A table lamp can highlight a favourite spot, complete a room or give light for a particular task. Before you settle on a model, it is worth asking one simple question: what should the lamp do in this spot?
Check the space and proportions first
Measure the available surface and compare it with the product dimensions given. As well as the base, allow for a shade that overhangs. Doors, shelves, curtains and objects on the same surface need enough clearance.
The height of the lamp changes how it looks in the room. A model on a low shelf reads differently from one on a tall chest of drawers. Look at the intended spot from the positions where you usually sit or stand there.
In the living room: add a pool of light
Beside the sofa or on a sideboard, a table lamp can bring one part of the room into focus. For a reading corner, what matters is how the light falls on the page. On a chest of drawers, the shape of the lamp itself can take centre stage.
Several light sources give you different ways to use the room. An extra table lamp does not, however, automatically replace the lighting you need for specific tasks. Explore our living room lamps and compare the features described.
In the bedroom: think about controls and glare
On the bedside table, there should still be room for the things you need by the bed. Make sure the switch is within reach and check whether the shade stops you looking straight into the light source from your usual position.
If you would like a dimming function or a particular colour temperature, check these details for the specific model. Our range of bedside lamps includes a variety of shapes and power options.
On the dining table: keep sightlines clear
A table lamp can add a touch of atmosphere at mealtimes. Its height and width should suit the size of the table and not needlessly block the view of the people around it. Allow for plates, glasses and serving dishes too.
If a cable would get in the way, a cordless model may be worth considering. Check its charging method and usage information before planning it in for regular evenings.
In the workspace: the task decides
For writing, reading or screen work, what counts is how the light falls on the work surface. Try to avoid your hand casting a distracting shadow and the light source reflecting awkwardly on the screen. A decorative lamp is not automatically suitable as your only task light.
Bringing shape, colour and material together
You can pick up a colour already in the room or deliberately set a contrast. Glass, wood, metal and stone each have a different effect; the specific materials are listed on the product page. Also compare the colour and variant selected, so that the details match the item you want.
Take a look at our table lamps. If you have any questions about a model, you can contact our customer service before ordering.