A bedside lamp (or table lamp) illuminates the corner of the bed without lighting up the whole room: it is used for reading, finding your belongings, or falling asleep in soft light, and it is also a decorative item for the nightstand. Touch-controlled, cordless, with a lampshade, in rattan, ceramic, or metal: find the lamp that suits your bedroom, with a 2-year warranty, free returns within 30 days, and shipping within 72 hours.
What is a bedside lamp used for?
- Reading in bed without lighting up the whole room or disturbing the person sleeping next to you.
- Finding your way at night with soft light, without waking up in full light.
- Creating a relaxing atmosphere in the evening, warmer than an overhead light.
- Decorating the bedroom: the base, the material, and the lampshade add style to the nightstand, even when turned off.
Bedside lamp, table lamp, bedside wall light: what's the difference?
A bedside lamp is a table lamp designed for the nightstand. A table lamp is a broader term: it can also go on a dresser, desk, sideboard, or shelf. A bedside wall light is fixed to the wall next to the bed: it frees up the nightstand and is well suited to small bedrooms.
What size bedside lamp should you choose?
The lamp should be proportional to the nightstand, the bed, and the room. Here are some indicative guidelines:
| Criterion | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Total height of the lamp (base and lampshade) | 35 to 55 cm for a standard nightstand |
| Position of the light | The bottom of the lampshade at eye level when you are sitting in bed |
| Width of the base | Leave at least half of the top free for the book, phone, and glass of water |
| Single bed | One lamp is enough, on the side where you read |
| Double bed | Two identical or matching lamps, one on each side |
| Narrow nightstand or low bed | A compact lamp with a small base, or a wall light |
| High bed (thick upholstered bed frame) | A slightly taller lamp, so the light is not too low |
These guidelines should be adapted to your furniture: measure your nightstand and the height of your bed before choosing.
How to properly place your bedside lamp?
- The bulb must not be visible when you are lying down: this is the role of the lampshade, or an opal or frosted glass.
- Place the lamp slightly back from the edge of the table, stable, away from the edge of the bed.
- For reading, direct the light towards the book, without lighting up the other person's face.
- Keep the lamp accessible with one hand, even when lying down.
What type of bedside lamp should you choose?
- Bedside lamp with lampshade: the light is soft and diffused. In fabric, it warms up the room; in opal glass, it is brighter and lighter.
- Lamp without lampshade: exposed bulb or integrated diffuser, for an industrial, retro, or designer style. Choose a model that does not face the eyes.
- Touch bedside lamp: a simple touch of the base turns it on, off, and adjusts the intensity. Practical in the dark. It works on mains or on battery depending on the models: it is not the same as a lamp without power.
- Cordless and rechargeable bedside lamp: it can be placed anywhere, without a power outlet next to the bed. Check the battery life and charging method (USB cable, base) on the product sheet.
- Bedside lamp with phone charging: some models include a USB port or wireless charging. Plan for a wide enough top for the lamp and the phone.
- Clamp lamp: attaches to the headboard or a shelf, practical when there is no nightstand.
- Dimmable bedside lamp: clear light for reading, soft light for falling asleep. Dimmer on the base or touch with multiple levels.
- Multicolor or smart bedside lamp: color change, remote control, or app control depending on the models. If you like a variable atmosphere in the evening, it is an extra comfort.
- Night light lamp: very soft, to illuminate without waking, useful in a child's room or for getting up at night.
Browse the selection above and use the collection filters to find the lamp that suits your bedroom.
What style of bedside lamp for your bedroom?
- Modern and sleek: simple lines, black or white metal, glass, cylindrical or conical shapes, LED light.
- Scandinavian: light wood, linen or cotton lampshade, soft tones.
- Bohemian and natural: rattan, bamboo, paper, wicker, which filter the light.
- Industrial: matte black metal, exposed bulb, brass.
- Retro and vintage: ceramic, patinated brass, classic lampshade, "Edison" style lamps.
- Romantic and classic: ceramic or glass base, fabric lampshade, golden touches.
- Baroque and glamorous: gilding, marble, crystal, or tassels.
A tip: take a material or color already present in the bedroom (bed wood, linen fabric, handles). If you take two lamps, choose them identical or very close.
What material should you choose?
Metal
Aluminum, steel, brass, or satin nickel: solid, easy to clean, suited to modern and industrial styles.
Wood
Warm and natural. Light wood goes well with a Scandinavian style, darker wood with a rustic or classic decor.
Ceramic
Rounded shapes, colored or matte glazes. It adds character but remains fragile to impacts.
