Light within reach

A lamp on your bedside table is one of the lights you use most often: to read for a while, or to find your way if you get up during the night. That's why convenience matters here. You need to be able to find it and switch it on easily in the dark, so a table lamp with a cord switch within reach or a touch dimmer is a practical choice.

Which model do you choose?

First, look at the size: bedside tables are usually small, so a compact lamp that doesn't take up the whole surface is a better fit. A fabric or linen shade filters the light softly, which is particularly useful right beside the bed. If you mainly use the lamp for reading, a model with a directional shade is more practical than one designed mainly for atmosphere. And if you have very little space, consider a wall light beside the bed, which keeps your bedside table completely clear.

Cordless beside your bed

A rechargeable table lamp is a practical alternative: there's no cord across your bedside table and no socket needed behind the bed. Many models have a touch dimmer and adjustable light colour, from candlelight-like to warm white. Looking for something that switches on automatically when it gets dark? Then take a look at the night lights.

Light and bulb

Choose warm white light (around 2700K), as cool light just before going to sleep can feel too harsh. Most table lamps use an E27 or E14 bulb fitting. With rechargeable models, the LED is already built in. The bulb or LED you need is listed in the product details.