A bedside lamp is one of the most frequently used lights in the bedroom. It accompanies reading in the evening, provides quieter light than many ceiling lights and helps to illuminate the area by the bed without brightening up the whole room. The right models differ significantly depending on how they are used in bed, for example when falling asleep, getting up in the night or taking a short break with a book and drink on the bedside table.
A bedside lamp in the bedroom should first and foremost match the use of the bed and not just the furnishings. Anyone who still reads in the evening needs light that is clearly focussed on the book, glasses and shelf. If you prefer to use the light as soft lighting, pay more attention to warm, restrained light and a lampshade that avoids glare on the bed. A restrained lighting effect is particularly helpful if one person wants to sleep and the other is still awake.
The position on the bedside table also has a significant impact on the benefits. A small bedside lamp is often useful if there is still room for an alarm clock, mobile phone, glass of water or books next to the lamp. Larger models are more suitable if the bedside table offers more floor space and the lamp is intended as a permanent part of the lighting in the bedroom. In guest rooms or children's bedrooms, simple, immediately understandable use is particularly important. A table lamp that can be switched on easily and stands securely on the bedside table is practical there.
A bedside lamp does not work alone in a room, but always together with the bed, bedside table, wall colour and other materials in the bedroom. Wooden models often go well with calm interiors in fabric, beige or warm colours. Glass and metal usually look clearer and more functional, especially next to beds with straight lines or black details. Ceramic can be useful if you want a lamp to appear more visible without looking too technical.
The shape, height and shade also influence the effect on the bedside table. A compact lampshade keeps the light closer to the bed and is suitable for smaller rooms. An openly designed luminaire lets more light into the room and is useful where the table lamp also provides part of the general lighting. A light is particularly harmonious if the material and shape are not chosen in isolation, but react to the other lamps in the bedroom. This makes the combination with ceiling lights, wall lights or other table lamps appear calmer and less random.
For many users, the bedside lamp is particularly suitable for reading if it is the right height and provides clear lighting. A lamp that is too low can cause glare from an unfavourable angle or only illuminate the edge of the book. A suitable height ensures that the light reaches the right level for reading without falling directly into the eyes. If you regularly read in bed, a reading lamp that is focussed on one side or can be adjusted flexibly is a good choice.
The size of the bedside table also plays an important role when choosing a bedside lamp. A visually matching bedside lamp only helps in everyday life if it does not take up too much space on the bedside table. In smaller bedrooms, compact table lamps are often more practical than large models with a wide base or protruding shade. A set of 2 is particularly useful for double beds because both sides fit together visually and the lighting is evenly distributed. If you want to buy a bedside lamp, it is therefore better to consider proportions, floor space and use before deciding on design or colour.
An LED bedside lamp is particularly practical in everyday life if it is easy to use and fits in with your usual bedside use. A touch bedside lamp can be switched on quickly because the control surface remains easily accessible even in the dark without a visible switch. Dimmable models are useful if the same luminaire is used for reading in the evening and later only for quieter light. A dimmer only facilitates use if it is easily accessible, so the position of the switch is just as important as the function itself.
Models with rechargeable batteries or bedside lamps without cables are helpful if cables on the bedside table get in the way or sockets are inconveniently located. A bedside lamp with batteries can be useful in guest rooms, holiday flats or on narrow shelves if the lamp is only used occasionally and no cable is to get in the way. A bedside lamp with charging function, on the other hand, is practical if the smartphone is right by the bed at night and no additional charging station is required. However, a switch on the cable still makes sense for many users if the light is permanently positioned on the same side of the bed next to a socket.
A special bedside lamp stands out not only because of its shape, but above all because of the way it blends into everyday life. Retro models with fabric shades or ceramic bases fit well in rooms that need a softer and cosier look. Modern lamps made of metal or glass and models in black often appear clearer and more minimalist. Both retro models and modern lamps can work in the bedroom if they match the material of the bedside table and the size of the bed.
Even a cheap bedside lamp doesn't have to look random. Even in the mid-price segment, there are many models that combine material, colour and function in a sensible way. A wooden bedside lamp usually has a calmer effect than very smooth surfaces because it gives the bedside area more warmth and visually minimises technical functions. In many bedrooms, classic shapes look more compatible than highly unusual models because they are easier to combine with existing furniture and lights. Anyone looking for something special will therefore often find the better solution not in eye-catching shapes, but in a harmonious combination of material, shade and lighting effect directly on the bed.
The strike-through prices correspond to the manufacturer's RRP.
Included in the price of LED lights/bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.05. Included in the price of CFLs/fluorescent bulbs is a contribution to recycling costs of €0.15.
All prices include 23% VAT, delivery costs excluded.