Our Favorite Bedside Lamps

I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home and decor. I visit home-goods and furniture stores and showrooms for a living. My bedroom-related coverage has included bed frames, nightstands, and an incredibly effective cooling and heating mattress pad.

For this guide:

• I researched hundreds of lamps from 28 different companies before arriving at our picks.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.

Bedside lights are a quiet, underrated workhorse in the home. Any table lamp will cover the most basic illumination needs, but bedside lamps are expected to also help us seamlessly settle in for the night, and they should gently illuminate the room when we need to wake up in the dark. As we searched for promising models to test, we began to notice the many little things that frustrate us when bedside lights are not up to task.

With all of that in mind, we decided that the best bedside lamps should do the following:

• A bedside lamp should turn on and off with an in-line switch, a pull chain, or touch control, or it should be compatible with a smart bulb, because it’s annoying to have to fumble around inside the shade in the dark.
• It should have a shade that efficiently diffuses light or redirects it.
• A bedside lamp should have a stable base so it doesn’t get knocked over if it’s accidentally nudged.
• Its cord should be a minimum of 5 feet long.
• It should be dimmable (or compatible with a smart bulb to make it so).
• A bedside lamp should work with common/accessible bulbs (with a few exceptions).

Knowing that looks are entirely subjective, we crowdsourced Wirecutter staffers for their favorites. And we spoke to three interior designers—Nicholas Obeid, Shannon Maldonado, and Jessica Davis—with different styles. They provided a range of perspectives on other things you should think about when choosing bedside lamps, from the height of your bedside tables to considering a vintage lamp instead of a new one.

After three weeks of research, I landed on 15 promising models and brought them into my home. I assembled them, inspected every feature and claim, and slept (and woke up) beside them for three to four nights per lamp (and in some cases longer). In the end, I arrived at nine great picks with a variety of price points (starting at $20). Our picks play nicely with a variety of style preferences, and each will bring the right amount of reading light and nighttime ambience to any bedroom.

Drama up top, business on the bottom

HAY Matin Table Lamp (large)

A Wirecutter pick since 2020, this lamp blends effective dimming with an eye-catching design. The base could use a little extra weight, but a few bedside books do the trick.

$212 from Design Within Reach

Just look at that shade. This guide’s original author, Gregory Han, described the HAY Matin Table Lamp as having “a minimalist design evocative of Paris and chinoiserie.” His wife was a fan as well, even though the shade reminded her of “the spiral remnants of a gigantic sharpened pencil.”

Dimming works from high to low. Designed by Inga Sempé, the HAY Matin lamp’s in-line and touch activated dimmer switch toggles between its three brightness settings from the highest level of brightness and ends on the lowest. This order is my personal preference — many other dimmable lamps work in reverse, so if you use them by the bed, they jar you wide awake with a bright flash just as you’re trying to ease the room into darkness. But if you wake frequently in the night, to, say, use the bathroom or tend to an infant, you might prefer a lamp that switches on to the dimmest setting first, so you don’t flood the room with a bright light right away. This lamp’s integrated LED bulb isn’t replaceable, but the manual claims an expected lifespan of 25,000 hours, or eight to 10 years with regular use.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Assembly can be challenging. It took six attempts to secure the Matin’s PVC-laminated shade in place, an issue that Gregory also encountered. The shade arrived in a tight cone shape, stiff and compressed, and it repeatedly leapt out of my hands as I tried to unfurl it and secure it into place. A second set of hands would likely make the process easier.

The base could be sturdier. The Matin lamp’s minimalist, lightweight frame (made from steel with a brass finish) balances weight evenly, and I didn’t encounter stability issues. But should any arise, you can solve the problem by using the space at the bottom of the lamp to corral your bedside books.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: This lamp offers seven shade colors, but stock fluctuates (we tested the vampy oxide red).
• Switch style: in-line dimmer, touch-controlled
• Dimensions: 20½ by 13⅞ inches (height by width; base: 11½ by 11½ inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: several versions, including a smaller lamp option, a corded sconce, a flush mount, and a pendant.
• Returns/warranty: 30-day returns, one-year warranty
• Bulb/socket type: integrated LED

Airy yet grounded

West Elm Mooney Table Lamp 12-inch

A lot of paper lantern lamps are unsteady on their feet, but this lamp’s wide and heavy base keeps it in place. The shade’s slightly thick overlay lines might annoy perfectionists.

