Our Favorite Bedside Lamps for Stylish Illumination (2024)

With so many styles and materials to choose from, finding the perfect bedside lamps or floor lamps can be a challenge. "It depends on how you use the room and what look you want," says interior designer Amy Forshew of Proximity Interiors. "Table lamps can provide a lot of personality with endless styles and choices."

Bedside lamps are a must-have, and not just for style. They provide handy illumination in the middle of the night, when you're relaxing in bed, and first thing in the morning as you get ready. So, it's important to choose a lamp that looks great and offers just the right amount of light (and a few features) to suit your lifestyle. You can even find cordless lamps if there's no outlet handy.

We researched the vast variety of different bedside lamps available and came up with our favorites, many of which are visually interesting and offer varying levels of brightness.

Our Top Picks

What We Like

  • Sleek, angled design

  • Eight colors available

  • Long power cord

What We Don't Like

  • Not dimmable

Our top pick for a bedside lamp is the Karry Task Lamp from Rejuvenation. It features a solid brass base with an antique gold or oil-rubbed bronze finish. The powder-coated aluminum shade comes in eight colors ranging from soft eucalyptus to deep blue to dove gray.

The sleek, angled design is inspired by table lamps from the 1920s and 30s, with a nod to industrial design and a decidedly modern appeal. Though we wish it was dimmable, this bedside lamp is easy to turn on and off with its rocker switch. The articulating shade does allow you to easily direct the lamp’s beam of light for better visibility.

The 8-foot power cord gives you flexibility in terms of where to plug it in. We wish the price was a bit more accessible but other than that we have no complaints.

Dimensions: 21 x 15.25 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 4.62 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Two lamps for one price

  • Light-filtering shade

  • Neutral colorways

What We Don't Like

  • Not dimmable

On a budget? Haitral’s set of two Small Bedside Table Lamps is a stellar choice. Each light has a sturdy metal base and a soft, light-filtering shade. There's a standard bulb socket that accommodates regular and energy-saving LED bulbs, plus a handy on/off rocker switch right on the power cord.

You can choose from a few neutral colorways, with a black or silver base and a gray, beige, black, or white shade. It would be nice if these lamps were dimmable, but considering the wallet-friendly price point, we really can't complain.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Set of 2: Yes

What We Like

  • High-end design

  • Chic, traditional appeal

  • Glazed clay base

What We Don't Like

  • Too large for some nightstands

If you're willing to spend a bit more on high-end bedside illumination, Pottery Barn is where it's at. The Miller Ceramic Table Lamp boasts a chic, traditional appeal combined with farmhouse flare without sacrificing versatility. It's made of fired clay and finished in a glossy two-toned hue.

This light is available in three sizes. We should note that even the smallest—which is 24.5 inches tall and 14 inches in diameter—might be too large for some nightstands. And while the price is steep, we think the upscale design is worth the investment if it fits in your space.

Dimensions: 24.5 x 14 inches, 31.5 x 19 inches, 36.5 x 19 inches | Weight: 14.5–30 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Adjustable arm

  • Angular silhouette

  • Industrial-modern aesthetic

What We Don't Like

  • Inconvenient switch location

"Lamps on an arm are a great option for nighttime readers," says Forshew. "They provide mobility to bring light closer when needed." With this in mind, we like the Wade Logan Kidwell Metal Desk Lamp, which has a conveniently adjustable arm. Its LED-compatible design makes it easy to brightly illuminate your bedroom for late-night reading, too.

This functional tabletop accent light is made of metal and features black or silver hardware accents. With an asymmetrical cone-shaped shade and an angular silhouette, it flaunts a cool industrial-modern aesthetic. One thing to note is the on/off switch is located farther down the cord than we'd like, which isn't very convenient. But otherwise, this is an excellent product.

Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 8 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Cord-free with no footprint

  • Sculptural wood base

  • Tasteful color contrast

What We Don't Like

  • Professional installation recommended

If you're short on nightstand space or want a streamlined, cord-free look, consider a wall sconce or wall-mounted light. We're big fans of Crate & Barrel's Lockeland Sconces, which have carved, sculptural wood bases in your choice of black, light ash, or warm walnut.

The simple ivory fabric shades offer a nice contrast to the wood while delivering soft light filtration to your sleeping quarters. These sconces aren't sold in pairs, and the price per light is somewhat steep. You'll probably want to hire a professional to mount and hardwire them, but in the end, you'll be glad to have put in the extra effort.

Dimensions: 18.88 x 8.4 inches | Weight: Not listed | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Port and switch on base

  • Adjustable arm

  • Good for reading

What We Don't Like

  • Assembly required

With the 360 Lighting Wray Lamp, your bedside light can double as a charging station. It features a built-in USB port right on the base, where you can plug in your phone charger or e-reader. This helps you keep your devices within reach while minimizing your use of wall outlets—and you’ll have plenty of light within reach whether you’re reading, relaxing, or otherwise enjoying your bedroom’s space.

