Despite what you may think, not all lamps are created equal. While they may all have the same fundamental features (you know, like a switch) – some lamps are just better suited for certain spaces. And when it comes to bedside lamps, there are a few key things to keep in mind when brightening up your bedroom.
There are a handful of things to look for when choosing the right lamps – and we’re breaking down all the info you need to know before you buy. Plus, we’ve found 15 of our favorite lamps that are perfect for your nightstands (and they’re all under $150). So get ready to learn how to find the right bedside lamp!
For more expert tips on outfitting your bedroom, check out , Mixing It Up: 15 Bedroom Furniture Pairings That Work.
What To Look For In A Bedside Lamp
Not sure what lamps will look best on your bedside? Keep these 3 factors in mind to find the perfect option.
WIDTH
The size of your nightstands (and bed) should determine the overall size of your lamp. (Keep in mind that the larger your bed, the larger the nightstands should be.) If you have a wide nightstand, a wider lamp is needed to match the scale. As an overall rule, your lamp should be about one-third the width of the nightstand. You can determine this by measuring the lamp’s widest point, whether it’s the base or the bottom of the shade.
HEIGHT
Height is equally important to find the right scale for your lamps. And it’s especially important if you’re reading in bed (as you don’t want the light over your head or shining right in your eyes). Unless you have an extremely low bed or low headboard, you want your lamps to be around 22 – 27 inches high. You can also follow the rule of taking the height of your nightstand and adding an extra 2 inches to determine the height of your bedside lamps.
STYLE
You want your bedside lamp to create some contrast with your nightstand, whether it’s through color, texture or material, or the shape of the base. A light-colored lamp will pop against a dark nightstand, while a more cylindrical or organic-shaped lamp will create visual contrast against a liner bedside table.
SHADE
A lamp with a fabric shade is going to provide a softer, diffused light that is ideal for lighting the room as well as any bedtime activity. You can also opt for a metal shade that will provide a more directional light source that works well for reading.