Table lamps are often overlooked as an effective way to add warmth and illuminate your surroundings as the sun goes down. They produce a gorgeous glow and give you control over your mood and atmosphere. Low lighting also aids our circadian rhythm by signalling to our internal clocks that it’s time to unwind. That’s why it’s best to turn off the ceiling light, especially if it feels harsh or creates unflattering shadows.
Here at Your Home and Garden, we love a considered lighting scheme. We believe that how we use lighting in our homes deserves the same level of thought as colour or furniture. Table lamps are also a simple, yet inexpensive, way to enhance a home. You can be as creative as you want, without the enduring investment required to install wall sconces, pendant or ceiling lights. Portable lamps have also grown in popularity of late because they can be moved from room to room or swapped out.
Before you choose your new table lamp, consider the space it will occupy to inform the size, style, functionality, and brightness you require. An adjustable joint is particularly helpful for a desk lamp, allowing you to direct the light to your task at hand. On the other hand, a bedside lamp will need to fit on your side table alongside other necessities, so consider the base diameter and whether the lighting is dimmable for relaxation. Shop our current favourites below.
The best portable, bedside & table lamps for a gorgeous glow:
Do my table lamps need to match?
This is entirely up to you and your style ethos. If you’re after a symmetrical look in your bedroom, matching bedside lamps are a good idea.
However, mixing and matching styles elsewhere in the home, particularly in the living and dining rooms, can let you have fun with your lighting scheme. Consider complementary or neutral palettes with contrasting textures, and add depth with a floor lamp.
Styling tip: Position your bedroom lamp at or slightly below your eye level when sitting in bed. This ensures a comfortable set-up for activities like reading a book or journaling.
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