$159 from West Elm

The base won’t tip or slide. Lamps with paper lantern shades often prove too unstable for bedside use, due to lightweight bases that cause them to tip if you so much as graze the side. The 12-inch West Elm Mooney Table Lamp’s 2-pound circular walnut-finished base anchors the lamp in place, while creating a soothing juxtaposition between fragile and solid materials.

Assembly is simple. Just prop the paper lantern up by the shade hanger, and use the three white cylindrical screws to fasten the shade in place. The screws are located on the interior, out of sight. The paper’s slightly yellow tint emits a soothing, warm glow.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Some construction details are a little noticeable. It’s definitely not a Noguchi. Paper lanterns are assembled in segments, and the section lines where each one attaches are clearly visible. This construction process is often near-seamless on higher-end paper lanterns, and while the slight asymmetry on the Mooney didn’t bother us, it might annoy some.

This lamp takes up a lot of nightstand real estate. With its 12½ inch shade, the Mooney lamp works best for wider bedside tables.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: There’s just the one.
• Switch style: in-line on/off
• Dimensions: 12 by 12½ inches (height by diameter; base diameter: 8 inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: a 34-inch-tall floor lamp
• Warranty/return policy: 30-day returns, no listed warranty (But West Elm told us it will review any product defects within a year of purchase.)
• Bulb/socket type: E26, not included

Sturdy and sculptural

West Elm Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp 17-inch

The asymmetric play on an otherwise standard silhouette gives this bedside lamp a subtle sophistication. It can blend into a room or stand out.

$149 from West Elm

The construction feels solid. The ceramic base on this lamp is stable, so it won’t topple easily, unless you tip it over on purpose. The linen shade also feels sturdy and disperses light with a nice glow. The in-line switch on the cord is uncomplicated and simple to turn on and off.

It almost doubles as a work of art. The earthy design incorporates just the right amount of whimsy to remind us of something you’d find in a pottery shop.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The cord doesn’t quite match the vibe. Compared with the subtle elegance of the lamp itself, the fabric-wrapped cord—a style we often like on other lamps—looks somewhat unrefined here.

A little sliding may occur. While the base won’t topple, the fabric liner at the bottom, meant to protect surfaces, glides almost too easily when the lamp is deliberately pushed across the table.

Key Specs:

• Colors/finishes: It comes in sage, green, white, speckled moss, and black.
• Switch style: in-line on/off switch
• Dimensions: 17 by 10 inches (height by diameter; base diameter: 6¼ inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: 19-inch– and 31-inch-tall options
• Warranty/return policy: 30-day returns, no listed warranty (But West Elm told us it will review any product defects within a year of purchase.)
• Bulb/socket type: E26, not included

Swings, and a hit

Stuff By Andrew Neyer Swing Dome Light (small)

With a sleek industrial design, this lamp has a pivoting shade and major reach, so it works best for large beds in big spaces. It’s heavy, and in most cases it will take more than one person to install it.

$350 from Andrew Neyer

Plenty of reach for bigger beds. The arm on the Stuff By Andrew Neyer Swing Dome Light (small) has a vast, 30-inch swing path, so we think it’s best suited for king-size beds in large rooms. (The big version has a whopping 48-inch reach.) But if you have the space, and you like an industrial look mixed with warm wood accents, Neyer’s got you covered. Because of its size, this lamp is not subtle—expect it to become a fairly major statement piece.

The design is extremely thoughtful. The wide, rotating swivel shade easily diverts the beam from bed partners or up toward the ceiling for accent lighting. There’s more than enough distance between the arm and the round, in-line dimmer switch (which affixes to the wall via an adhesive) to prevent someone from bonking their head in bed. The socket is a smaller, E12 size, and a G16.5 bulb is recommended. (The Swing Dome comes with one.)

Customer service is top notch. Got questions? Talk to the designer himself—Andrew Neyer often answers calls to the company’s headquarters, at 1-800-867-5319. And he’s delightful to chat with.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We can’t overstate how big this light is. Be sure to measure your space and refer to Neyer’s complete measurements, including the arm’s swing path (all pictured below), to confirm this lamp is a good fit for your space.

You’ll need two people to mount it. Due to this lamp’s weight and long, moving arm, installing it will be easier with a second set of hands, and you’ll definitely need to use the included anchors.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: It comes in black or white.
• Switch style: in-line dimmer
• Dimensions: 30 by 11 inches (width/span by height; see cut sheet for more details)
• Additional styles/sizes: a 48-inch version
• Warranty/return policy: 30-day returns, plus shipping cost and a 20% restocking fee (And the company told us there’s a one-year warranty from the shipping date.)
• Bulb/socket type: E12, included

Textured and warm

Quinn Table Lantern

This lamp’s smooth wooden base and textured fabric shade create a cozy ambiance that invites winding down and falling asleep.

