A bedside lamp has two jobs: a soft glow when you are winding down, and enough light to read without the bulb shining in your eyes. Getting both right comes down to height, the shade and the colour of the light.
The height rule
Sit up in bed as you would to read. The bottom of the lampshade should be at roughly chin height. Any higher and you see the bare bulb; any lower and the light falls on the table instead of your book.
Because beds and bedside tables vary so much, measure rather than guess:
- Measure from the floor to the top of your bedside table.
- Sit up in bed and measure from the floor to your chin.
- The difference is roughly the height you want to the bottom of the shade, so look for a lamp a little taller than that.
Every lamp page on OLYMP'D shows its dimensions to scale, so you can compare.
Two kinds of bedside lamp
Reading lamps: tall, with a shade
If you read in bed, choose height and a shade that spreads the light. Theia is 40 cm high with a fabric shade and a warm 3000K light. The tall Hemera, also 40 cm, has a woven shade on a fine stem, which keeps a small table from feeling crowded.
Mood lamps: low and warm
If you mainly want a glow, a small lamp is enough. Maia is 10.5 or 16.5 cm high with three brightness settings. Hestia, 23.5 cm high, gives a 2300K light close to candlelight. Neither is meant for reading, but both make a calm bedroom at night.
Choosing the light
- Warm white. Around 2700K to 3000K suits a bedroom in the evening. Many people find it more relaxing than cool white.
- Dimming or brightness levels. Being able to turn the lamp down matters more by a bed than anywhere else. Theia and Maia have three tap-selected brightness levels; Eos adds hold-to-dim control and three tones from 2700K.
- A shade. Fabric or pleated shades hide the light source so it does not glare at eye level.
Short of space? Use the wall
If your bedside table is small, or you have none, a wall light frees the surface entirely. Artemis is a travertine half-moon, 20 cm wide, that can be rotated during fitting to direct light up, down or sideways. Selene has adjustable discs and comes in warm white, cool white or three-colour-mode versions. A pendant either side of the bed, or one above it like Leto, is another space-saving option.
Wall lights and pendants are hardwired. In the UK, have them fitted by a qualified electrician, and plan switch positions so you can reach them from bed.
No socket by the bed?
Rechargeable lamps are the simple answer when the socket is behind the headboard or on the wrong side of the room. Charge them by USB during the day and they need no cable at night. Our guide on whether rechargeable lamps are worth it covers runtime, controls and battery care.
Quick answers
Should bedside lamps match?
A matching pair looks calm and symmetrical, but it is not essential. Two lamps of similar height and the same finish look just as considered.
How wide should a bedside lamp be?
Keep the base and shade comfortably inside the table top, with room left for a book, phone and glass of water.
What is the best light colour for a bedroom?
Warm white, around 2700K to 3000K, with a way to dim it.
Browse all bedside lamps and wall lights.
Every lamp page on OLYMP'D includes a dimensions image drawn to scale, so you can check the size before you order. If you are still unsure, email support@olympd.shop with your measurements and we will reply within 1 to 2 business days. Delivery to the UK and Ireland is free and takes 7 to 14 business days.