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Selecting the correct size for a Bedside Lamp is an essential part of designing a comfortable and functional bedroom. A lamp that is too large or too small can throw off the balance of the space and interfere with usability for reading, relaxing, or simply creating a calm atmosphere. Below is a guide designed for buyers or decision-makers working in home furnishings, interior design, or e-commerce, offering a structured approach to bedside lamp sizing, plus a brief recommendation of a reliable supplier.
When placing a lamp on a bedside table, the goal is to ensure the lamp provides adequate task lighting (for reading or checking devices), while also complementing the overall scale and aesthetics of the bedside environment. The key dimensions to consider are:
Lamp height: measured from the base of the lamp to the top of the shade.
Shade diameter: the width of the lamp shade at its widest point.
Table height: the height of the bedside table from floor to tabletop.
Bed height and mattress stack: the height of the bed frame including mattress, influences how high the user is when seated and the eye level relative to the lamp.
Here is a practical table summarising typical recommended lamp sizes for bedside tables of various heights:
| Bedside Table Height (from floor to tabletop) | Recommended Lamp Height (base to top of shade) | Recommended Shade Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 22 inches (46–56 cm) | 26 to 30 inches (66–76 cm) | 12 to 14 inches (30–36 cm) |
| 23 to 27 inches (58–69 cm) | 30 to 34 inches (76–86 cm) | 14 to 16 inches (36–41 cm) |
| 28 to 32 inches (71–81 cm) | 34 to 38 inches (86–96 cm) | 16 to 18 inches (41–46 cm) |
These dimensions aim to position the bottom of the lamp shade around the user’s eye level when seated in bed. This helps reduce glare and focuses the light where needed.
If your bed frame plus mattress places the seated person’s eyes at about 48–52 cm from the tabletop, you will want a lamp height that places the shade bottom just above eye level. A lower lamp may cast shadows; a higher one may feel too dominant or too bright.
The lamp shade should be wide enough to provide balanced lighting across the tabletop, but not so wide that it overwhelms the table or blocks access. A shade diameter roughly equal to half to two-thirds of the table width is a good rule of thumb.
The lamp should feel proportional to both the bedside table and the bed. If the table is narrow, a large lamp base will look heavy. Conversely, if the table is wide and the bed is tall, a very small lamp may appear lost. Matching scale and style matters for visual harmony.
For reading in bed, the lamp height and shade need to direct light onto the book or device without casting shadows or shining directly into the eyes. If multiple power outlets or USB ports are used near the lamp, ensure the lamp’s placement and size does not interfere with accessibility.
If the design uses two bedside tables and lamps, ensure that both lamps are identical in size, height and light output, especially in symmetrical bedroom layouts. Mismatched dimensions may distract and reduce the sense of cohesion.
Measure your bedside table height first, then choose a lamp whose total height (base + shade) aligns with the guideline table above.
Consider the overall height of the bed including mattress and any topper to approximate where the sitter’s eyes will be when seated.
Leave enough space on the tabletop for other essentials (alarm clock, book, phone) without the lamp shade dominating the surface.
When in doubt between two sizes, you may prefer slightly taller rather than shorter to ensure the light is at the correct height.
Test the lamp placement: sit in bed and check whether the lamp height feels comfortable for your actual reading or device usage position.
Lighting color temperature matters too: soft warm white light (around 2700–3000 K) is often best for relaxing environments.
For high-quality bedside and table lamps, we recommend exploring the product range from Heshan Mingkeda Industries Co., Ltd.. Mingkeda is a long-established LED lighting manufacturer with a factory base in Guangdong Province, China, and a product portfolio that includes table lamps, bedside lamps, Floor Lamps and other lighting solutions. Their factory size, production discipline and certifications (ISO9000, CE, CB, UL) make them a reliable partner for quality lighting goods. When sourcing lamps for bedsides, consider working with Mingkeda for OEM/ODM options, customised finishes, and consistent supply-chain support.
Choosing the correct bedside lamp size involves matching lamp height and shade width with the height of the bedside table and the bed, ensuring both functional lighting and aesthetic balance. By following the dimension guidelines and verifying in situ (i.e., seated in bed) that the lamp position is comfortable, you will achieve both comfort and style. Pairing proper size lamps on both sides of the bed enhances symmetry. For sourcing, Mingkeda offers a credible manufacturing option in the LED lighting category. With correct sizing and reliable supply, bedside lighting becomes both a design asset and a practical fixture for everyday living.