$129 from Urban Outfitters

$129 from West Elm

It’s stylish enough for Broadway. We were drawn to the Quinn Table Lantern for its subtle, mid-century style, and we’re not alone in loving it. Weeks after testing this lamp, we spotted it (or an eerily exact replica) onstage as part of the decor in Stereophonic. (When it comes to this beat, we’re always on the clock.)

The base is super-stable. Structured like an inverted tripod, its wood frame cradles the shade instead of carrying it, providing a supportive, triangular foundation. The Quinn’s cord, which is wrapped in simple brown cloth, complements the base.

You can buy it at multiple sellers. We found the Quinn at West Elm, but it’s made by Adesso and sold at other retailers, like Lightology and Lighting Supply.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

If you find it in a different finish, check the shade. We initially evaluated a now-discontinued version of this lamp with painted-black wood. But we dismissed it due to how visible and glaring the bulb looked through its differently designed and loosely woven shade. Should Adesso release additional finishes in the future, compare the shade to our pick to make sure it’s the same.

One model had a slight production defect. The socket on our second Quinn lamp was slightly crooked, which meant the shade wasn’t quite centered. Since we got ours from West Elm, an exchange would be covered through its policy of reviewing any product defects within a year of purchase.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: It is available in walnut.
• Switch style: pull chain
• Dimensions: 17 by 9 inches (height by diameter; shade diameter: 8 inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: a table lamp and a floor lamp
• Warranty/return policy: varies, depending on the retailer
• Bulb/socket type: E26, not included

Tastefully neutral

IKEA Årstid Table Lamp

Due to its clean lines, this lamp is a chameleon for a wide range of decor styles, but the cord looks awful—make sure it stays hidden.

$30 from IKEA

This is the lamp version of a friend who gets along with everyone. The IKEA Årstid Table Lamp straddles the border between basic and elegant, but we don’t mean basic in a bad way. The slim profile and simple pleated white shade complement all sorts of environments—adding an aristocratic touch to a shabby-chic room or a breath of fresh air inside a rustic country cabin.

It’s solidly built. A subtly tiered and surprisingly heavy base keeps the lamp anchored in place, and the ball at the end of its pull chain switch is nicely weighted, so it won’t knock against the pole. Should an aggressive yank cause it to hit, the resulting sound is more of a soft thud than a sharp clang.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The cord is a blemish. Årstid’s stiff white electrical cord looks like something you’d find in a dollar store, but you can easily hide it behind a nightstand.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: This lamp comes with a white shade only, and you can choose from brass or nickel-plated finishes for the stand.
• Switch style: pull chain
• Dimensions: 22 by 9 inches (height by width; base diameter is 6 inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: floor lamp and corded sconce
• Warranty/return policy: 180-day returns (one year if unboxed)
• Bulb/socket type: E26, not included

Not large but will charge

Yarra-Decor Bedside Table Lamp with USB Port

Inexpensive and convenient, this lamp charges tech while you sleep, and it’s the right size for small nightstands. The dimmer toggles from low to high.

$20 from Amazon

$37 from Walmart
(set of two)

This lamp is a multitasker. We had doubts about the Yarra-Decor Bedside Table Lamp with USB Port, but we gave it a shot due to its more than 28,000 largely positive Amazon reviews. After keeping it on a particularly small bedside table for several weeks, we think it’s a hardworking little lamp. Each model has two USB ports, so you can charge a phone along with a tablet, e-reader, or any other USB-powered device that you keep near the bed. The Yarra-Decor also comes in many different shades and base finishes. We ordered the “Fabric” option, which came with a shade reminiscent of a classic linen style and a base made from metal but covered with a wood-pattern laminate.

It’s budget-friendly. The price fluctuates between $22 and $35, based on the color and finish. It often drops to $20, and we’ve seen it as low as $18. Given this lamp’s low cost, we’re not sure how long it will last. But as of this guide’s publish date, we’ve been using it for four months with no problems.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The base we tested looks as cheap as the price. We hardly expected mahogany, but a slightly darker “finish” on the wood-patterned laminate would go a long way toward making this look a bit more sophisticated.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: There are 13 options in a variety of materials.
• Switch style: touch base
• Dimensions: 15 by 5½ inches (height by width; base diameter: 4.7 inches)
• Warranty/return policy: 30-day returns via Amazon
• Bulb/socket type: E26; included

Perennial favorite

Threshold Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp Blue

This blue-and-white Threshold lamp has been a customer favorite for around four years. Like most other designs in the line, it’s inexpensive and on trend, and it holds up surprisingly well.

