Complete guide to choosing the ideal bedside lamp

With so many options available on the market, choosing a bedside lamp can be a daunting task. Beyond simple lighting, recent models incorporate practical features, such as USB ports and dimmer switches, making bedside lamps a true everyday companion. In this guide, discover all the essential criteria for selecting the bedside lamp that perfectly meets your needs, whether in terms of style, functionality, or ease of use.

Types of bedside lamps

Bedside lamps come in a variety of sizes to suit all bedroom styles and lighting needs. Tabletop models, the most classic, sit directly on the nightstand and offer great flexibility in placement. To save space, wall sconces and pendant lights are elegant alternatives that completely free up the bedside table top.

Table lamps

Table lamps are the most versatile of bedside lamps. Their main advantage? You can easily move them around to suit your needs. In 2024, they come in several styles to suit all tastes:

• The eternal rose lamps , truly poetic decorative objects, diffuse a soft and warm light while bringing a romantic touch to your bedside.

• Moon lamps and plasma lamps , with their original shapes and unique lighting effects, embody a more contemporary aesthetic.

• Salt lamps or light trees , made from natural materials such as wood or salt crystal, create a Zen and comforting atmosphere.

Technology is also making its way into these modern lamps. Many now include USB ports for charging your phone, or can be controlled via an app. Some even offer a gradual wake-up function that simulates dawn. To make the right choice, choose a height that fits your bed and adjustable brightness—your reading comfort depends on it.

Wall or hanging lamps

Wall lamps completely free up your bedside table. They're the ideal solution when space is limited. You have several practical options to choose from: wall-mounted sconces and clamp-on lamps that clip directly onto the headboard. Plug-in sconces are particularly clever—no electrician required; they simply plug into a wall outlet.

Installing a wall light requires some thought. Place it at shoulder height when you're sitting up in bed. This will provide the best lighting for reading. If you opt for a pendant light, it should hang about 40 cm above your nightstand.

A tip: choose an adjustable model. You can direct the light exactly where you need it—on your book in the evening, or toward the wall for a softer ambiance.

Practical features of bedside lamps

Modern bedside lamps are no longer just about lighting. With their integrated dimmers and convenient USB ports for charging our devices, they adapt perfectly to our daily needs. These thoughtful features transform a simple light fixture into a true bedside assistant.

Lamps with dimmer

The dimmer switch has become a must-have for modern bedside lamps. This feature allows you to adjust the brightness to suit your needs: dim light so you don't disturb your partner at night, or brighter lighting for comfortable reading. Most recent models offer a stepless adjustment from 0 to 100%. To take advantage of this, just be sure to choose compatible bulbs, known as "dimmable." LEDs are particularly recommended: they offer smooth variation and consume little energy. Some devices even integrate the dimmer switch directly into the lamp's base or cord, making it even more convenient to use.

Lamps with USB ports or wireless charging

No more hassle with multiple sockets near the bed! New generation bedside lamps integrate USB ports directly into their bases. One or two ports are enough to plug in your phone or tablet overnight. Some more advanced models even offer a wireless induction charging zone: simply place your compatible device on the base of the lamp. These features are particularly appreciated in small bedrooms where wall outlets are limited. You'll find these options on a variety of lamp styles, from the most minimalist to the most sophisticated. To make the right choice, simply check the charging power offered—it generally varies between 1A and 2.4A for USB ports.

Tips for choosing a bedside lamp

Choosing the right bedside lamp requires considering a few essential criteria. The ideal height is generally between 50 and 70 cm, for optimal lighting when reading in bed. The light intensity should be sufficient for comfortable reading, without being dazzling - a luminous flux between 400 and 800 lumens offers a good compromise.

Consider size and height

The position of your bedside lamp is crucial for comfortable lighting. The secret? The center of the lampshade should be at eye level when you're sitting up in bed. This simple rule will save you a lot of trouble.

To achieve this, consider these key points:

• The total height (from floor to light bulb) should be between 90 and 110 cm for a classic bed and bedside table set

In terms of proportions, your lamp should match your bedside table. For a small piece of furniture, choose a slim lamp with a discreet base. For a large table, a more imposing lamp will create a harmonious ensemble. The lampshade is generally between 20 and 30 cm in diameter to diffuse the light well.

Choose according to the desired lighting

The light from a bedside lamp plays a vital role in your comfort. To create a relaxing atmosphere, opt for warm white light, between 2700 and 3300 Kelvin. This color temperature diffuses a soft, soothing light, perfect for the bedroom. Choose lamps with shades that filter and diffuse the light evenly. Avoid overly bright sources like halogen or neon, which can be harsh on the eyes. Good bedside lighting should be sufficient for comfortable reading, while remaining soft and warm so as not to disturb your rest.

Interior Design and Bedside Lamp Styles

Your bedside lamp isn't just a source of light: it's also a decorative element that adds to the ambiance of your bedroom. From sleek modern styles to characterful vintage designs, classic elegance, or contemporary minimalism, the choices are vast. Each style has its own codes and preferred materials, allowing you to create a perfect harmony with your interior design.

Modern and minimalist styles

Modern style emphasizes simplicity. Minimalist lamps are recognizable by their clean lines and basic geometric shapes—often round or cubic. Materials tend to be matte or polished metal, sometimes paired with light wood for added warmth. Colors remain understated: black, white, neutral tones, or very soft pastels. These lamps often incorporate modern technologies like dimmable LEDs or touch controls, but in a discreet manner so as not to disrupt their minimalist aesthetic. To achieve this style, choose compact models that don't take up too much space on the bedside table. The idea is to have functional lighting that blends naturally into a sleek decor without drawing attention to itself.

Classic and vintage lamps

Classic and vintage lamps bring a unique touch of authenticity to your bedroom. In terms of design, we often find green or white glass lampshades, mounted on solid wood or wrought metal legs. The famous architect lamp is a perfect example of this timeless style. To reinforce the vintage look, choose filament bulbs: they diffuse a warm light between 2500 and 2700 kelvins, close to that of a candle. With an intensity of 300 to 400 lumens, you get soft and relaxing lighting, ideal for evening reading. Some models discreetly integrate modern features like a dimmer or a touch switch, without distorting their old-world charm. Natural materials like rattan or bamboo are also very present in these traditional designs, creating shadow effects thanks to their openwork shapes.