Table Lamps

Choosing a Table Lamp: Height, Direction of Light and Use

A table lamp does one of two jobs: it gives task light, or it builds atmosphere. Choosing a model before deciding which of the two you want is the reason behind most disappointing purchases. Our collection holds 45 models.

Task or Atmosphere?

• Task lamp: needs an adjustable arm and a narrow shade. The light should fall on the paper or the keyboard, not into your eyes.
• Decorative lamp: a fabric or opal shade softens the light. Used on a console, a bedside table or a chest of drawers; it may not be enough for reading.

Height

The most common heights in our catalogue cluster between 24 and 50 cm, with 35 cm the size seen most often. A practical rule: when you are seated, the shade should sit slightly below your eye level — so that you never look straight at the bulb. On a bedside table for reading in bed, the shade should be a little above pillow height.

Light Colour and Dimming

In a bedroom and for evening use, warm white is preferred. On a desk a more neutral tone shows colours and text more clearly. Models with touch dimming let you use the same lamp both for reading and as a night light.

Cable and Switch

Note whether the switch is on the body or on the cable; on a bedside table an in-line switch has to be hunted for in the dark. The position of the socket also decides the cable length — if the table stands away from the wall, choose models with a long cable.

Budget

Our 27 models with a published price run from 13 EUR to 143 EUR, with a median of 77 EUR. Design pieces with marble, brass and glass bodies sit at the upper end.

Material and Care

The body material decides both the look and the upkeep. Metal bodies are durable and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Marble and stone bases are stable against tipping thanks to their weight, but abrasive cleaners damage them. Fabric shades hold dust; regular cleaning with a soft brush delays fading. On glass and opal shades fingerprints show clearly, so a microfibre cloth is preferable.