Ideas
18 Bedside Table Lamps We Can’t Get Enough Of
Elevating your bedroom to create a cosy, stylish sanctuary means investing in the right lighting. Bedside table lamps play an essential role in transforming your space, offering both functionality and aesthetics. From modern designs that complement sleep interiors to clutter-free built-in options, the right bedside table lamp can elevate your space significantly. So, come with us as we explore 18 bedside table lamps we can’t get enough of, with something for every bedroom style.
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Image credit: McMullin & Co | III Rooms Sydney
Why Include Bedside Table Lamps in Your Bedroom?
Lighting is so much more than just a practical necessity; it’s a style statement. Bedside table lamps, in particular, offer a unique blend of functionality and decorative flair. They serve both as a source of ambient lighting and a key element within your bedroom’s decor. So, whether you’re reading before bed, creating a tranquil atmosphere, or simply illuminating your space, the perfect bedside table lamp can make all the difference,
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1. Modern Bedside Table Lamps
Modern bedside table lamps are the perfect choice for a minimalist space. They’re all about those clean lines, simple designs, and innovative materials. We love how well they complement a bedroom space, offering a sleek and sophisticated solution, without overwhelming your bedside table.
Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling
Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling
2. White Bedside Table Lamps
White bedside table lamps can be a timeless choice that brings brightness and simplicity to your bedroom. They work perfectly with various types of colour schemes and styles, adding a clean look that refreshes your space. We love how striking a white lamp shade can be against a timber bedside table.
Image credit: Jessi Eve | Villa Styling
3. Glass Bedside Table Lamps
Glass bedside table lamps work to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether featuring clear, coloured, or frosted glass, these lamps reflect light beautifully, creating a soft, inviting glow that enhances the ambience of your bedroom.
Mood board created on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
4. Luxury Bedside Table Lamps
Luxury bedside table lamps are crafted with premium materials and often feature intricate designs or details that work to add a lavish touch to your bedroom.
Image credit: AM Interior Studio | Brock Beazley Photography
5. Mushroom Bedside Table Lamps
We’re currently loving the return of mushroom bedside table lamps. These trendy pieces feature a distinctive shape, and soft diffused light, offering a retro vibe with a modern twist. Mushroom lamps are sure to add a mid-century modern touch to your bedroom decor.
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Mood board created on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
6. Coastal Bedside Table Lamps
Inspired by the palette of seaside locations, coastal bedside table lamps embody calmness and relaxation. Featuring natural materials and light, airy colours, they bring a piece of your favourite beachside holiday spot into your bedroom.
Image credit: The Designory | The Quarter Acre
7. Small Bedside Table Lamps
We’re currently loving the term ‘more is less’, so small bedside table lamps have definitely piqued our interest. They’re perfect for compact spaces, providing essential lighting without overwhelming your entire bedroom. Despite their size, small bedside table lamps can come in so many different styles and colours, having a significant impact on your space.
Image credit: The Designory | Simon Hunter Photography
8. Large Bedside Table Lamps
On the other hand, if you’re looking to make a bold statement, large bedside table lamps may just be the answer. These striking pieces can serve as a focal point for your bedroom, making them perfect for large spaces that can feel empty. Plus, they work to add balance and proportion alongside other substantial pieces of furniture.
Image credit: The Villa General
9. Black Bedside Table Lamps
Black bedside table lamps offer a striking, dramatic flair as they stand out against lighter backgrounds and add depth to your bedroom decor. They’re versatile and easily fit with many design styles ranging from contemporary to industrial and everything in between.
Image credit: Oxford House
10. Retro Bedside Table Lamps
If you’ve been following Style Sourcebook for a while, then you’ll know how much we love the mid-century modern design style. So, a retro lamp is the perfect addition to your space, even if your home is modern or minimalist, it still works to add a touch of personality and uniqueness to your bedroom.
Image credit: McShane Studio | Anne Stroud Photography
Image credit: McShane Studio | Anne Stroud Photography
11. Children's Bedside Table Lamps
Children's bedside table lamps come in fun, playful designs and colours, adding a whimsical touch to your child's bedroom. They provide a comforting glow at night, making bedtime reading and night-time routines more enjoyable.
Bring your bedroom vision to life using our mood board tool.
Mood board created by The DIY Decorator on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by The Whole Room on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
12. Rattan Bedside Table Lamps
Rattan bedside table lamps introduce texture and warmth, embodying a bohemian or coastal aesthetic. They create a cosy, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
Image credit: The Designory | The Quarter Acre
13. Curved Bedside Table Lamps
Thanks to the rise of rounded edges, curved bedside table lamps add a soft, organic touch to your bedroom. They contract beautifully with angular furniture, offering a visually intriguing element.
