Choosing a bedside lamp: how to find the right light

A bedside lamp provides you with enough light to read without making the bedroom feel restless. When making your choice, pay attention to the size, light intensity, dimmability, and placement. This way, the lamp will fit your evening routine and leave space on your bedside table.

Decide what you will use the light for

You need different light if you read every night compared to when you primarily use the lamp to find something on your bedside table. While reading, you want enough light on the page. Around bedtime, a softer light source often fits better. Therefore, first consider your usage, and then look at the shape or colour of the lamp.

A shade shields the light source, reducing direct light in your eyes. A table lamp with smoked glass gives a different appearance than a lamp with a linen shade. In CasaLumio's range, you can find, for example, the Mexlite Noor table lamp made of steel and linen, alongside a black version with a linen shade. The Steinhauer Reflexion table lamp has smoked glass and comes in multiple versions, including a model with a tripod.

• If you often read in bed, opt for focused light that gently falls on the page.
• If you mainly use the lamp for ambiance, ensure a uniform and pleasant distribution.
• If you want to combine both functions, choose dimmability or a light source that you can adjust yourself.

How much light do you need next to your bed?

The amount of light depends on your activity and the position of the lamp. When reading, the light needs to reach your book or e-reader properly. At the same time, you want to avoid direct glare from the lamp or harsh shadows on the page.

A lamp beside the bed with an open light source can appear stronger than a lamp with a shade. The colour and material of the shade also influence how you experience the light. A dark shade can focus the light more, while linen gives a softer appearance. Always check what light source and light intensity are suitable for the fixture when this information is available.

With dimmability, you can adjust the light for different moments. The Mexlite Eloi is a dimmable LED table lamp. This type of lamp is suitable when you want more light during the day or when reading, and prefer a lower setting later in the evening. The Eloi is available as a table lamp in steel and glass and in a bronze version.

Choose the right size for your bedside table

A bedside lamp should match the proportions between your bedside table and your bed. First, measure how much space you really have. Leave room for a book, phone, or glass of water. A wide base can quickly clutter the surface. A small lamp may get lost next to a high headboard.

In addition to the base, also consider the height of the shade. When lying in bed, you don’t want to look directly at the light source. Place the lamp so that the light source is approximately at eye level or slightly below when you sit upright. The exact position depends on the height of your bed, bedside table, and headboard.

Compact table lamps often fit well on a smaller bedside table. The Steinhauer Ancilla has a conical black shape with smoked glass. The Mexlite Nove is an industrial table lamp made of black metal with gold. Such clear shapes fit well on a quiet bedside table, as long as the base leaves space for your daily items.

Position your bedside lamp appropriately

The placement largely determines how comfortable you are while reading. Do not place the lamp all the way at the outer edge of the bedside table. You’ll bump into it more quickly that way. A position next to your dominant reading hand can be practical, as long as the light evenly reaches the page.

For a bed for two people, it’s nice if everyone can use their own light. You won’t have to turn on the general lighting if you still want to read. Also, pay attention to the switch. You should be able to reach it from bed without stretching too far.

If you already have a main light or wall lamp, use the bedside lamp for a lower light level. Combine different light sources without every lamp having the same intensity. For additional bedside lamps, you can look for fixtures that match the space and available surface area. A separate collection of reading lamps is suitable if reading comfort is a priority for you.

Match the lamp to your bedroom

The lamp does not have to be exactly the same colour or shape as your bed or cabinet. It helps to reflect a material or accent from the room. Steel, black metal, glass, smoked glass, and linen all give a different impression. Choose a version that complements the furniture already in your bedroom.

A lamp with smoked glass can add a dark accent. A linen shade looks softer if you wish to keep the lighting calm. At CasaLumio, you can find several table lamps that you can use as bedroom lighting, including models from Mexlite and Steinhauer. Pay particular attention to the shape of the lamp, the control, and the space you have on the bedside table.

Is a bedside lamp necessary if you already have ceiling light?

A ceiling lamp lights the entire room. A bedside lamp provides light close to your bed. This is more convenient if you are reading, looking for something, or want to softly illuminate the room without turning on the entire ceiling light. Both types of lighting can be used together.

Where should a reading lamp be placed next to the bed?

Place the lamp so that the light falls on your book and does not shine directly into your eyes. Keep the lamp within reach and ensure that the base is stable. The best position depends on your sitting position, the height of the bedside table, and the side you read on.

Is dimmable lighting suitable for the bedroom?

Dimmable lighting is practical if you use the lamp at different times. During reading, you choose a higher level, and for sleeping, a lower setting. The Mexlite Eloi is a dimmable LED table lamp in the provided collection.

Measure your bedside table, determine what you will use the light for, and then choose a lamp that you can easily operate from bed.