Bedside table lamps for soft lighting in the bedroom
Bedside table lamps need different features than lights placed in the middle of the room. Bedside table lamps provide guidance, make reading easier and are better suited to evening routines than a bright ceiling light. Bedside table lamps are placed on the bedside table, on a chest of drawers or on a narrow wall shelf next to the bed. The key factors are the size of the light, the glare-free light output and the ease of use whilst lying down. A good choice therefore takes into account not only the style of the bedroom, but also the space next to the bed and how it is typically used in the evening.
Bedside table lamps provide a soft glow by the bed
Bedside table lamps are ideal for situations where you don’t want the bedroom to be fully lit. These lights provide focused illumination exactly where it is needed, for example when reaching for an alarm clock, putting on glasses or reading before going to sleep. This bedside light creates a calmer atmosphere than a ceiling light because it stays closer to the bed and doesn’t illuminate the room evenly.
For single beds, a bedside table lamp on the side of the bed where light is needed is often sufficient. With double beds, having two lights ensures a more even distribution of light, particularly if the two people have different sleeping and reading habits. A modern bedside table lamp looks best in the bedroom if it isn’t larger than the available space. A lampshade that is too wide can get in the way on small bedside tables. A light that is positioned too low does not provide focused lighting when reading.
The position of the bedside table lamp is also important. A bedside table lamp in the bedroom should be positioned so that the bulb does not shine directly into your eyes when you are lying down. A lampshade made of fabric or opal glass diffuses the light more softly and is ideal for evening routines.
The size of the bedside table lamp depends on the bed and the room
A bedside table lamp should be the right height for the bed and the right width for the bedside table, so that the light it gives off and the space it takes up are in proportion. Compact models blend in well with low beds because they do not unnecessarily obstruct the view in the room. For taller box-spring beds, the light can be slightly larger so that the light isn’t positioned too low. A small bedside table lamp is particularly useful when there is little space next to the bed.
On narrow bedside tables, lights with a small base are ideal, as they leave more space for a book, smartphone or glass of water. Models with a round base are often easier to align, whilst angular shapes look neat and tidy on straight-lined furniture. A bedside lamp can also be placed on a wall shelf if there is no traditional bedside table.
In small bedrooms, every visible light stands out more. A low bedside table lamp takes a back seat visually and makes the bed area appear more peaceful. In larger rooms, a taller model can better balance the proportions. It is important that the light not only matches the size of the furniture, but also remains easily accessible when you are lying down.
Materials and colours enhance the atmosphere in the bedroom
The material and colour affect how striking a light looks in the bedroom. Light-coloured fabric shades diffuse light more softly and go well with light-coloured wooden furniture, white walls or subtle textiles. Metal, glass or ceramics have a cleaner, less soft look than fabric and go well with modern furniture. A golden bedside table lamp adds a touch of warmth to the room without the overall interior design having to be too eye-catching.
Light-coloured lampshades provide a striking contrast to dark furniture. With light-coloured bedside tables, matt finishes blend in more harmoniously. Black or charcoal-coloured models have a more graphic look and suit bedrooms with clean lines. A gold bedside table lamp can look warmer against beige, cream or green fabrics than a chrome model.
The lampshade also changes the way the bedside table lamp is perceived. A cylindrical lampshade has a linear appearance, whilst a conical lampshade directs the light more strongly downwards. Glass makes the light appear lighter, whilst fabric creates a cosier atmosphere. The choice of material should therefore not only complement the colour of the bed, but also the desired visual impact of the light.
LED lighting, touch controls and a dimmer make it easier to use in the evening
An LED bedside table lamp is ideal for everyday use by the bedside, as LED technology allows for compact designs and a range of luminous intensities. When it comes to bedside table lamps in the bedroom, it is not so much the technical features that matter, but rather how easy they are to use in the dim light. A bedside table lamp with a touch function can be switched on without a visible switch. The touch function is particularly useful if the switch is difficult to reach or if the cable is tucked away behind the bedside table.
Dimmable bedside table lamps offer more flexibility. Bright light makes reading easier, whilst dimmed light is sufficient for finding your way around before going to sleep. A dimmable bedside table lamp prevents the bedroom from being unnecessarily bright in the evening. With a touch-controlled bedside table lamp, you can often adjust the brightness directly on the base or the body.
The light colour should also be suited to the intended use. Warm white light creates a cosier atmosphere in the bedroom than cool white or daylight, as it feels less like a workplace. A bedside table lamp for reading should provide focused lighting for the reading area without causing too much disturbance on the other side of the bed. Models with directional light or a lampshade that directs the light downwards are suitable for this purpose.
Cordless bedside table lamps with charging functions help keep your bedside table tidy
A cordless bedside table lamp is a good idea if there isn’t a free socket next to the bed or if the bedside table is moved around frequently. Wireless models can be placed on a bedside table, chest of drawers or windowsill. Wireless bedside table lamps minimise visible cables and make small bedrooms look tidier. A cordless bedside table lamp is particularly useful in rented flats, where sockets aren’t always located near the bed.
Models with a charging function combine lighting with smartphone charging in the same space. A bedside table lamp with a charging function keeps your smartphone within easy reach and saves you from having to keep an extra charger on your bedside table. The base should be large enough to ensure that the lamp and the appliance can stand safely side by side. With hard-wired lights, the length of the cable is important to ensure that the plug reaches the socket without being pulled and that the cable is not taut.
When using it right next to the bed, it is also important to position it securely. The bedside table lamp should be stable and not tip over at the edge of the bed if it is touched in the semi-darkness. A cordless bedside table lamp is particularly suitable for a narrow wall shelf next to the bed if there is no accessible socket there.