Table + Desk Lamps

We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. From a small touch of light in your entryway or living room to a reading lamp at your bedside, table lamps help you layer light into your design with a sculptural touch. At Brightselects, our thoughtfully curated collection of tabletop lighting is perfect for your home, with designs that beautifully blend form and function. 

Not sure what style fits best when searching for lighting elements? Don’t worry; we have got you covered. Check out our tips below for ideas and inspiration as you choose the best modern table lamps to buy for your space.

What to Look for When Searching for a Table Lamp

Table lamps come in every shape and every size (that fits on a table). We like to think of lighting as the jewelry of the room, so choosing a table lamp can come down to simply falling in love with a certain silhouette or finish. But here are a few tips to keep in mind that can help you narrow down your selection from the start.

A Part of the Whole

What are the other elements in the room? What’s missing from the palette? How are different textures working together? Woven lighting can be a great way to bring a natural touch into a coastal or cottage edit—or a splash of brass can be that elevating touch that elevates a casual curation into something thoughtfully refined. 

A Practical Touch

Sometimes, it’s a practical touch that makes for the perfect lamp. We love a cordless tabletop lamp for tucking into a vignette or bookshelf without worrying about outlets. Other designs like this Muse Table Lamp by Tala are wet-rated, making for the perfect garden lantern on summer nights. 

Don’t Forget the Details

 When shopping online it’s often the silhouette we fall in love with. Don’t forget the details, those little elements and tactile features that make a lamp great to live with. At Brightselects you can use our filters to shop by features such as dimmable designs for dynamic lighting. You can also check product details for additional specifications. It may not sound exciting but something as small as an easy to access switch can make a big difference in your home. 

Room by Room: How To Style Tabletop Lighting

Beyond those basics, there are really just two things you need to consider when shopping for table lamps—location and taste. These two elements will narrow down the endless options until you’re left with the perfect lamp in the perfect place. You’re the expert of your taste, so let’s take a look room by room to see where and how you can layer tabletop lighting into your design.

Entryway Table Lamps

Nobody likes to come home to a dark space, but when it’s dark outside, it can be jarring to walk into bright lighting. A lamp can bring the perfect touch of warmth and soft light to your entryway lighting. Whether you have a longer console or a simple accent table, a large table lamp can provide a generous pool of light while bringing a sculptural touch to your curation. Look for a lamp that is about 24” to 32” tall and about ⅓ to ½ the width of the table so they sit in proportion to each other. 

Living Room Table Lamps

Similar to your entryway, a large table lamp on a sideboard can bring a layer of soft light to the room. On a side table, the piece may double as a reading lamp. We want the shade to be at about eye level to shine bright lines down and not directly in your eyes. Look for something about 24” to 30”—if the table is a little taller, go for something lower; if the table is lower, go for something taller. Again, the diameter should be about ½ to ⅓ the width of the table. If table space is a concern, look to incorporate floor lamps for the same effect. 

Office Table + Desk Lamps

In a workspace, you’re probably looking for a task lamp so you can tone down for a more comfortable workflow or add light to your desktop. Desk and task lamps often have metal cone shades and adjustable designs to direct light. If your tastes are more traditional, there are plenty of timeless styles that work as task lights, but it can be a good opportunity to bring a transitional edge to your design with a modern table lamp like the Stern Desk Lamp. We also love a mini table lamp tucked into a shelf curation or perched atop a stack of books. 

Bedroom Table Lamps

Bedroom lighting should offer warmth and subtlety. That’s why lamps are such an essential element in this space. Whether it’s a bedside table lamp for that perfect touch of light or a mini table lamp on your dresser, it’s all about creating soft impact here. Something like this Cass Table Lamp can offer a gentle layer of light with a sculptural quality that folds into the room. If your nightstand is limited in surface space, you might consider eschewing the bedside table lamp for a plug-in sconce light instead.  

Brightselects Table Lamps + Desk Lamps

However you style it, remember that tabletop lamps allow you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Loved ones and visitors can immediately get a sense of who you are by seeing how you have augmented your space with thoughtfully chosen fixtures and lamps. 

When you shop for lighting at Brightselects, you’ll find pieces that complement your style while making it feel more elevated. Choose from our wide selection of table lamps to find the perfect purchase for your project, no matter what you’re looking for. Check out our shop-by-room page for more ideas and inspiration on creating stylish everyday living spaces.