Bedside Lamps - How To Choose the Best Bedroom Lighting (2024)

Looking for a new bedside lamp but unsure where to begin? Fear not - there's no need to spend countless hours browsing the web for the perfect choice. We've taken care of the legwork and put together a comprehensive selection of top-rated lamps that cater to all budgets.

Before selecting a bedside lamp, consider the overall style and theme of your bedroom. Is it modern, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic? The lamp you choose should complement the existing decor and color scheme. For example, if your bedroom has a contemporary vibe, opt for sleek lamps with clean lines and metallic finishes. On the other hand, a vintage-inspired bedroom may call for a more ornate, decorative lamp.

Key Features and Elements to Consider

When choosing a bedside lamp, consider the following features:

• Lighting Type: Do you prefer a soft, warm glow or bright, focused light? Lamps with adjustable brightness settings can cater to both reading and relaxation.
• Bulb Wattage: The ideal wattage depends on the desired brightness and size of the room. A 40-watt bulb is suitable for small spaces, while a 60-watt bulb works well in larger rooms. Remember, energy-efficient LED bulbs are not only eco-friendly but also last longer.
• Placement: Determine where the lamp will be placed—on a nightstand, mounted on the wall, or a shelf. This will help you decide on the lamp’s size, shape, and design.

Materials, Shades, and Colors

The materials, shades, and colors used in your bedside lamp can greatly impact the overall ambiance of your bedroom. Consider the following:

• Materials: Metal, glass, ceramic, or wood? The material should complement your room’s style and other furniture pieces.
• Shades: Lampshades can dramatically change the lighting effect. Fabric shades create a softer glow, while metal or glass shades produce more focused light.
• Colors: Choose a color that either complements or contrasts with your bedroom’s color scheme. Neutral tones are versatile and timeless, while bold, vibrant colors can serve as statement pieces.

Variables to Consider

Lastly, consider any variables that may affect your decision:

• Budget: Set a budget before shopping for a bedside lamp. There are options available at various price points, so you’ll likely find something that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
• Room Size: For smaller bedrooms, opt for compact lamps or wall-mounted fixtures to save space. Larger rooms can accommodate bigger, more elaborate lamps.
• Eye Health Requirements: If you have sensitive eyes or specific vision needs, look for lamps with adjustable brightness settings, dimmers, or blue-light filtering features.

THE WORST BEDSIDE LAMPS

Below we’ll explore some of the poorest possible choices for a bedside lamp or light. These options are unsuitable for an adult bedroom and may evoke negative emotions, lead to inadequate lighting, or pose potential health hazards.

By understanding what not to do, you can make more informed decisions when choosing the perfect bedside lamp.

The Blindingly Bright Neon Lamp

A neon lamp might seem like a fun, quirky choice initially, but it’s an absolute disaster for an adult bedroom. The intense brightness and vibrant colors can cause eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and create an overwhelming ambiance that’s far from relaxing.

Moreover, the buzzing sound emitted by neon lights can be irritating and disturb your peace.

The Flickering Fluorescent Tube

A fluorescent tube is typically used in office spaces and commercial buildings, making it an odd choice for a bedroom. The flickering nature of these lights can cause headaches, eye strain, and even trigger migraines. Additionally, their unattractive aesthetics and harsh lighting don’t contribute positively to a cozy bedroom atmosphere.

The Melting Candle Chandelier

While candles can be romantic and soothing, using them as your primary bedside light source is a recipe for disaster. A melting candle chandelier might seem like a whimsical, vintage-inspired choice, but it poses significant safety risks, such as fire hazards and potential burns. Furthermore, the dripping wax can damage your furniture and flooring, leading to additional expenses and headaches.

The Glaring Spotlight

A spotlight may work well for highlighting artwork or architectural features, but it’s a terrible choice for a bedside lamp. The intense, focused beam of light can be blinding and uncomfortable, making it difficult to relax or read in bed. Additionally, the harsh lighting and unattractive design will clash with your bedroom’s cozy ambiance.

The Unstable DIY Lamp

A homemade lamp may seem like a creative, budget-friendly option, but if not constructed properly, it can lead to disastrous consequences. An unstable DIY lamp made from flimsy materials or exposed wiring can pose significant safety risks, such as electrical fires or injury from falling debris. Always opt for professionally designed and manufactured lamps that meet safety standards.

By understanding these examples of poor bedside lamp choices, you can avoid potential issues and make better-informed decisions when selecting the perfect lighting for your bedroom. Remember to prioritize safety, functionality, and aesthetics to create a comfortable and inviting sleeping environment.

