and works well for you.
Key Takeaways
Key Points for Choosing a Bedside Lamp
- Ideal lamp height: 22-27 inches
- Recommended brightness: 200-400 lumens
- Consider lamp style, size, and functionality to match bedroom decor
- Look for additional features like dimmers and USB ports
- Common materials: chrome, wood, ceramic, glass
- Budget range: $29.99 - $399.99 USD
- Space-saving options available for small bedrooms
1. Why Bedside Lighting Matters
Bedside lamps are important for creating a nice atmosphere in your bedroom. They're not just for reading - they set the mood and make your room feel cozy. A good lamp can help you relax at night and make your room look better.
Try to find a lamp that looks nice and gives you the light you need. It's like picking out shoes - they should look good and feel comfortable.
Good bedside lighting can help you sleep better by letting you adjust the light as you get ready for bed. It can also make your room look nicer. For ideas on how different lamps can change a room, check out our lamp collection.You'll see simple designs and fancy ones that can add something special to your bedroom.
2. Getting the Size Right
Picking the right size lamp is important. A good rule is to choose a lamp that's between 22 and 27 inches tall. This size usually works well next to most beds and nightstands.
Think about how the lamp will look next to your bed and nightstand. You don't want one that's too small or too big. The shade of the lamp should be about two-thirds as wide as the base. This helps the lamp look balanced.
Look at your other bedroom furniture when choosing your lamp size. If you have big furniture, you might want a taller lamp. If your room is small or your furniture is delicate, a smaller lamp might be better. Our table lamp collection has different sizes for different rooms.
Here are two examples of lamps with good proportions:
3. How Bright Should It Be?
Getting the right brightness for your bedside lamp is really important. You don't want it too bright or too dim. Usually, between 200 and 400 lumens is good.
Lumens measure how much light a bulb gives off. If you're not sure about lumens, think of it this way: a 40-watt old-style bulb is about 450 lumens. So, you're looking for something a bit less bright than that.
It's good to get a lamp where you can change the brightness. That way, you can have it brighter for reading and dimmer for relaxing. Some lamps have different settings you can switch between, which is handy.
The color of the light matters too. Warm light (2700-3000K) is usually better for bedrooms because it's more relaxing. Cooler light (3500-4100K) might be better for reading.Many of our desk lamps let you change the light color, so you can use them differently throughout the day.
4. Picking a Style That Fits Your Room
Choosing a lamp style is like picking clothes - it should match your taste and your room. If your bedroom is modern, you might want a lamp with simple shapes. For a more traditional room, something with more details could work better.
Here are a few different styles to think about:
1. Modern and simple: These lamps often have sleek designs and might use materials like glass or metal.
2. Classic and traditional: Think about lamps with fabric shades and bases made of wood or ceramic.
3. Fun and unique: If you like to stand out, look for lamps with unusual shapes or bright colors.
4. Industrial: These lamps often have exposed bulbs, metal parts, and a raw look.
5. Scandinavian: These are simple, practical, and often have light wood or white colors.
Remember, your bedside lamp is both useful and decorative. It can be a main feature in your bedroom. For lots of different styles, look at our table lamp collection.
5. What's It Made Of?
The material of your lamp can change how it looks and how long it lasts. Common materials for lamp bases include:
- Metal: Strong and often sleek-looking. Good for modern rooms.
- Wood: Adds a warm, natural feel. Good for traditional or rustic styles.
- Ceramic: Can be simple or decorated. Works well in many different room styles.
- Glass: Gives a light, airy feel. Can make a small space feel bigger.
- Concrete: Offers an industrial or simple look. It's stable and has an interesting texture.
- Marble: Adds a fancy touch. Works well in both old-fashioned and modern settings.
Think about how the material will fit with the other things in your room. Also, consider how easy it is to clean - some materials show fingerprints more than others. The weight of the lamp is important too, especially if you plan to move it around a lot. Our buffet lamp collection has different materials that can also work as bedside lamps.
Here are two lamps made from different materials:
6. All About Lampshades
The lampshade is like the hat of your lamp - it can change how the lamp looks and how the light spreads in your room. Here are some things to think about:
- Shape: Round shades spread light evenly, while square ones direct light up and down.
- Material: Fabric shades give soft light, while glass or metal can create more dramatic lighting.
