Illuminating Style: Tips For Choosing the Perfect Bedside Lamp

Bedside lamps are more than just functional lighting fixtures; they have the power to transform the ambiance of your bedroom and enhance your overall decor. Selecting the perfect bedside lamp requires a careful balance of aesthetics, functionality, and of course personal preference. In this post, I thought I would explore some key tips to help you choose lamps that seamlessly blend style and functionality, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom. So I headed to Home Goods and chose 3 pair of bedside lamps that would most likely work in my space, which is the bedroom of our Old Florida Condo Revamp and decided to try them out. Let’s choose some bedside lamps for this bedroom! (It also needs a rug but that’s a whole other post!)

1. Consider the Purpose:

Before diving into design options, think about how you plan to use your bedside lamps. Do you need them for reading? Or perhaps you prefer soft ambient lighting for relaxation? Knowing the purpose will guide your decision-making process and help you choose lamps with the proper illumination and light direction. For me, this bedroom will host guests who are on vacation, so I am wanting to create a relaxing vibe with enough light to allow for evening reading in bed.

2. Size Matters:

Take into account the size of your bedside tables and the available space in your bedroom. Oversized lamps may overwhelm a small nightstand, while tiny lamps might get lost on a larger one. Aim for a size that complements the proportions of your furniture and leaves enough space for other essentials like books or a glass of water. For the bedroom below, the wall behind the bed has no windows or artwork. It is just a simple, feature wall . For that reason, I was able to keep my options open as far as height and width.

3. Style and Aesthetics:

Bedside lamps are an extension of your bedroom's overall design theme. Consider the existing decor, including colors, patterns, and materials, to ensure your lamps harmonize with the room's style. If you have a modern bedroom, sleek and minimalist lamp designs with clean lines would be a great fit. Alternatively, for a more traditional or eclectic space, lamps with decorative bases or unique shades can add character and visual interest.

Here is option 1: I love the weight and design of this stone bedside lamp. It has an interesting style, gives off a gorgeous glow and doesn’t take up too much space on the nightstand.

4. Practical Considerations:

Functionality is key when it comes to bedside lamps. Consider lamps with additional features like built-in USB ports for charging devices or integrated storage to keep your essentials within reach. Also, pay attention to the lamp's switch placement, ensuring it's easily accessible from your bed. My second option (below) was this arched table lamp with a crackled glass globe . On the plus side, it features a built-in USB port. On the down side, the max bulb wattage is 15. That feels like a nightlight to me.

6. Balance and Symmetry:

If you have a bedside table on each side of the bed, maintaining balance and symmetry is important. Be careful when choosing lamps with large, drum shades next to a bed. There is a good chance you will bonk your head every time you reach for something on your nightstand. If you’re not using a matching pair, choose lamps that complement each other in terms of size, style, or color. This creates a cohesive look and ensures visual harmony in your bedroom. In this style of bedroom ,I prefer a matched set and I loved the look of these tall, slim Tahari shaded lamps with selenite crystals around the base. The height really brings something to the room in terms of balance and weight and the small base of the lamp leaves plenty of real estate for your book, your phone and your glass of water (and use a coaster man!)

Try a few styles on for size. That way you can confidently select the perfect bedside lamps that not only provide the right amount of illumination but also enhance the overall style and functionality of your room. Remember to consider the purpose, size, style, lighting control, practicality, and balance when making your selection. Have fun creating a cozy and inviting space that reflects your personal taste and enhances your nightly retreat. I chose the final option of the taller pair, but I loved the short, stone ones as well so I may be keeping those for another project :)