Lights placed on nightstands are commonly referred to as bedside lamps or table lamps. These small and convenient fixtures are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Bedside lamps are typically used for reading, creating a relaxed nighttime ambiance, or providing soft lighting for nighttime tasks.
They come in various styles and sizes. The right bedside lamp can perfectly complement your bedroom decor while offering the functionality you need. Now, let's explore some types of nightstand lamps and some tips for choosing the best one!
What Exactly Are Lights on the Nightstand Called?
Lights on nightstands are commonly referred to as table lamps or bedside lamps, depending on their design. These lamps are versatile and ideal for various activities—whether you're reading, relaxing in bed, or working. Their compact size makes them perfect for any bedroom, and they come in a variety of styles, making it easy to enhance your decor.

Some nightstand lamps are designed with functionality in mind and are known as task lights. These lamps are focused on providing optimal lighting for specific tasks, such as reading or writing. Additionally, some lamps feature modern advancements like touch controls and built-in charging ports and are often called smart bedside lamps.
In short, what you choose to call your nightstand lamp depends on its features and design. Traditional designs are typically called bedside lamps or table lamps, while those with advanced features like charging ports and touch controls are best referred to as smart bedside lamps. If the lamp is designed purely for functional purposes, you can call it a task light.
If you're also considering how to enhance other areas of your home with stylish lighting, check out these hallway lighting ideas for your home to create a welcoming atmosphere throughout your space.
What Are Different Types of Table Lamps?

As earlier mentioned, table lamps are pretty essential to improve your home decor. Apart from offering much-needed illumination, they also add a touch of style to your rooms.
During the day, you can take advantage of these lamps as beautiful ornaments. When functioning at night, they'll help transform your space, making it welcoming and inviting.
It's worth knowing that table lamps are available in different types. Some common options include:
- Classic Table Lamps
- Buffet Lamps
- Bankers' Lamp
- Novelty Lamps
- Accent Lamp
- Bedside Lamps
- Tiffany Lamp
All the aforementioned table lamps have their strengths, specific functions, and weaknesses. Let's get familiar with these table lamps by taking them one at a time:
1. Classic Table Lamps

Take advantage of these timeless lamps to add a touch of elegance to your space. Apart from being aesthetically appealing, these lamps are also functional. Some unique features of classic table lamps include:
- A base
- Stem
- Light shade for light diffusion
Adding classic table lamps to your home is enough to enhance your interior spaces.
2. Buffet Lamp
Buffet table lamps are also known as console lamps. These tall, slender lamps are designed for homes with buffet tables. You can take advantage of these lamps to transform your space. A good example is if you use them in pairs—this setup will help you create a symmetrical appearance.
Furthermore, buffet lamps often come with elongated profiles. This makes them ideal for delivering intimate and stylish lighting solutions, especially in your dining rooms.
3. Accent Lamps
If you're very familiar with how most table lamps work, you'll agree that they prioritize practicality first and then decorative second. But this is never true for accetoamps as the reverse is their case. By using this lamp, you can easily add a dash of style to your space.
4. Bankers’ Lamp

If you're very familiar with movies, then you must have come across the bankers’ lamp. They are the classic green shade lamps in classic movies. They are often mounted on a heavy wooden desk for various tasks, such as studies.
5. Novelty Lamp
These lamps are available in different sizes, themes, and shapes. Some common shapes you'll find out there today include lava, animal-like, and characters. With these lamps, you can easily add fun and personality to your indoor space.
6. Tiffany Lamp
The Tiffany lamps are pretty unique and popular for a couple of reasons. One of them is because they are designed with colorful, stained glass light shades. These works of art are ideal for adding a touch of elegance and warmth to your interior space.
How to Choose Table Lamps?

You need to factor in a lot of things when it comes to choosing the right table lamps for your interior space. Some key factors worth considering include:
- Functions
- Style
- Compatibility with bulbs
- Customization
1. Functions
What exactly are your intentions? Why are you looking to buy table lamps? The answer to these questions can help you choose the right lamps for home or office use.
For instance, if you're choosing a reading lamp for your bedside table, you should consider the following factors:
- The light color
- Intensity of light
- Glare risk
Furthermore, the ideal lamp should be able to illuminate your pages without causing eye strain. In this case, the ideal lamp must have warm tones and a medium light intensity.

