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Camryn Rabideau Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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The best bedside lamps serve a dual purpose in your bedroom: They enhance the overall aesthetic while offering the perfect amount of light to aid relaxation and unwinding at the end of the day. Our top recommendation is the Loftie Lamp, a smart light that allows you to customize its color, tone and brightness according to your mood. Moreover, it helps make waking up easier in the morning, further enhancing its functionality.
When choosing a lamp for your bedside table, experts recommend opting for a light that's softer and more relaxing rather than harsh and blinding. "You want a light that will provide enough illumination for reading in bed, but it's also crucial to have a light that creates a soft, soothing atmosphere in the bedroom to help prepare your body for sleep," explains Charlie Bowles, director of lighting brand Original BTC. "The size of the lamp simply depends on the room, space, and ambiance you wish to create." Regardless of your bedroom's style, the following are some of the best bedside lamps you can add to your sleep space.
Best Bedside Lamp Overall: Loftie Lamp
Best Value Bedside Lamp: Yarra Decor Bedside Table Lamp
Best Bedside Lamp With USB Port: West Elm Metalized Glass USB Table Lamp
Best Small Bedside Lamp: Olivia LED Mini Table Lamp
Best Bedside Lamp For Reading: Pablo Designs Pixo Plus Task Lamp
Best Tripod Bedside Lamp: 360 Lighting Archie Tripod Table Lamp
Best Statement Bedside Lamp: West Elm Caldas Table Lamp
Best Minimalist Bedside Lamp: Philips Hue Gradient Signe Table Lamp
Best Bedside Globe Lamp: Audo Copenhagen JWDA Table Lamp
Best 3D Printed Bedside Lamp : Felix Pöttinger Hula Table Light
Best Bedside Lamp Overall
A Smart Lamp Designed With Sleep In Mind
MOST POPULAR
Dimensions: 9 x 11.5 x 16 inches | Bulb Type: Integrated LED | Dimmable: Yes | USB Port: No
At first glance, the Loftie Lamp may look like a regular contemporary light, but this bedside lamp is packed with smart features to help you sleep better. The entire body of the lamp lights up, creating bright, diffused light, and you can adjust its color, tone, and brightness through the Loftie app. There are also buttons on the back of the lamp that allow you to quickly dim the light or cycle through its settings without taking out your phone.
The Loftie offers several other useful features, as well. For instance, in reading mode, the top portion of the column is illuminated in bright white light for better visibility, and its night mode uses red-toned hues to help your brain wind down and get ready for sleep. The lamp also doubles as a wake-up light in the morning, gradually brightening to simulate a sunrise.
Pros:
- Sleek modern design
- Adjustable light color, tone and brightness
- Special modes for reading and nighttime use
- Doubles as a wake-up light
Cons:
- Some features require monthly subscription
Best Value Bedside Lamp
A Compact Design With Touch-Based Controls
Dimensions: 5.51 x 5.51 x 15.3 inches | Bulb type: E26 | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: Yes
Despite its affordable price point, this modest lamp offers a variety of useful features and is available in various base and shade colors to match any décor. Equipped with two built-in USB charging ports within the base, it utilizes a standard E26 bulb that can be adjusted across three brightness levels to suit different needs. Moreover, with touch controls integrated into the base, navigating through settings is effortless—simply tap to cycle through options. The lamp is on the smaller side, making it well-suited for compact nightstands, and it weighs less than 2 pounds, so you can move it around easily, if needed.
Pros:
- Several color combinations
- Two built-in USB ports
- Touch controls to adjust brightness
Cons:
- Touch base is sensitive
Best Bedside Lamp With USB Port
A Contemporary Glass Lamp That Can Charge Electronics
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 19.75 inches | Bulb type: E26 | Dimmable: With smart bulb | USB port: Yes
If you're looking to conveniently charge your phone or other electronics bedside, this sleek lamp features a built-in USB port discreetly located on the back of its base. Crafted from hand-blown glass, it's available in three color options and comes with a white linen drum shade accented by brass details around the base's bottom. Additionally, it boasts a cloth-wrapped power cord for an elegant touch and a rotary on/off switch for easy operation.
Moreover, it's compatible with E26 bulbs (not included), allowing you to use a smart light bulb for dimming functionality if desired.
Pros:
- Eye-catching contemporary design
- Built-in USB port for charging electronics
- Compatible with smart light bulbs
Cons:
- Household cleaners may damage the finish
Best Small Bedside Lamp
A Colorful And Compact Option That's Portable, Too
Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 8.7 inches | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: No
If you have limited space on your bedside table, the Olivia Mini is the perfect solution, thanks to its compact 4-inch base. Standing just under 9 inches tall, this charming lamp is available in a vibrant array of colors, including blue, purple, orange and green, ensuring it complements any décor.