Available in tonal brass or black with brass accents, this lamp has a metal base with a rocker switch, an adjustable arm, and a cone-shaped shade. As Forshew notes, the adjustable arm is great for reading in bed. You'll have to assemble it at home, but it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes.

Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 26.75 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

What We Don't Like

  • Patina may change over time

Pull-chain lights are convenient, especially when reaching from bed, plus they have a classically tasteful appeal. We love the Pogo Cane Table Lamp from CB2, designed by Studio Anansi, which creates African- and Caribbean-inspired contemporary housewares. It’s convenient to use day in and day out, but it’s also a standout piece that’ll draw attention even when unlit.

The Pogo Table Lamp flaunts a solid brass base, giving it a nice weight, plus a center rod wrapped in natural cane and a crisp pleated linen shade. Due to the nature of the material, CB2 says the brass might evolve into a deeper patina over time. And while this light is undoubtedly expensive, you can definitely count on quality.

Dimensions: 27.12 x 14 inches | Weight: Not listed | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Dimmable

  • Built-in USB port

  • Eight shade colors

What We Don't Like

  • Not the most durable

Interested in a touch light? The Yarra-Decor Bedside Lamp might be your best bet. The easy tap controls allow you to not only turn it on and off but also dim and brighten the illumination based on your needs and preferences. It also has a built-in USB port at the base for even more convenience and functionality.

This nightstand light has an attractive black, chrome, or wooden base, a metal center rod, and a modern cylindrical shade—a nice alternative to the traditional cone shape. Available in eight colors ranging from brown to gray to light denim blue, the shade filters light into a soft, comfortable glow. It might not be the most durable option, but the affordable price is hard to beat.

Dimensions: 15.3 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Compact size

  • Works with smart bulbs

  • Modish sculptural curves

What We Don't Like

  • Not dimmable

If you need a smaller bedside lamp to suit more limited space, consider the Richmond Desk Lamp. Just 15 inches tall and 8 inches at the base, it's conveniently compact without sacrificing illumination. While the lamp itself doesn't have dimming capabilities, you can install a smart bulb to control the brightness from your phone or tablet.

A collaboration from Novogratz and Globe Electric, this contemporary light boasts a monochrome design with sculptural curves and an orb-style shade. It's made of brass and features a matte or glossy finish in your choice of several hues. Though it's not sold in pairs, the price is very reasonable, even if you buy two.

Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Complements various design styles

  • Cylindrical glass base

  • Classic white shade

What We Don't Like

  • May show fingerprints

You want your bedside lamps to look chic on your nightstands but not so trendy that they're out of style in a couple of years. With this in mind, we're loving the Christa Table Lamp from Joss & Main. Available in sets of two, it features a clear cylindrical glass base and a classic white drum-style shade.

The versatile design will go effortlessly with modern, traditional, contemporary, and glam decor schemes alike. According to Forshew, "A clear glass base is the way to go for a more airy and sometimes coastal feel." One thing to note is that it might show fingerprints in certain lights, but you can easily remove them with an everyday glass cleaner. And although the price is steep, it's a decent value for two lamps.

Dimensions: 31 x 16 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Set of 2: Yes

What We Like

  • Angular silhouette

  • Tiltable shade

  • Included LED bulb

What We Don't Like

  • Partial assembly required

If you're partial to mid-century modern design, you can count on West Elm to have what you're looking for. The brand's Curvilinear Table Lamp features a unique T-shaped base, an angular silhouette, and a wide, asymmetrical shade reminiscent of decor from the 1960s.

But this statement piece is more than just stunning. The durable, functional design has a handy in-line switch and tilts vertically for adjustable illumination. It comes with an LED bulb, but you can switch it out for a smart dimmable bulb for more options. You can purchase a single lamp or a set of two, whichever best suits your space. Just a heads up: Unlike most other West Elm products, this one calls for partial at-home assembly.

Dimensions: 20 x 18.4 x 10 inches | Weight: Not listed | Set of 2: Yes

What We Like

  • Suits modern and industrial styling

  • Exposed bulb

  • Wrought iron base

What We Don't Like

  • No light filtration

  • Unscrews from base easily

Wrought iron and exposed bulbs are pillars ofindustrial interior design, and this Simple Designs Bronson Industrial Lamp checks both boxes. The bedside light has a black iron base, a squared-off C-curve rod, and a clear glass shade—nailing the bare-bones, factory-inspired aesthetic.

Bear in mind that since the shade is clear, it doesn't really filter light. An Edison-style bulb is ideal for this lamp, as it won't be overly bright while also lending a vintage appearance. The other thing to mention is that the rod may unscrew from the base easily, but for such an affordable price, it's still an excellent value.

Dimensions: 18.75 x 9.75 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Set of 2: No

What We Like

  • Crystal base

  • Luxe light filtration

  • LED bulbs included

What We Don't Like

  • Assembly required

If you're drawn to glam home decor, this one's for you. Safavieh's Lilly Table Lamp features a clear crystal base, which extends up over the rod, then a black bell-shaped fabric shade that provides ambiance-enhancing light filtration.