THE BEST BEDSIDE LIGHTING

Wall sconces and table lamps are often considered the best starting options for bedside lighting due to their versatility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s why these two types of lighting fixtures make excellent choices for your bedroom:

Versatility

Both wall sconces and table lamps come in various styles, materials, and designs, making it easy to find the perfect option that complements your bedroom’s decor.

Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, ornate design, you’ll likely find a wall sconce or table lamp that suits your taste.

Functionality

Wall sconces and table lamps provide focused, adjustable lighting ideal for various tasks, such as reading, writing, or simply relaxing before bed. Many models feature adjustable arms or shades, allowing you to direct the light where you need it most.

In addition, wall sconces help save valuable space on your nightstand, as they can be mounted directly on the wall. This makes them an excellent choice for small bedrooms or rooms with limited surface area.

Table lamps, on the other hand, can easily be moved from one location to another, offering flexibility and convenience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Wall sconces and table lamps not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your bedroom. Wall sconces can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere by casting a soft, diffused light on the walls, while table lamps can act as statement pieces that showcase your personal style.

Both lighting options come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing you to select a design that enhances your room’s visual appeal.

In conclusion, wall sconces and table lamps are ideal starting options for bedside lamps due to their versatility, functionality, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation and maintenance. By selecting a suitable design that complements your bedroom’s decor and meets your specific needs, you can enhance the overall comfort and ambiance of your sleeping space.

BUDGET BEDSIDE OPTIONS

For those on a tight budget, several affordable bedside lighting options provide functionality and style. Here are some inexpensive alternatives to consider.

Clip-on Lights

Clip-on lights are a versatile and cost-effective option for bedside lighting. These portable lamps can be easily attached to a headboard, shelf, or nightstand, providing focused light for reading or other tasks. With adjustable necks and a variety of styles and colors to choose from, clip-on lights offer a practical solution for those on a budget.

Desk Lamps

Desk lamps, although typically used for workspaces, can also serve as an affordable option for bedside lighting. Many desk lamps have adjustable arms and heads, allowing you to direct the light where needed. Choose a compact design with a small footprint to save space on your nightstand.

String Lights

String lights can add a touch of whimsy and warmth to your bedroom while providing soft, ambient lighting. Drape them over your headboard, around a mirror, or along a shelf for a cozy, budget-friendly alternative to traditional bedside lamps.

Battery-Operated LED Lights

Battery-operated LED lights, such as puck lights or stick-on strips, can be placed on a nightstand or mounted on the wall near your bed. These lights are energy-efficient, easy to install, and often have adhesive backing or magnetic attachments for hassle-free placement.

By exploring these budget-friendly bedside lighting options, you can find a solution that fits your needs and your wallet. Remember, even on a tight budget, it’s possible to achieve a functional and stylish lighting setup in your bedroom.

In our digital age, even bedside lamps have gotten a high-tech makeover. These aren’t your grandmother’s lamps! Today’s options come loaded with features that extend far beyond simple illumination. If you’re a tech-lover or just love the idea of multifunctional gadgets, these might be just your ticket. Here’s the lowdown on bedside lamps with a tech twist.

Lamps with Charging Ports

These lamps come with built-in USB ports or wireless charging pads, allowing you to conveniently charge your devices by your bedside.

They’re incredibly convenient, especially if your outlet is far from your bed. They also help reduce clutter by eliminating the need for extra charging cables.

Lamps with Bluetooth Speakers

These lamps come with built-in speakers that connect to your devices via Bluetooth, allowing you to play your favorite tunes without needing an additional device.

They’re great for music lovers and can help reduce clutter by eliminating the need for a separate speaker. Some models even offer sound quality comparable to standalone speakers. However, the sound quality may not satisfy audiophiles, and Bluetooth connectivity issues can occur.

Smart Lamps with Soothing Sounds

These lamps connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and can play various soothing sounds, like tweeting birds or waves crashing on the beach.

They can help create a relaxing environment and may aid in falling asleep or meditating. You can often customize the sounds, volume, and timing through an associated app. Nevertheless, they can be more expensive than traditional lamps and require a Wi-Fi connection to use all their features. Sound quality may vary.

Lamps with Alarm Features

These lamps double as alarm clocks, waking you up gently with light that gradually gets brighter, simulating a sunrise. Some even include soothing sounds to help you wake up more naturally. They also reduce clutter by eliminating the need for a separate alarm clock.

These tech-savvy lamps are a testament to how far we’ve come from the simple on-off switch. While they might not be for everyone, they offer a unique blend of convenience and functionality that can make your bedtime and morning routines smoother and more enjoyable. So why not embrace the future and give one of these high-tech lamps a try?