Image credit: Paradigm New | Nira Creative
14. Hamptons Bedside Table Lamps
Hamptons bedside table lamps reflect this coastal style's relaxed elegance, featuring light colours, natural materials, and classic designs. They create a serene, sophisticated space that feels both welcoming and luxurious.
Mood board created by Vienna Rose Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Abbey Louise on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
15. Contemporary Bedside Table Lamps
Contemporary bedside table lamps are all about innovation, featuring unique shapes, materials, and lighting technologies. They fit perfectly in sophisticated bedrooms, adding a cutting-edge touch to your décor.
Image credit: BuildHer8 Team from BuildHer Collective | Dylan James Photography
Image credit: BuildHer8 Team from BuildHer Collective | Dylan James Photography
16. Bedside Table Lamp Shades
The right lampshade can transform a simple lamp into a stunning piece of decor. From bold colours and patterns to elegant, subtle designs, choosing the perfect lampshade is key to personalising your bedside table lamp. Plus, changing your bedside table lamp shade is the perfect way to keep your bedroom looking fresh.
Image credit: McMullin & Co | III Rooms Sydney
Image credit: McMullin & Co | III Rooms Sydney
17. Built-In Bedside Table Lamps
Built-in bedside table lamps offer a streamlined, clutter-free solution, integrating seamlessly into your bedroom furniture. They're particularly suitable for minimalist spaces, where every element serves a purpose.
Image credit: The Calile Hotel | Sean Fennessy
18. Mismatched Bedside Table Lamps
Embracing mismatched bedside table lamps is a bold design choice, reflecting a confident, eclectic style. This approach allows for personal expression and creativity, making your bedroom uniquely yours.
Mood board created by Arc & Arlo on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Stevie Renae Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Choosing the right bedside table lamp is about more than just lighting; it's about enhancing the overall ambience and style of your bedroom. Whether you prefer modern simplicity, luxurious elegance, or anything in between, there's a lamp out there that's perfect for your space. By considering the themes we've explored, from the sleekness of contemporary designs to the charm of retro styles, you can select a lamp that not only illuminates your room but also elevates it, adding that finishing touch to create the bedroom of your dreams.
Image credit: The Designory | Simon Hunter Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you have a lamp on each bedside table?
Having a lamp on each bedside table is a good idea to create symmetry and balance within the room. Plus, if your bedroom is shared, it’s perfect for giving each person their own light source for reading or relaxing before sleep. Having a lamp on both bedside tables also ensures both sides of the bed have equal accessibility to light, which enhances the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of the bedroom. However, if you’re not able to have a lamp on each bedside table, we recommend going for something minimalist as to not draw too much attention.
What is the right size lamp for a bedside table?
The right size lamp depends on a lot of factors. How much room do you have? What is the style of your bedroom? How big are your bedside tables? As a general rule, the lamp should feel proportional to the table. For example, the lampshade's width should not exceed the table's width to prevent it from looking oversized and to minimise the risk of it being knocked over. Ensure there's enough room on the table for other essentials like a book, a glass of water, or your phone.
Should bedside lamps be taller than the headboard?
Bedside lamps do not necessarily need to be taller than the headboard, but they should be tall enough to cast light evenly across the bed for reading or other activities. The key is to have the lamp at a height where the bottom of the lampshade is at eye level when sitting up in bed. This can vary depending on the height of your bed and headboard. In many cases, lamps that are slightly shorter or about the same height as the headboard can work well, as long as they provide the perfect amount of lighting.
How do I choose a bedside lamp?
Choosing a bedside lamp involves considering a few different things to ensure it meets your needs and complements your bedroom's décor:
Size: The lamp should be in proportion to your bedside table and bed. It should be tall enough so that the bottom of the lampshade is at eye level when sitting up in bed.
Style: Select a lamp that matches or complements your bedroom's overall design theme. Whether your décor is modern or classic, there's a lamp style to match.
Functionality: Consider what you'll use the lamp for. If you're a reader, you might want a lamp with an adjustable arm or head. If it's purely for ambient lighting, a lamp with a dimmer or softer light might be preferable.
Shade: The shade affects not just the lamp's look but also the type of light it casts. A translucent shade can diffuse light softly around the room, while a darker or opaque shade will direct light downwards for more focused illumination.
Bulb type: LED bulbs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Consider the colour temperature and brightness (lumens) of the bulb, which can affect the mood and functionality of the lamp.
Switch type: Easy access to the switch is essential for bedside lamps. Options include traditional switches, pull chains, or even touch-based lamps, which can be more convenient to operate in the dark.
