Bedside Table Lamps

Questions About Bedside Table Lamps

• What is the best size for a bedside table lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

  The best size for a bedside table lamp is between 24 and 27 inches tall. Finding the best table lamp for your nightstand depends on variables such as the shape of your bedside table, the size of your nightstand's tabletop and personal preferences when it comes to styling your nightstand.
  
  Albert Hadley–trained designer Harry Heissmann says this about creating a bedside haven for his clients: “A reading lamp is essential and needs to be on a dedicated outlet. I like to keep clients’ nightstands edited, with a carafe for water and an alarm clock, and sometimes a landline phone for emergencies.”
  
  Find a range of antique and vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

• What is a bedside table called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021

  A bedside table is also known as a nightstand. It is a small table or cabinet designed to stand beside a bed, but it can also be placed elsewhere in a bedroom. Find a variety of vintage and antique bedside tables on 1stDibs.

• How tall should bedside tables be?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  There's no standard height for bedside tables. However, it should typically be the same height as the mattress.

• What can you replace a bedside table with?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  You can replace a bedside table with many things. Some ideas include a desk, metal trunk, bar cart, stool or floating wall shelf. To ensure that you can easily access items, choose something that is as close to the height of your bed as possible. Shop a range of bedroom furniture from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What do you put on a bedside table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  The most common items to put on a bedside table are lamps, clocks, candles and catch-all trays. What you put on your bedside table is totally up to you. People tend to put items they think they may need throughout the night and in the morning.

• Can you use a chest of drawers as a bedside table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023

  Yes, a chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table, provided that you have enough space beside your bed to accommodate it. If you want to be able to easily reach items on the top of the chest, choose a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches taller than your mattress. Shop a variety of bedroom furniture on 1stDibs.

• How do I identify a Laurel Lamp table lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024

  To identify a Laurel Lamp table lamp, first check the bottom of the base and the bulb socket for a label, tag or other marking. Some pieces display the Laurel brand name or a serial number, which you can cross-reference with information published on trusted online resources to make an identification. Since not all Laurel table lamps bear markings, you may need to search image galleries to see if you can find a model that matches your lamp. You can also consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer for an expert opinion. Find a variety of Laurel Lamp Company lamps on 1stDibs.

• What is the difference between a table lamp and an accent lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023

  The main difference between a table lamp and an accent lamp is its size. Generally, table lamps are larger pieces that people use for task lighting or to increase ambiance lighting in a room. Accent lamps tend to be smaller and provide supplemental light in spaces. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of lamps from some of the world's top sellers.

• What is the difference between a table lamp and a buffet lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023

  The difference between a table lamp and a buffet lamp is the size. Although the two types of lamps come in similar heights, buffet lamps are usually narrower, so they take up less space on a buffet server filled with food. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of lamps from some of the world's top sellers.

• Should a floor lamp match my table lamps?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  It doesn't need to match exactly; consistent wood tone or metal finish reads more intentional than an identical pair.

• How big should a table lamp be?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023

  How big a table lamp should be depends on your lighting needs and the size of the surface that you're placing the light fixture on. Most table lamps are 30 to 36 inches tall. On shorter tables, a taller lamp may be necessary to put illumination at eye level. Find a variety of table lamps on 1stDibs.

• What are table lamps used for?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Table lamps are often used as a reading light or for task lighting. They can also simply serve as part of a room’s decor, perhaps adding light to an area that doesn’t get any illumination from overhead lights. Shop a collection of table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is a buffet table lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021

  Buffet lamps, also known as console lamps or candlestick lamps, are light fixtures that range in height from 32 to 36 inches. The lamps feature a small shade and a narrow base silhouette, which resembles a slim column or candlestick. Shop for antique and vintage buffet lamps on 1stDibs.

• How do I identify my table lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024

  To identify your table lamp, look it over in search of a maker's mark. Check the base, neck, light receptacle and shade for an engraving, embossing, stamp, label or other mark. With lamps that have felted bottoms, this may require lifting the fabric to reveal the material beneath. After finding a maker's mark, research it using trusted online resources to learn who the maker was and learn more about your fixture. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can help as needed. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary table lamps.

• Do table lamps have to match?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Your table lamps do not have to match but it definitely is important that they still go together. This can be done by making sure they are of similar style or have something in common such as color, shape, lamp shade, or metal type.

• How does a table lamp work?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

  How a table lamp works begins with its cord, which gets plugged into an electrical outlet that provides a source of energy. Halogen and incandescent bulbs contain filaments. The filament in a bulb is a conductor of electricity. It’s attached to contacts made of metal that are connected to a power supply. This allows for electricity to flow through it. When the electrical current cycles through the filament, this component gets quite hot and emits light. Find a large collection of vintage table lamps on 1stDibs.

• What's the difference between a table lamp and a desk lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  Table lamps are typically used for ambient or bedside light with a shade that diffuses light broadly, while desk lamps are more directional and task-focused.

• How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.

• How do I fix an old table lamp?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To fix an old table lamp, take it to an appliance or lighting repair shop that has experience working with the type of fixture that you have. Many problems can cause an old table lamp to stop working. A professional can determine the cause and use the correct tools to address it. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage table lamps.

• How tall should a lamp be on a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

  
  
  A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.
  
  You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art, a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture. In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.
  
  Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.