That's not all; the ideal lamp should be able to minimize the risk of glare. Here's where the need to choose table lamps with a filtering mode comes in. A good option is a light source that comes with a porcelain effect glass bulb. Alternatively, you can opt for a lamp with a light shade. If you're opting for lamps with light shades, however, ensure the lower edge of the lampshade has the same height as your eyes.
2. Style
Your table lamp style also matters when choosing the ideal product. Are you interested in a Nordic style? If yes, then we recommend opting for a wooden table lamp. You should only opt for metal lamps if you're looking to achieve a vintage or glamorous style.
3. Compatibility with bulb
Do you want to give real personality to your table lamps? If yes, then we suggest opting for a bulb with a unique shape. The classic bulb shape with transparent glass also works perfectly.
4. Customization
To get the most out of your table lamps, you can also consider customizing them down to the smallest details. Take time to define your needs. After that, you can speak with experts at the shop to help you create a lamp that accommodates your needs and aligns with your taste.
Suppose you're considering different lighting options for your home. In that case, consider exploring are integrated LED light fixtures worth it. to see how they compare to traditional table lamps in terms of efficiency and functionality.
Final
The lights on your bedside table are often referred to as bedside lamps or table lamps. Whether they are traditional table lamps, task lamps, or smart bedside lamps, they are both practical and decorative. When choosing, consider size, style, and functionality to enhance your bedroom. The right bedside table lamp can create the ideal balance, whether it is for reading, relaxing, or enhancing comfort.
If you want to purchase some table lamps in bulk to decorate your home decoration, you can have more choices at COMILED. Not only table lamps, but also LED panel lights, chandeliers, recessed lighting, and more. Welcome to consult our sales staff for accurate quotes!

FAQs
1. Is It Possible to Customize My Table Lamp Design?
The simple answer is yes, you can always customize your table lamps to the smallest details. Most table lamp stores offer customization options today.
If you must customize your lamp, all you need is to speak with experts in the store. Depending on your taste, the experts will adjust the size, shape, materials, and design details of the lamp. This ensures you get something that aligns perfectly with your taste and budget.
The bottom line is that customization is crucial to achieving a lamp that aligns perfectly with your taste and interior decor.
2. What Exactly Is the Ideal Height for a Bedside Lamp?
The ideal height for a bedside lamp is typically 24 to 30 inches from the base to the top of the lamp shade. This allows the light to be at eye level when sitting up in bed, providing optimal lighting for reading or other activities.
The lamp's height should also match the height of the nightstand, with the lamp shade positioned around the same height as your pillow top or slightly above.
3. What Style of Table Lamp Works Best with Modern Decor?
The answer to this question depends on your preferences. For modern decor, you can go for table lamps that feature sleek, minimalist designs. The ideal lamps should have clean lines, neutral colors, and simple shapes. Furthermore, you can always complement your modern aesthetic by opting for the following metal bases:
- Matte black
- Polished chrome
- Brushed steel
Consider pairing these metal bases with contemporary lamp shades (fabric or glass) to better complement the modern aesthetics.
4. What Kind of Bulb Should I Use?
Below are some valid factors worth considering when choosing bulbs for your table lamps:
First, you need to factor in the type of bulb. The good thing here is that you have numerous options—LED, incandescent bulbs, and CFL bulbs. LED bulbs are energy-efficient. Incandescent bulbs will give you warm, soft light. However, they are not as energy-efficient as LED. CFL bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. The only issue with them is that it takes a longer period for them to reach full brightness.
Other important factors worth considering when choosing the ideal bulbs include:
- Wattage
- Color temperature
- Dimmable bulbs
- Compatibility
It's simple, the ideal bulbs should come with appropriate wattage. This should be based on the intended use and size of the bulbs.
Color temperature also matters when choosing the right bulbs. Go for “warm white” if you want to achieve a cozy, soft light that's perfect for sleeping and relaxing. “Cool white”, on the other hand, is ideal for achieving brighter, whiter light for reading and taking various tasks.
Related reading: What is Recessed Lighting?