Despite its small size, this lamp remains highly functional. It features a full-range touch-sensitive dimmer and operates on battery power, providing up to nine hours of illumination without needing to be plugged in. Alternatively, it can be left on its charging base for continuous use as a regular lamp. Remarkably, the Olivia Mini is also suitable for outdoor use, enhancing its versatility.
Pros:
- Available in several colors
- Fully dimmable
- Portable battery-powered design
Cons:
- Short design isn’t ideal for reading
Best Bedside Lamp For Reading
A Highly Adjustable Lamp With A Charging Base
Dimensions: 5 x 6 x 16.5 inches | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: Yes
For bedtime reading enthusiasts, the Pixo Plus offers effortless light adjustment to suit your needs. This contemporary lamp provides versatile positioning—its arm tilts 180 degrees and its shade rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to direct its brightness precisely onto your reading material. Furthermore, it's fully dimmable, ideal for minimizing disturbance to your sleeping partner.
Available in neutral tones as well as vibrant hues like bright yellow and orange, it also features a USB charging port for electronics and a base that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
Pros:
- Highly adjustable arm and shade
- Fully adjustable brightness
- Includes USB port and wireless charging pad
Cons:
- Wireless charging may not work through a phone case
Best Tripod Bedside Lamp
An Elegant Option For Mid-Century Modern Design Lovers
Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.75 x 27.5 inches | Bulb type: E26 | Dimmable: With smart bulb | USB port: No
While many bedside lamps feature metal, glass or ceramic construction, this mid-century inspired design stands out with its genuine wood craftsmanship for a more natural aesthetic. It has a three-legged tripod base that’s topped with an off-white drum shade and round finial on top, and the wood has an oak finish that highlights its natural grain.
Equipped with a standard on-off switch located beneath the light bulb, it's compatible with standard E26 bulbs (not included), allowing for customization with a smart dimmable bulb if desired.
Pros:
- Mid-century design with wooden base
- Can be outfitted with smart bulb for dimming
Cons:
- No special features
Best Statement Bedside Lamp
An Eye-Catching Asymmetrical Lamp
Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 25.6 inches | Bulb type: E26 | Dimmable: With smart bulb | USB port: No
The Caldas Lamp has a sculptural form inspired by Brazilian mid-century design and features an offset wooden base paired with a brass metal support. It’s topped with a natural linen shade that creates a distinctive and captivating silhouette. Compatible with standard E26 bulbs, including smart bulbs for dimming capabilities, it features a standard on-off switch on the cord for effortless operation.
Pros:
- Modern asymmetrical silhouette
- Compatible with smart bulbs
- Durable contract-grade construction
Cons:
- No charging abilities
Best Minimalist Bedside Lamp
A Simple Fixture With Lots Of Smart Features
Dimensions: 4.37 x 4.37 x 21.77 inches | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: No
If you're looking for a minimalist lamp with abundant functionality, the Signe Lamp from Philips Hue is a worthy option. Its design is elegantly simple, featuring a compact 4.3-inch base and a slender upright arm, available in black or white finishes. Integrated LED bulbs line the length of the arm, providing illumination.
Despite its unassuming appearance, this lamp offers a plethora of smart features accessible through the brand's app. You can customize brightness and tone, choosing from millions of colors and light patterns, and control it via voice commands with Amazon Alexa or other digital assistants. Moreover, it can be integrated with other smart devices for automated operation, such as automatically turning on if a smart camera detects motion.
Pros:
- Compact, minimalist design
- Highly adjustable via smart features
- Pairs with other smart devices
Cons:
- Not the brightest output
Best Bedside Globe Lamp
A Danish-Inspired Lamp With A Warm Glow
Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: No
Globe lamps have surged in popularity recently due to their stylish rounded shapes, and the JWDA Table Lamp embodies a sleek Danish-inspired design that complements any bedroom decor. Featuring an oval-shaped globe supported by a cylindrical base, it comes in several striking finishes, including concrete, polished brass and matte black. Equipped with a large rotary dial on the base, this globe lamp allows you to adjust the light to your preferred brightness, while its integrated LED bulb emits a warm, soothing hue.
Pros:
- Elegant globe design
- Available in several unique finishes
- Adjustable brightness
Cons:
- Select finishes cost over $300
Best 3D Printed Bedside Lamp
A Cool Modern Design That Printed To Order
Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 12 inches | Bulb type: E12 | Dimmable: Yes | USB port: No
The Hula Table Light offers an eco-friendly lighting option for your bedroom. Crafted to order, it's 3D printed using the brand's signature plant-based polymer. Available in three colors, it features translucent panels above and below the shade, diffusing soft light throughout. Adjust the brightness using the slider on its power cord, and if the inner E12 light bulb ever burns out, it can be easily replaced. Keep in mind, however, that this lamp has a longer lead time compared to other products due to its made-to-order 3D printing process.
