The Perfect Bedside Light: Combining Style and Functionality

When it comes to your bedroom, the right bedside lamp does more than just light up the space — it blends functionality with style to enhance your nightly ritual and overall décor. Here’s how to choose a lamp that ticks both boxes.

1. Light for the task – and the mood

Your bedside lamp needs to perform two jobs: practical lighting (for reading, checking your phone, getting ready for bed) and mood lighting (creating a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere).
A lamp with a switch or touch-control option is ideal for ease of use without fumbling in the dark. At Lighting Supermarket you’ll find models like the Bedford Modern Copper Brushed Metal Ball Small Touch Control Table Lamp designed specifically with that convenience in mind.

Choosing a warm-white bulb (typically around 2700–3000 K) helps maintain a soft, restful glow rather than a harsh daylight-white light. Positioning matters too: the shade should be low enough to diffuse light gently across your immediate area, but high enough to avoid glare when reading.

2. Scale and placement matter

A bedside lamp needs to feel in proportion with both your bedside table and your bed. If the lamp is too small, it gets lost; too large and it dominates the space, making things feel cluttered.

Review the width and height of your sideboard, bedside table, or nightstand and choose a lamp base and shade that match those proportions.

Our Table Lamps collection offers everything from slender modern bases (great for compact rooms) to more substantial ceramic or glass designs that make a statement.

Also consider the distance between your bedside table and the bed: if you need to stretch to switch the lamp on or off, a touch control or base-mounted switch may be a better choice.

3. Style that complements your space

Since your bedside lamp is highly visible, it’s a great way to reinforce your room’s design style. Think about whether your space is modern minimalist, traditionally elegant, or more eclectic.

• For modern/minimal rooms: choose a clean-lined base in a neutral finish (black, brushed chrome, glass) paired with a simple drum shade.
• For traditional styles: look to warm metallics (brass, antique brass) or classic ceramic bases with subtle detailing.
• For something bold: stained-glass Tiffany-style or coloured glass shades add real personality and become a design feature.

4. Practical features for everyday use

Because your bedside lamp is something you use daily, the small features really matter:

• A two-way switch (on both shade and cord) makes turning it off easy from any angle.
• Touch control (tap the base) is especially handy if you turn the lamp on/off while still under the covers.
• Dimmable options let you reduce brightness once you're done reading.
• Ensure the shade size leaves room for essentials like a drink, phone or book—crowded bedside tables are frustrating.

5. Final tip: Coordinate with the rest of the room

Since bedside lamps often come in pairs, consider buying two or checking that matching versions are available. Think about how the lamp interacts with the wall behind it, the headboard, bedding, and other accents. A cohesive palette ties everything together beautifully.

The perfect bedside light isn’t just a purchase—it’s a thoughtful addition that enhances how you feel in your bedroom, how you wind down, and how the space looks. With a carefully chosen lamp from the Lighting Supermarket, you’ll blend style and functionality seamlessly.