Table Lamps
37k+ products · from $3 · 133 brands
Material Truth
Know what you’re buying before you buy it.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Onton’s Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic base | Heavy and stable, but can get chipped. | Wipe with a damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. | Best for bedside tables and accent tables where the lamp doubles as a decorative object. Ceramic bases come in endless shapes and finishes, making them one of the easiest ways to add personality to a room. |
| Metal base | Resists impact very well and brass may even develop a patina over time. Polish brass occasionally to maintain its finish or leave it to age naturally for a vintage look. | Wipe other metal finishes clean with a damp cloth. | Best for desks, living rooms, and anywhere you want a versatile, durable base that pairs well with any shade style. |
| Glass base | Can be pretty fragile when knocked or dropped, and especially dangerous if it cracks or shatters. That said, it is fairly heavy so sits stably on flat surfaces. | Wipe with a soft lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the surface and avoid abrasive cleaners as they can dull the glass. Fingerprints show easily on clear glass so regular wiping is needed. | Best for living rooms and bedrooms where you want to add light and visual openness to a space. Glass bases reflect light well and work particularly well in smaller rooms where a solid base might feel visually heavy. |
Best table lamp for every use
Size, light output, and practical features that matter.
| Use | Ideal height | Best shade | Color temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedside reading | 24–27" total including base and shade | Empire or drum with light-colored fabric | 2700K (warm white for relaxation) |
| Living room console | 28–34" total | Large drum or oversized empire | 2700–3000K (warm to neutral) |
| Home office desk | 15–18" (task lamp scale) | Adjustable or directional | 3000–4000K (neutral for focus) |
| Entryway table | 30–34" total for impact | Sculptural or statement shade | 2700K (welcoming warm glow) |
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to buy with confidence.
What height should a table lamp be for a bedside table?
The bottom of the shade should sit at roughly eye level when you are sitting up in bed, which typically works out to around 20 to 22 inches from the tabletop. A total lamp height of 24 to 27 inches, measuring the base and shade together, suits most standard nightstands. The shade should direct light down onto your book or the surface below rather than straight into your eyes.
What's the best table lamp for reading in bed?
Look for a lamp with a directed, adjustable shade and a warm bulb rated at 2700K. A dimmable switch or touch control is ideal for a bedside reading lamp since you can keep it bright while reading and dial it down when winding down for sleep. Avoid open-top shades that send light upward; for reading, you want the light aimed downward onto the page.
Should table lamps match in a room?
Matching bedside lamps creates symmetry and a calm, considered feel, which tends to work particularly well in bedrooms. In a living room you have more flexibility. Lamps that share a material such as brass hardware, or the same shade color, can look intentional without being identical. Mixing base heights and shapes can feel curated rather than mismatched as long as the lamps share a common tone or finish.
What bulb is best for a table lamp?
An LED A19 bulb at 800 lumens, the equivalent of a 60W incandescent, is the standard choice for most table lamps. Use 2700K for warm, cozy light in living rooms and bedrooms. If the lampshade is opaque or a dark color, opt for a brighter bulb at around 1100 lumens, the equivalent of a 75W incandescent, to compensate. Always check the lamp's maximum wattage rating before selecting a bulb.
How do I pick the right shade size for a lamp base?
As a general rule, the shade diameter should be roughly equal to the height of the base. A 12-inch base pairs well with a 12-inch diameter shade. The shade height should be around one third of the total lamp height. Most lamps come with a proportioned shade already, but if you are replacing one, this formula will help you keep things visually balanced.
Can I use a smart bulb in any table lamp?
Yes. Any lamp with a standard E26 or E12 base will accept a smart bulb. If the lamp has a built-in dimmer switch, it is worth noting that smart bulbs are designed to run at full power and should be controlled through their app rather than through an in-line dimmer. Running a smart bulb through a dimmer switch regularly can shorten the bulb's lifespan noticeably.
What table lamps work best for small spaces?
In smaller rooms, choose lamps with slim profiles such as thin metal bases, narrow cylinders, or compact ceramic bases. Keeping the total lamp height under 20 inches works well for small nightstands or shelves. Light-colored or translucent shades in white linen or frosted glass keep the space feeling open rather than adding visual bulk. Chunky bases paired with wide drum shades tend to overwhelm tighter spaces.
Do table lamps need to be plugged in, or are there cordless options?
Most table lamps are corded and plug into a standard outlet. Cordless, battery-powered table lamps are available and can be useful for shelves or surfaces without a nearby outlet, but they typically produce less light and need regular recharging. For a lamp you plan to use daily as a primary light source, a corded lamp with tidy cord management will consistently outperform a battery-powered alternative.
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