6 Bedside Lamp Styles to Suit Your Bedroom
You’ve bought a new bed frame, styled it with your favourite linens, and found bedside tables to tie it all together. It may seem like the most important bedroom design decisions are sorted, but the lighting you choose is key when it comes to creating a space that makes you feel relaxed and sleep-ready.
Your bedside lamp is likely the light source you use most frequently in the bedroom, and it can significantly impact the overall ambience of the room. Different styles of bedside lamps serve various purposes, offering unique features to suit how you use your space. If you spend every night reading in bed, you might find something brighter works for you compared to a soft glow ideal for relaxing with a cup of sleepy tea while listening to your podcast of choice.
From statement lamps to compact solutions, here are six types of bedside lamps to suit different needs, spaces, and decor styles.
1. Directional lamps for the avid reader
If your bedtime routine involves unwinding with a few chapters of your current favourite book, a directional bedside lamp will help make your reading squint-free. Directional lamps often feature an adjustable arm, stand, and shade, allowing you to angle the light wherever you want it. This is perfect for illuminating your page without light glaring into your eyes, or for pointing the light away to create an indirect ambience.
While practical, style isn’t an afterthought with designs that complement the look of your bedroom. You could go for something classic, such as a mini version of the iconic Anglepoise desk lamp, or lean into an organic, modern aesthetic with natural materials and earthy, neutral tones.
2. Dimmable lamps for mood lighting
On some mornings or evenings, you may prefer lower lighting than on others. Enter the dimmable lamp. Effortlessly adjust the brightness and mood of your bedroom with a lamp featuring a built-in dimmer switch. This gives you the versatility to optimise your lighting, whether you want something energising or softer and more calming. We particularly like Tala’s Knuckle Table Lamp paired with their Sphere IV LED bulb for pared-back style with a warm glow.
3. Large statement lamps for bigger spaces
In bedrooms with plenty of space on either side of the bed, you can afford to go big. Bold, oversized bedside lamps add character and visually balance a spacious bedroom. Statement lamps can enhance maximalist interior styles or serve as focal points in minimalist rooms. There are endless designs available, such as sculpted bases, large shades, or all-over patterns like this striped Raie Fabric Table Lamp by Heal’s.
4. Wall lamps for compact bedrooms
In more compact bedrooms, wall space is your friend. If you don’t have room for bedside tables or they’re too small to fit a lamp, wall-mounted lights or sconces don’t take up any usable space and elegantly frame your bed. This ribbed ceramic wall light, handmade in Portugal by Patrícia Lobo Atelier, is a beautiful option that comes in a range of earthy colours.
If you’re renting or just don’t want to hardwire in lights, try battery-powered models that can be easily mounted to the wall or plug-in lamps that clip or clamp onto your bedhead or a nearby shelf.
5. Cordless, rechargeable lamps for plug-free setups
A plug socket on either side of your bed is the ideal setup for easy access, but this may not be the case in your bedroom. Rather than trailing long leads or extension cords along the floor, choose a portable bedside lamp. These can be recharged at an outlet, or often via USB, and then used cord-free to keep your bedside table uncluttered. Why not bring a citrus pop into your bedroom with the tube cordless table lamp by houseof?
Cordless lamps offer the flexibility to move and place them wherever you like, including bringing them into other rooms as needed. You may need an extra side light in your living room one afternoon or want to create a cosy atmosphere outside on a summer evening while hosting guests.
6. Wake-up lamps for better sleep routines
If you struggle to relax at night or wake up in the morning, especially when there’s little natural light in your room, a wake-up lamp could be a great solution. These lamps feature lighting cycles that you can set to mimic sunrise and sunset, gradually increasing or decreasing in warmth and brightness. This can help you wind down at night and gradually wake up in the morning, instead of being jolted awake by your phone alarm.
Designs vary – some are more minimalist and resemble a standard bedside lamp, while others feature additional functionality, such as an alarm clock, radio, and Bluetooth music playback. Popular brands that sell wake-up lamps include Beurer and Lumie, which offer a range of models.
Looking for more bedroom inspiration? Explore our ideas for how to style a small bedside table and discover different bench styles for the end of your bed.