Glass
Transparent glass gives an impression of lightness, but a lampshade is needed to limit glare. Opal, smoked, or crackled glass diffuses a softer light.
Textile, rattan, and paper
Linen, cotton, rattan, or paper filter the light and create a warm atmosphere. They require dry cleaning.
Plastic
Light and impact-resistant: it is well suited to children's bedrooms.
Bulb, lumens, and light color
- The socket: E14 (small socket), E27 (large socket), or G9, depending on the lamp. Some lamps have an integrated LED. The socket is indicated on the product sheet.
- The maximum power: it is indicated on the lamp. Never exceed it.
- The lumens: count about 300 to 500 lumens for reading, and 50 to 150 lumens for an ambient or night light. These are indicative guidelines.
- The color temperature: a warm white (2700 to 3000 K) is the most comfortable in the evening and promotes falling asleep. Avoid cold white in a bedroom.
- The quality of light (CRI): aim for a color rendering index of at least 80 so that colors appear natural, especially for reading.
- LED: consumes little and heats up little, which is more comfortable next to the bed. Check the lifespan indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Dimmer and adjustable intensity: with an integrated dimmer, or a multi-level touch function, the lamp is adjusted directly. With a dimmable bulb and an external dimmer, check compatibility. The intensity changes, not always the color: to go from warm white to cold white, choose a model with adjustable color temperature.
What bedside lamp for a child?
- Stability: a wide and heavy base, or a non-slip base, so that it does not tip over.
- Resistant materials: prefer plastic, wood, or metal over fragile glass and ceramic.
- Heat: an LED heats up little. The bulb must not be accessible, nor touch the lampshade.
- Cable: short, out of reach, or a cordless rechargeable lamp.
- Light: soft, in warm white, with a night light or a dimmer for falling asleep.
- Shapes: cloud, star, animal, or mushroom, for a playful child's bedroom.
For safety, always check the minimum age and the instructions on the product sheet and in the manual.
Bedside wall light: the alternative
Fixed to the wall next to the bed, the wall light frees up the nightstand, suits small bedrooms, and is not at risk of falling. Choose a model that is adjustable or with an articulated arm to direct the light towards the book, with a wall light on each side for a double bed. A bedside wall light is generally placed 60 to 80 cm above the mattress, depending on the model.
Safety and maintenance
- Before cleaning, turn off and unplug the lamp, and wait for the bulb to cool down.
- Never cover the lamp with a cloth or a scarf: the bulb heats up.
- Fabric and paper: dust with an adhesive roller or a soft brush, without water.
- Metal, glass, and ceramic: soft slightly damp cloth, then dry.
- Rattan and wood: soft brush, dry. Avoid moisture.
- Cable: pass it behind the furniture without pulling or bending it, and check that the plug reaches the outlet without tension.
- Bulb: replace it with a bulb of the same socket and power equal to or less than the maximum power indicated.
Before ordering: what to check on the product sheet
- Height and width of the base, and diameter of the lampshade.
- Bulb included or not, socket, maximum power.
- Power supply (mains, battery, or pile), cable length, type of switch.
- CE marking and usage instructions.
Our commitments
- 2-year warranty on our lighting fixtures
- Returns without conditions within 30 days, return costs at our expense
- Responsive customer service for your questions before and after purchase
- Shipping within 72 hours
Frequently asked questions
What height for a bedside lamp?
Count 35 to 55 cm for a standard nightstand. The bottom of the lampshade should be approximately at eye level when you are sitting in bed.
Is a lamp needed on each side of the bed?
For a single bed, one lamp is enough. For a double bed, two lamps (one on each side) allow each person to read without disturbing the other.
What light for reading in bed?
A light directed towards the book, from 300 to 500 lumens, in warm white or slightly neutral, preferably adjustable.
Does a touch lamp work without an outlet?
Only if it is cordless and rechargeable, or battery-powered. The touch function is used to turn it on and adjust the intensity: it does not replace the power supply. Check it on the product sheet.
What bulb for a bedside lamp?
Look at the socket (E14, E27, or G9) and the maximum power indicated on the lamp. A warm white LED (2700 to 3000 K) is suitable in most cases.
What warranty and what deadlines?
Our lighting fixtures are guaranteed for 2 years, we ship within 72 hours, and you can return your order within 30 days, without conditions, at our expense.
Ready to choose your bedside lamp? Browse our selection of LED bedside lamps and find the model that will dress your nightstand.
Updated in October 2026 · Tips from the Lumiine team