This luxe light fixture is a little pricey, but considering it comes as a set of two, the value is pretty decent. You'll also get two energy-saving LED bulbs inside each lamp. Though you'll have to assemble your lamps at home, it should be a quick and easy process.

Dimensions: 25.5 x 13 inches | Weight: 16.5 pounds | Set of 2: Yes

What We Like

  • Versatile styling

  • Oil-rubbed bronze base

  • Works with dimmable bulb

What We Don't Like

  • Not sold individually

If your design tastes lean more traditional, or you want to ensure your bedside lamps don't go out of fashion anytime soon, go with this set from Regency Hill. These timeless tabletop lights have metal bases with an oil-rubbed bronze finish and light-filtering hardback shades in your choice of beige, white, or black. And you can use a dimmable light bulb in this lamp duo to create an adjustable ambiance.

In addition to traditional decor, they'll also work well in farmhouse, coastal grandmother, cottagecore, and even modern design schemes for a nice contrast. It would be nice if you could buy them individually, but the price is more than reasonable for a set of two.

Dimensions: 25 x 12 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Set of 2: Yes

What We Like

  • Millions of colors

  • Mobile/voice controls

  • Works as alarm clock

What We Don't Like

  • Somewhat small

For even more adjustability and customization, consider a color-changing model. We like the Hugoai Smart LED Lamp, with its contemporary, tech-forward design and ample features for personalizing your bedside space. This light pairs with your smartphone, allowing you to turn it off and on remotely, adjust the brightness and choose from literally millions of colors.

You can also connect this bedside lamp to Alexa, Google Home, or another virtual assistant and control it with voice commands. Not only that, but the Smart Life app also has the option to be used as an alarm clock, gradually getting brighter to wake you up like the natural sunrise would. The only potential downside is it's somewhat small, but depending on your available space, this may not be an issue.

Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Set of 2: No

Final Verdict

Overall, we like the Rejuvenation Karry Task Lamp. This versatile bedside light features a sleek, angled silhouette and comes with your choice of eight shade colors. But if you're on a budget or looking for a set of two, you can't go wrong with the Haitral Bedside Table Lamps.

What to Consider When Buying a Bedside Lamp

Type and Style

There are a few primary types of bedside lamps to choose from, including classic table lamps, task lights with adjustable arms, and sconces, like the Crate & Barrel Lockeland Wood Sconce. Beyond that, you'll find a wide range of design styles, ranging from versatile and timeless to trendy and modern.

"The base could be made of ceramic, either a solid color or a hand-painted pattern, for a more traditional look," says interior designer Amy Forshew ofProximity Interiors."Or, opt for a metal base to lean more minimal and modern." She adds that the shade affects the aesthetic too.

For instance, a pleated design leans classic, while smooth drum-style shades are a bit more contemporary, as with the Joss & Main Christa Table Lamp.

Size

Size is another crucial consideration when buying bedroom lamps. "The lamp size depends on the size of your bedside table and headboard," says Forshew. "You want to make sure the scale is right."

For smaller nightstands, look for something more compact, like the Novogratz x Globe Electric Richmond Lamp. And if you're working with a larger table and a statement headboard, opt for a more substantial light, such as the Pottery Barn Miller Ceramic Lamp.

Quality and Durability

Quality is important, too, not just in terms of how high-end the lamp looks but also how long it'll last. More affordable lights are generally not as durable as their pricier counterparts. If you want your bedside lamps to last longer than a couple of years, expect to pay a bit more.

For example, the CB2 Pogo Cane Table Lamp is priced pretty steep, but you can count on it to hold up for years to come.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, we found a few illuminating products to help spruce up your bedside table.

  1. Wyze Smart Bulb: After you buy the lamp, you're going to need a bulb. This fun lightbulb is one of the best smart bulbs. It has 1,100-lumen brightness and many colors so you can custom-create your ideal lighting.
  2. Wireless Future Charger Valet Tray: To keep your nightstand organized, set up this convenient charging station with compartments to hold your phone, earbuds, and smartwatch. You'll never wake up with dead devices again.
  3. Kasa Smart Plug, 2-Pack: There's no more walking through darkness to turn on your bedside lamp when you buy a smart plug. These handy 120-volt plugs work with a variety of appliances (not just lamps!) and all you need is the Kasa app to remotely turn your lamp on or off.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Hollandis a seasoned commerce writer specializing in housewares and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed interior designer Amy Forshew ofProximity Interiors, who offered insight into the different types and styles of bedside lamps. After considering dozens of fixtures from various brands, she narrowed it down to the most functional, practical, and aesthetically pleasing designs at a range of price points. Holland has been covering home improvement, decor, and furniture at The Spruce since 2019. You can find more of her buying guides on People, Byrdie, and MyDomaine.

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