$35 from Target

It comes from a reliably good source. One of Target’s in-house brands, Threshold (along with Threshold designed with Studio McGee) has long been a great go-to for inexpensive lamps. The Threshold Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp Blue is described as “abstract” by the company, but we see repeated patterns in a jewel-tone blue on a cream-colored background. This lamp’s base has a satisfying heft for the low price point. Like all models from Target Owned Brands, this lamp comes with a generous one-year return policy, even if it has been used.

It should have a long shelf life. My current bedside lamp is another simple Threshold design that’s just the right height and fits on my nightstand with plenty of room to spare. And it provides just enough light for me to read by without disturbing my husband. I’ve used it since 2018 without any issues.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Precision isn’t a strong suit. Sometimes the paint jobs on Threshold’s ceramic models wander outside the lines. If you’re picky, we suggest you see these lamps in person to make sure there aren’t any faults before buying. We’re also not fans of the socket switch, but we’ll make an exception for an inexpensive and reliable lamp.

Not all Threshold lamps are created equal. Although we’re a fan of Threshold lamps in general, they come in a wide range of styles and materials, and not all models are winners. In our experience, tall, skinny options don’t typically have strong bases, and they can wobble (or, worse, topple) when you’re switching them on and off in bed.

Key specs:

• Colors/finishes: It comes in just one.
• Switch style: rotary switch on the socket
• Dimensions: 17½ by 9 inches (height by width; base diameter: 6¼ inches)
• Additional styles/sizes: none (But the Threshold line has lots of other models.)
• Warranty/return policy: one-year return policy for all Threshold items with a receipt (and any other Target Owned Brands)
• Bulb/socket type: E26

Every interior designer we spoke with brought up rewiring vintage lamps as a way to get something truly unique to your taste, as well as to extend the life of a beloved family lamp.

This Old House offers a thorough tutorial on rewiring, and there are many videos on YouTube that walk you through the process. Lamp-rewiring kits are plentiful online, and you can upgrade or personalize your find with a cloth-covered or twisted cord. If you find a beautiful vintage lamp with an annoying switch, you can see whether it’s compatible with a smart bulb; if so, you could control the lamp with your phone or even set up automated schedules.

We’d hoped to include more corded sconces, but many were not up to snuff, and one was discontinued after we ordered it. We plan to update this guide with more options, and we’re looking into two models from Schoolhouse (the Allegheny and the Issac) as well as the Rejuvenation Lilith Single Sconce.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we’ve tested in previous iterations of this guide— just what’s still available.

The Crate & Kids Pixie Metal and Wood Kids’ Swivel Plug-In Wall Sconce would be great if it weren’t for a fatal flaw—the cord sticks out slightly from the back, preventing a fully flush mount against the wall. We hoped it might just be a defect with our lamp, but we saw reviews on the site reporting the same issue. (We also saw other reviewers claiming their lamps were just fine.)

We like the idea of a clip-on lamp for headboards, so we looked at the IKEA Ranarp Wall/Clamp Spotlight, which can be mounted either as a corded sconce or as a clamp. But the clamp isn’t strong enough to stay in place unless you also attach some confusing additional hardware. A clamp should be able to clamp.

We used to recommend the Loftie Lamp, but with a recent tariff-related price increase of 65% we think you’re better off using a smart bulb inside a regular lamp if you’re interested in a bedside light that changes colors. Plus, three of our long term testers experienced various glitches with the Loftie turning on and off at random. To the company’s credit, they were transparent about the price increase and gave consumers advance warning that it was coming via emails and social media ads.

The inexpensive ONEWISH Touch Bedside Lamp has a cute genie-bottle-shaped base and three touch-toggle settings. But the shade, which comes rolled in a tube and attaches via Velcro and plastic clips, looks terribly cheap. And, annoyingly, the dimming function toggles from low to high. But if you don’t mind that, you can easily swap out the shade for a new one (an inexpensive option from Target will do), and you’ll have a nice-looking lamp at a good price.

In photos, we thought the milky glass finish on the West Elm Cleo would provide enough light diffusion to meet our criteria. But we could clearly see lines from the recommended T9L bulb through it, and we found the white glare too strong for bedside use. This detail might not bother some, though, and this is a cute lamp that comes in three shade colors.

This guide was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.