A table lamp does more for a room than almost any other light. It adds warm, low light at eye level, creates cosy corners and turns a bedside table or console into a styled moment. But which height, which bulb and corded or cordless? Here is how to choose.
Bedside lamps: the right height
When you sit up in bed, the bottom of the lampshade should sit roughly at chin height. That puts the light where you read, without glare in your eyes. As a guide, lamp height plus bedside table height should be around 100–120 cm. With a 60 cm bedside table, a lamp of 40–60 cm works well.
Short on space? A compact cordless alabaster lamp (15 or 24 cm) fits on narrow bedside tables and shelves.
Lounge room and console lamps
On a side table next to the sofa, choose a lamp whose shade bottom ends at about shoulder height when you are seated, so you can read comfortably. On a console or sideboard, go taller and more sculptural: the lamp is decoration as much as light. Natural materials like stone, travertine and alabaster add texture, such as the Travertine Table Lamp or the Alabaster and Brass Table Lamp.
Cordless table lamps: are they worth it?
Rechargeable cordless lamps have become one of the biggest lighting trends, and for good reason:
- No power point needed: place them on dining tables, outdoor tables, shelves or kitchen benches.
- No visible cords: a cleaner look on consoles and bedside tables.
- Portable: carry them from the dining table to the balcony.
- Dimmable: most have touch dimming and warm white light.
Most cordless lamps last several evenings on one charge and recharge via USB. Try the Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp with Touch Dimming or a statement piece like the Rechargeable Stone Base Lamp. See them all in Cordless Lamps.
Choose the right bulb colour
For bedrooms and lounges, choose warm white (2700K–3000K). It creates a relaxed, inviting glow. Neutral white (4000K) suits a desk or study where you need focus. A lamp with adjustable colour temperature gives you both.
Style tips
- Use lamps in pairs on matching bedside tables for a balanced, hotel-style look.
- Mix heights: one tall lamp and a smaller one on a shelf create depth.
- Light every corner of a lounge: aim for 3 light sources at different heights (ceiling, floor lamp, table lamp).
- Choose soft, diffused shades like rice paper or alabaster for bedrooms, such as the Rice Paper Table Lamp.
Shop all Table & Floor Lamps.
Frequently asked questions
How tall should a bedside lamp be?
Around 40–60 cm for a standard 55–65 cm bedside table, so the shade sits at chin height when you sit up in bed.
How long do cordless lamps last?
Most rechargeable table lamps run about 6–12 hours per charge on a medium setting, depending on brightness.
What colour light is best for a bedroom?
Warm white, 2700K–3000K. It supports relaxing in the evening and looks flattering on natural materials.