Which is the best bedside light? Here’s how to choose
Having the right bedside lamp for your bedroom is an important finishing touch in any home. The best bedside light not only has to fit effortlessly into the style of the room but shouldn’t affect the quality of your sleep or the overall comfort in your bedroom.
With so many to choose from in various styles, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created a guide with the different types of bedside lights available and how to choose the right one for your space.
Table of Contents
- How to choose a good bedside light
- Consider the size of your room
- Consider your lighting needs
- Consider your decor
- Types of bedside lights
How to choose a good bedside light
Bedside lights have to both provide sufficient light for your needs and look stylish while doing it. To find the right one for your home, consider the size of the lamp, how bright you need the light and the style of your decor.
1. Consider the size of your room
Choose a bedside lamp to reflect the size of your room. If you have a smaller bedroom, choosing a smaller lamp may be more appropriate so the lamps don’t overshadow the space. For larger rooms, choosing a grander lamp will ensure they don’t get too lost in the space and provide ample light.
What is the best lamp height for the bedside?
A good rule of thumb is to get a bedside lamp that is 24 to 30 inches tall. This height should ensure the lamp isn’t shining above your head and into your eyes. The bottom of the lampshade should be about level with your eyes while sitting in bed for the best reading light level.
Aim to have your bedside lamps the same height as your headboard or a couple of inches in either direction. If you have a taller headboard, ensure your bedside lamps are taller than half the headboard for the best aesthetic.
How wide should your bedside lamp be?
When pairing a shade and a base, the width of the shade should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp from the base to the fitting. The shade should be about three-quarters the height of the base to ensure the lamp looks balanced.

COLLECTION BLANC MONTANA MATT BLACK & SHAPED GLASS TOUCH TABLE & VINTAGE WHITE SHADE
2. Consider your lighting needs
It’s also important to consider what you’ll use the lighting for to find a lamp that suits your needs.
If you like to read in bed, you’ll need a light that provides adequate lighting for reading to reduce eye strain. If you prefer softer lighting, consider a dimmable light or layer bedroom lighting using different options – for example, a table lamp and a wall sconce – for a more relaxing feel.
How many lumens is good for a bedside lamp?
450 lumens is ideal for a bedside lamp if you want a reading lamp. A bulb with 400 lumens is more fitting if you prefer a calming glow.
Which colour is best for a bedside lamp?
The perfect choice for a bedside lamp is to use a warm white dimmable bulb. Opt for a colour temperature somewhere around 2,000 – 2,700K. Consider using an energy-efficient LED which typically lasts much longer than an incandescent bulb.

LAURA ASHLEY PADLEY GREEN CERAMIC & ANTIQUE BRASS TABLE LAMP & SHADE
3. Consider your decor
A bedside lamp must match the decor of your room, either blending in with your chosen style or providing an eye-catching contrast. Consider your existing furniture and choose a lamp that fits your overall aesthetic.
Which colour is best for a bedside lampshade?
When choosing the colour of your bedside lampshade, consider how it will affect the hue of the light. White tones let the most light through, neutral tones keep lighting soft, and darker shades will cause a lower lighting level.
Do bedside lamps need to match?
As a rule of thumb, having a bedside light on each side of the bed is good for balance. Bedside lamps don’t have to match, but they should complement each other in their overall design for a consistent feel. As long as they are in keeping with the rest of the room’s decor, the colour and style can be anything you like.
Types of bedside lights
1. Table lamps
Table lamps are popular for bedside lighting as they are versatile and can be moved around easily. They are at a perfect level to provide convenient light for reading, whether you prefer a good book or browsing on your tablet, and can be easily turned on and off without leaving the bed.
Unlike the harsh light of overhead lighting, table lamps create cosy ambient lighting to help you unwind and relax before bed. The right lighting is key to a restful night’s sleep and promotes a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Available in various styles, sizes and colours, our selection includes touch bedside table lamps, wooden bedside lamps or metal base table lamps, so you can find a lamp to complement your decor and add your own personal taste.

2. Floor Lamps
Floor lamps are a clever choice for those with limited bedside table space.
They can provide plenty of focalised light for reading in bed. Many of our floor lamps are also dimmable to achieve the perfect lighting level, whether you need a brighter light for reading or low-level lighting for unwinding before bed.
Available in many styles and designs, a taller floor lamp may work particularly well with high ceilings, whilst smaller floor lamps can fit neatly into corners. Whether you prefer sleek, elegant, ornate or traditional styles, find the right bedroom floor lamp to suit your taste in our collection.

3. Bedside Wall Lights
Wall lights are another popular option for bedside lighting. They are a great option if you have limited space or prefer a more streamlined look in your bedroom. Easily attached to the wall, they can free up space on the floor or bedside table for a cleaner look. This space-saving hack is particularly beneficial for smaller bedrooms.
Wall-mounted bedroom lights provide excellent task lighting, particularly for reading in bed. With modern, retro, industrial and plain bedside wall lights, find options to suit any style in our collection.

Shop our selection of bedside lights from Cp Lighting & Interiors
The right bedside lighting must suit your needs and preferences to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.
Why not layer lighting using a table lamp with wall lights to create the perfect warming glow? Whether you prioritise practicality, style, or a combination, plenty of options are available to fit your requirements.
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