If you’re wondering how to choose the right lamp for your bedside table, we’re here to help! It can be overwhelming searching for the best bedside lamp for you with so many choices available.
In this guide, we go through crucial considerations you must make when attempting to find a lamp for your bedside table, including lumens, shade size, base height, style, light direction, material and switches. So, let’s dive right in and help you find the perfect light source for your bedside.
Table of contents
- How many lumens for a bedside lamp
- What size lamp shade for the bedside table
- How tall should a bedside lamp be
- How to choose a bedside lamp
How many lumens for a bedside lamp
First, you need to think about your bulb type. When choosing a bulb for your bedside lamp, consider the brightness. For your bedside, you’ll want a soft, more ambient light rather than a harsh, bright light to help you wind down before sleep.
You can determine your bulb brightness by the number of lumens. Aim for a bedside lamp with 200 to 400 lumens to provide adequate illumination for reading or navigating the bedroom without being overly bright.
Why not browse our range of bulbs at Castlegate Lights to find the best light bulb for your bedside lamp? With so many shapes and colour temperatures to browse, you can create the perfect bedside lighting.
What size lamp shade for the bedside table
Then, you need to think about your shade size. When choosing a lamp shade for your bedside table lamp, it should complement the size and style of your bedside table. It will overpower the bedside table if it’s too wide, and you may even knock your head on it while getting in and out of bed.
As a rule of thumb, the bottom of the shade (or diameter) should be about two-thirds the height of the lamp base to stop it from looking bulky or overpowering. You also don’t want it to be too small compared to the base, as this will look uneven.
To get the perfect size, ensure your lamp shade slightly extends beyond the base width to provide a balanced illumination and aesthetic appeal.
How tall should a bedside lamp be
The height of your bedside lamp should be proportional to the height of your bedside table, bed and surrounding furniture. A typical bedside lamp ranges between 16 to 24 inches (41-61cm).
Use this as a guide if you need clarification and want to avoid accidentally buying a massive or tiny lamp for your bedside table. If it’s too tall, the light might dazzle you as you switch it on. If it’s too short, it may not provide enough light for reading. The best height for a bedside lamp is at eye level to get enough light for reading in bed without getting dazzled by a bright wakeup.
When deciding the height of your bedside lamp, consider its function. For example, if you intend to use it primarily for reading, opt for a taller lamp that directs light downwards onto your reading material.
How to choose a bedside lamp
When choosing the perfect bedside lamp, there are multiple factors to consider.
Purpose
First, what will you use it for? Consider your needs and determine the primary purpose of your bedside lamp. Is it for reading, ambient light, accentuating decor or multiple uses? The purpose will determine the style of lamp you need.
Style
Then, think about style and aesthetics. Bedside table lamps aren’t just functional; they can also add design interest to your room. Choose a lamp that complements the style and decor of your bedroom. Options can include traditional, industrial, vintage and much more.
Also, consider your colour scheme and textures. Lamps provide excellent decor accent pieces, adding a pop of colour or contrasting texture to a room.
Lighting direction
Decide where you want your light directed based on your style preferences and the purpose of your lamp. If you need to use your lamp for reading, select a lamp that directs light downwards. Select a lamp that directs light upwards if you want to use your lamp light to highlight the wall texture or an architectural feature. And, if you are looking for a lamp to provide general ambient light, choose one that does both.
Note that adjustable lamp heads offer versatility between all these factors.
Material and finish
Your choice and material finish depends on your bedroom decor, with some being more modern or traditional. Typical bedroom lamp finishes sometimes have chrome, wood, ceramic or glass finishes. But there are so many more to choose from besides these.
Switch type
You can also consider the type of switch you want to make your life easier. You can go for a traditional switch on the neck or a more modern switch on the cable. Choose whichever you’ll find more convenient if you’re trying to turn the lamp on in the dark.
You can also opt for touch-sensitive lamps for maximum convenience, some of which usually have three brightness settings, or choose a dimmable lamp to get full adjustable brightness.
Space constraints
If you have limited bedside table space, consider wall-mounted lamps or smaller designs that will be manageable for your surface area.
Budget
Determine your budget and explore your options. Remember that a high-quality bedside lamp can enhance the ambience of your bedroom and is worth investing in. But, if you have budget constraints, we have a range of bedside table lamps to suit every budget at Castlegate Lights.
Bedside lamps at Castlegate Lights
Now you know how to choose a lamp for your bedside, it’s time to explore your options. Why not browse our bedroom table lamps at Castlegate Lights to find the perfect bedside lamp for your bedroom?
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