Updated July 2026.
When choosing a bedside lamp, consider three criteria: height, with the bottom of the lampshade at eye level when sitting up in bed; intensity, a warm light around 2700 Kelvin dimmed by a fabric lampshade; and the switch type, whether it's an accessible switch, dimmer, or touch model. Style and material come next.
Height, the number one criterion
A successful bedside lamp is best appreciated when sitting in bed with a book in hand. The rule of thumb is simple: the bottom of the lampshade should be roughly at eye level to illuminate the page without glare. In practice, a lamp 40 to 55 cm high placed on a bedside table 55 to 60 cm high positions the bottom of the lampshade around 100 to 110 cm from the floor, which is the correct zone. Also check the diameter: the lampshade should not extend beyond the tabletop, and a diameter of 25 to 35 cm is usually sufficient for a bedside table.
Light intensity and temperature
For reading, there's no need for powerful light: about 400 to 500 lumens are enough to illuminate a book without straining your eyes. For color temperature, stick to a warm light around 2700 Kelvin, which promotes sleep, and avoid cold whites above 3500 Kelvin. A fabric lampshade, whether linen or cotton, diffuses and softens the beam. If possible, choose a dimmable bulb to reduce intensity in the late evening. For more in-depth information, see our guide on how to light a bedroom for a cozy effect.
Switching on and the little features that make all the difference
The action you repeat every evening deserves consideration. A switch on the cord or on the base, easy to find in the dark, remains the simplest. Touch models turn on with a tap and sometimes manage multiple intensities. An integrated USB port allows you to charge a phone without a power strip, and a wireless rechargeable lamp can be moved from the bedside to the living room as evenings progress. Find all these formats in our table and bedside lamps.
Style, material, and symmetry
Style is chosen last, but it matters. For a serene bedroom, a pair of identical lamps on each side of the bed creates a soothing symmetry. Match the finish to the rest of the room: light wood and linen for a soft ambiance, ceramic and brass for a more dressed-up look, black metal for a contemporary feel. The important thing is to maintain a common thread with your bedside tables and other light fixtures. If your bedside tables are narrow, a pair of reading wall lights frees up the tabletop while maintaining symmetry.
Bedside lamp, wall light, or portable lamp?
| Solution | Ideal when | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Table lamp | The bedside table is wide enough | The classic choice, height 40 to 55 cm |
| Reading wall light | The bedside table is narrow or absent | Frees up the tabletop, center at 100 to 120 cm from the floor |
| Rechargeable lamp | You want flexibility | Portable and wireless, from bedside to living room |
Fenalor's tip: Buy both of your bedside lamps at the same time, in the same model. A mismatched pair stands out when you wake up, whereas perfect symmetry is barely noticeable and calms the mind.
Where to plug in the lamp and hide the cord
A successful bedside lamp is also judged by what you don't see. Locate the outlet before buying: in most homes, it's about 30 cm from the floor, sometimes hidden behind the bed, while a table lamp cord typically measures 150 to 180 cm. If the distance is greater, plan for a flat extension cord to slide under the bed base rather than a cord that crosses the pathway. Run the cord along a bedside table leg and secure it with two or three adhesive clips: it takes five minutes and changes the look of the room. When no outlet is accessible, a wireless rechargeable lamp solves the problem, with 6 to 20 hours of battery life depending on the intensity chosen. On a bedside table with a drawer, always run the cord behind the furniture, never in front of the drawer.
Which bedside lamp for a child's or guest room
These two rooms require different choices than the master bedroom. For a child, stability is key: prefer a wide, weighted base, a fabric rather than glass lampshade, and a short cord or a rechargeable model, so that no wire dangles within reach. A soft intensity, around 100 to 200 lumens, is enough to reassure without waking them, and a very warm hue, around 2200 Kelvin, resembles candlelight. In a guest room, aim for obviousness: a switch that can be found immediately in the dark, without a remote control or app to explain. An integrated USB port saves your guests from searching for a charger, and a free outlet next to the bed provides the same service. In both cases, an opaque lampshade or a dimmable bulb avoids illuminating the entire bed when only one person is still awake. Our table and bedside lamps cover these two uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height for a bedside lamp?
Count on a lamp 40 to 55 cm high on a bedside table 55 to 60 cm high: the bottom of the lampshade will then be around 100 to 110 cm from the floor, at eye level when you are sitting in bed. This way, you illuminate your book without being dazzled.
Which bulb for a bedside lamp?
Choose a warm light bulb, around 2700 Kelvin, with about 400 to 500 lumens for comfortable reading. Check the base indicated on the lamp, often E14, E27, or G9. A dimmable bulb allows you to lower the intensity in the late evening.
Should bedside lamps be identical?
An identical pair on each side of the bed creates a soothing symmetry, ideal in a shared bedroom. If only one side is used, a single lamp is sufficient. The essential thing is to match the finish to your bedside tables and the rest of your light fixtures to maintain a cohesive room.
Bedside lamp or wall light?
A table lamp is suitable if the bedside table is wide enough to accommodate it. On a narrow or absent bedside table, a reading wall light frees up the tabletop and is placed 100 to 120 cm from the floor. Both offer good reading light, chosen according to the available space.
To find the lamp that will accompany your evenings, browse our table and bedside lamps and our bedroom selection. Also consider matching your bedside table, and get inspired by our ideas for creating a soothing bedroom.
