Best Bedroom Lamps: Choosing the Right Bedside Light

For most bedrooms, a bedside table lamp is the most useful choice because it puts light close to where you read, get ready for bed, and move around after dark. Choose one that fits your nightstand without crowding your essentials, and place the shade near a comfortable reading height when you’re seated in bed so you can see the page without looking directly into the bulb.

If you read in bed, look for a shade and bulb combination that directs enough light onto your book; if you mainly want a calmer atmosphere, a softer, diffused glow may suit you better. A dimmable bulb can give you both options when used with a compatible lamp and dimmer, while a warm-toned bulb generally feels more restful in a bedroom than a cool, bright one.

A table lamp should leave room for the things you reach for at night, and its base should sit securely on the table rather than near an edge where it could be knocked over. Our Elegant Bedside Ceramic Table Lamp for Home is an option if you prefer a ceramic table lamp; for more on choosing that style, read our guide to choosing an elegant ceramic bedside lamp.