- Color: Light colors let more light through, dark colors make the light more focused.
Try to pick a shade that goes well with both the base of the lamp and the rest of your room. And think about how easy it is to clean - some materials collect dust more than others.
The size of the lampshade is important too. A good rule is that the bottom of the shade should be about as wide as the lamp base is tall. The shade should cover the switch and socket, but not be so big that it looks weird. For different lamp styles with various shades, look at our lamp collection.
7. Cool Features to Look For
New bedside lamps often have neat features that can make your life easier. Here are some to look for:
- Touch controls: Just tap the base to turn the lamp on or off. Really handy when you're sleepy!
- Dimmer switches: These let you change the brightness to what you need.
- USB ports: Great for charging your phone without using another outlet.
- Smart capabilities: Some lamps can be controlled with your phone or voice commands.
- Color-changing options: These let you change the color of the light to match your mood or the time of day.
- Built-in clocks or alarms: Useful if you like to know the time without looking at your phone.
Our desk lamp collection has many options with these cool features, which can work well as bedside lamps too. Remember, you don't need all these features. Think about which ones you'll actually use so you don't pay for extras you don't need.
8. Small Room? No Problem!
If your bedroom is small, don't worry - there are lots of lamp options that don't take up much space. Here are some ideas:
- Wall-mounted lamps: These don't need any table space at all.
- Clip-on lamps: You can attach these to your headboard or a shelf.
- Slim or adjustable lamps: These can fit into tight spaces and be moved around as needed.
- Pendant lights: These hang from the ceiling, saving space on your nightstand.
- Corner floor lamps: These can fit into corners, giving light without taking up much floor space.
In small rooms, it's good to have furniture that does more than one thing. Look for nightstands with built-in lamps or lamps with extra storage. Our table lamp collection has small options that work well in tight spaces.
9. Saving Energy (and Money!)
Using energy-saving bulbs in your bedside lamp is a smart idea. They last longer and use less electricity, which is good for your wallet and the environment. Here's a quick look at different types of bulbs:
Comparison of Light Bulb Types
LED bulbs might cost more at first, but they'll save you money over time because they use less energy and last much longer than other types. They also don't get as hot, which is safer for bedside use. Many lamps in our lamp collection work with LED bulbs, so you can choose an energy-saving option.
10. Finding a Good Deal
You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a nice bedside lamp. Here are some tips for finding a good lamp without spending too much:
- Look for sales, especially during holidays.
- Think about long-term costs, like energy use and how often you'll need to change bulbs.
- Sometimes, simple designs are cheaper but still look great.
- Check second-hand or vintage stores for unique, affordable options.
- Compare prices at different stores, including online.
- Consider buying two lamps at once, which can often be cheaper than buying them separately.
Remember, the most expensive lamp isn't always the best. Focus on finding a lamp that works for you and looks good in your room. Our buffet lamp collection often has affordable options that work well as bedside lamps.
11. Setting Up Your New Lamp
Once you've chosen your perfect lamp, here's how to set it up:
- Put it where you can easily reach it from your bed, usually about 6 inches from the edge of your nightstand.
- Make sure the bottom of the shade is about at eye level when you're sitting up in bed.
- Hide the cord behind your nightstand or use cord clips to keep it tidy.
- Always plug your lamp into a surge protector to keep it safe from power surges.
- Make sure you can easily reach the switch from your bed.
- If you're using a smart lamp, set up any apps or connections to your home network.
12. Taking Care of Your Lamp
To keep your bedside lamp looking good and working well:
- Dust it often with a soft cloth.
- For glass parts, use a bit of glass cleaner on a cloth (don't spray directly on the lamp).
- Clean fabric shades with a vacuum brush attachment.
- Change bulbs quickly when they burn out.
- Check the cord sometimes to make sure it's not worn or damaged.
- Tighten any loose screws or parts as needed.
If your lamp starts flickering or making noise, unplug it and check the bulb and cord. If you can't figure out what's wrong, you might need to call an electrician or get a new lamp. For strong, long-lasting options, look at our lamp collection.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right bedside lamp might seem small, but it can really change how your bedroom looks and feels. Take your time, think about what you need, and pick something that makes you happy when you see it. With the right lamp, your bedroom will feel cozier and more like you. Remember, the best lamp is one that works well and looks good, making your bedroom a nicer place to be.