Pros:
- 3D printed using plant-based materials
- Dimmable brightness
- Light bulb can be replaced
Cons:
- Longer lead time than other lamps
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
If you’re updating your home’s decor, the Forbes Vetted team is here to help. We’ve meticulously researched and covered a wide array of furniture and home decorations, ranging from the best floor lamps, the best rugs, and everything in between. We’ve even conducted firsthand testing of select products, including the best couches and best beanbag chairs.
In addition to using our own expertise for this article, we also consulted with several design experts. We spoke with Charlie Bowles, director of lighting brand Original BTC, interior designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin and design expert Tammy Price of Fragments Identity, who all provided tips on what to look for in a lamp for your bedroom.
How We Chose The Best Bedside Lamps
Using insights from our experts, we curated a selection of highly rated table lamps from brands that we know and trust. We prioritized products that are both stylish and highly functional with added features like adjustable brightness, built-in USB ports and easy-to-access controls. We also looked at the type of bulb required and whether it can be swapped out. Our goal was to provide options that would match different decor styles and price points.
What To Look For In The Best Bedside Lamps
Style
With thousands of lamps available today, you have various options ranging from regular table lamps to task lamps or even wall-mounted lamps for your bedside. “You can generally get better functionality with a table light, but it does typically take up more space,” says Bowles. “If you are short on space, a wall light is a better option.”
Consider your decor style when making your decision. Classic options like the Metalized Glass Table Lamp are suitable for a more traditional bedroom, while statement pieces like the Caldas Table Lamp add flair to your space.
Size
Finding a lamp that fits well on your bedside table is crucial. Low advises considering the height, width and depth of a lamp to ensure it complements your bedside setup. In larger bedrooms, opting for bigger lamps that occupy more visual space can enhance the overall aesthetic. Conversely, if your nightstand tends to be cluttered, space-saving options like the Olivia LED Mini Table Lamp are ideal choices.
Controls
Although it may not be your first thought, a lamp's controls can significantly affect its usability. “Typically, we look for bedside lighting that has the controls on the cord, which allows for an easier on/off control rather than having to sit up or get up from bed to reach the switch typically found underneath the lamp shade,” recommends Price.
Furthermore, certain high-tech lamps, like the Philips Hue Gradient Signe Table Lamp, offer advanced control options. They can be operated via smartphone or voice commands, providing even greater ease in turning them on and off.
Adjustability
If you often read or watch TV in bed, having an adjustable lamp can be quite convenient. "Dimmer capabilities are always nice to have so you can adjust based on mood and what kind of light you need at any given moment," says Low. Some lamps offer several pre-set brightness settings, while others are fully dimmable, providing you with greater control over their light output.
What Kind Of Lamp Is Best For A Bedroom?
In general, it's advisable to opt for an accent lamp rather than a task light for your bedside table. Accent lamps emit a softer, more gentle and diffused light, conducive to relaxation, whereas task lights offer harsh, direct illumination more suitable for reading or working. Models such as the Loftie Lamp or Hula Table Light provide warm, diffused light, perfect for winding down before bedtime.
Which Is The Best Bedside Lamp?
The ideal lamp for your bedroom will vary based on your space's size and decor, but for most people, we recommend the Loftie Lamp. It boasts an elegant contemporary design that complements any bedside setting, while also offering a host of useful smart features to enhance functionality. With the ability to adjust to a wide range of color settings and brightness options, you can tailor the lighting to suit your mood. Additionally, it includes special modes for nighttime use and reading. Moreover, the lamp serves as a wake up light, gently easing you out of sleep in the morning before your alarm goes off.
What Is The Best Light For Bedside Lamps?
The optimal type of light for a bedside lamp is soft and diffused, aiding relaxation and preparing your body for sleep. Certain products, such as the Loftie Lamp, can be adjusted to emit soothing warm tones, which studies suggest can promote more restful sleep. Opting for a dimmable light can also ensure that the lighting in your bedroom remains gentle and not overly harsh or disruptive.
What Size Lamp Is Best For Bedside?
Bedside lamps vary in size, typically ranging between 15 and 30 inches in height. The most suitable option for your bedroom hinges on the space's size and the nightstand's dimensions. Larger lamps like the 360 Lighting Archie Tripod Table Lamp can create a more balanced look in spacious bedrooms with higher ceilings, while smaller fixtures such as the Olivia LED Mini Table Lamp are better suited for compact spaces. Additionally, lamp size is a matter of personal preference. "I definitely prefer something shorter and easily accessible while sitting in bed," says Low.
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