Bedside lamps are an excellent way to add lighting to your bedroom while also adding decor accents. The ideal lamp height depends on the size of your nightstand and your personal preferences.
Getting the right balance between lamp size and nightstand can be tricky. However, by following some general guidelines, you can find a beautiful harmony between the two.
The Height of Your Bed
As you know, bedside lamps are a powerful accent that can really tie a bedroom decor theme together. They can set the tone for relaxation, highlight decor, or just add some extra light for reading before bed. Selecting the appropriate lamp size, shade, and placement requires careful consideration of functionality, proportion, and style. Getting it right can transform your bedroom into a cozy, well-lit retreat where you can enjoy a good book and get a great night’s sleep.
To figure out the ideal lamp height, you need to consider both your own personal preference and the purpose of the lamp. If you enjoy reading before bed, a lamp that is about 24 inches tall from the base to the top of the shade will be perfect. This ensures that the bottom of the lamp is at eye level when you are sitting in bed. If you are using the lamp to illuminate a nightstand or other decor accents, a slightly shorter lamp may be more suitable.
Similarly, the width of the lamp should be determined by how much space you have on your nightstand. If you have a very narrow nightstand, you will need to choose a narrower lamp that won’t take up too much room. If you have a larger nightstand, then you can go with a wider lamp.
The color and style of the lampshade is also an important factor when selecting a bedside lamp. There are plenty of options available, including traditional, contemporary, and even vintage-style lamps. Choose a color that complements the rest of your bedroom décor and matches your taste. You can also opt for a lampshade that is shaped or decorated in a motif typical of your decorating style. For example, a nautical anchor would be perfect in a beach-themed bedroom or a traditional ginger jar for a country bedroom.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a bedside lamp is the height of your mattress. Ideally, the top of the mattress should be at the same height as the bottom of your nightstand. This will help to create a balanced look that is easy to navigate when getting in and out of bed.
The Height of Your Nightstand
The height of your nightstand is an important factor when choosing the right lamp for it. The ideal lamp is one that is tall enough to light your reading material and still be comfortably at eye level when you’re sitting in bed. The lamp base should be level with or slightly above the nightstand.
Another factor to consider is the shape and style of your lamp. A lamp with a more rounded or organic shape will look good on a more rustic nightstand, while a taller, straighter base will match well with a sleeker modern design. A larger shade will also create visual contrast with a narrower nightstand, and a fabric shade will offer a softer, diffused lighting that’s ideal for reading.
Lastly, consider where you’ll be placing the lamp switch. You would rather not have to strain or risk hurting your neck or back to turn the lamp on and off, so make sure the switch is easily accessible. For best results, the switch should be roughly at the same height as your arm when it’s extended at its widest point (usually the base of the shade).
Once you’ve considered all these factors, the choice is up to you and your personal preference. If you are in favor of a more dramatic, statement-making lamp with an oversized base and intricate decorative design, go for it! You might also opt for a shorter, simpler lamp with a more streamlined base if you prefer a minimal aesthetic.
Whether you’re looking for a classic banker’s lamp, a Tiffany-style lighting fixture, or something with more of a vintage flair, there’s a perfect nightstand lamp out there for every taste and budget. If you’re unsure of where to begin, try browsing online or at your local furniture store for inspiration. Then, once you’ve found the perfect lamp for your nightstand, sit back, relax, and enjoy your new bedside lighting!
The Height of Your Lamp Shade
While you may think that the size of your lampshade is a non-factor in the overall look and functionality of your bedside lamps, it actually has a major impact on how your bedroom looks. From a design standpoint, you want to ensure that your lampshade isn’t too large compared to the base. Otherwise, it will overwhelm your nightstand and look awkward. It’s best to keep your lampshades around two-thirds of the height of their base to avoid this problem.
Another thing to consider is the width of your lampshade. If you’re going for a rustic or farmhouse-style nightstand, for example, then a wide, organic-shaped shade will create a great visual contrast with the slender, sleek base of your bedside table. Conversely, if you’re going for a more modern look, then a slim and streamlined shade might be more appropriate.
A final point to note is the location of the switch on your lamp. You don’t want to have to strain your neck to reach the switch while reading or doing anything else on your nightstand. It’s best to opt for a lamp with the switch located in an easily accessible place—such as on the base or cord.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the right bedside lamps for your home. But once you take the time to do your research and follow these simple tips, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of bedside lamps for your space!
Remember that the original purpose of bedside lamps is to provide lighting for reading and other tasks. To make this possible, your lamp should be at eye level when you’re sitting in bed—meaning the bottom of the shade should be roughly at the same height as your chin. This will help to prevent your eyes from getting too tired or irritated while you’re reading or doing other activities in bed. If you’re not a fan of reading in bed, you can also choose a taller lamp that directs more light downward for general illumination.
Personal Preferences
When it comes to lamps, there are no set rules—it's all about personal preference. However, some commonly accepted guidelines are useful for finding the right lamp height for your space.
Ideally, the bottom of your lamp's shade should be at eye level when you are sitting in bed reading. This ensures that you're not straining your neck or eyesight and it also provides an optimal light for bedtime reading and other activities in the bedroom.
The shape of your lamp can also play a role in its height. For example, a taller lamp base with a more organic or cylindrical design can create visual contrast on a narrow nightstand and accentuate the height of the piece. Conversely, a shorter base or slender lampshade can complement a more streamlined nightstand and offer a sleek aesthetic.
Another factor to consider is the size of your room and bedroom furniture. If your bedroom is large and has a larger mattress, a larger lamp base may be needed to balance the scale. On the other hand, if you have a smaller bedroom with a queen-size mattress, you might prefer a slimmer and more slender lamp base.
Once you've figured out the ideal height for your bedside table lamp, it's time to consider style and aesthetic. The type of lamp you choose can make a big impact on the overall look of your room and provide a beautiful focal point to draw the eye. You can choose a classic tabletop lamp with an elegant, detailed base or opt for a more contemporary wall-mounted fixture such as sconces to add a touch of modern flair.
Once you've found the perfect bedside table lamp, the next step is to find the perfect bulb for your space. Motivo Decor Lights offers a variety of bulb types to help you find the right brightness and color temperature for your room. We also have a wide range of decorative shade options, from fabric to metal, so you can find the perfect match for your bedroom decor.