A table lamp adds a soft second layer of light to a room, and doubles as a decorative piece in its own right. As bedside lamps either side of the bed, on a side table in the sitting room, or on a hallway console, they give a warm glow for relaxing plus a bit of style a ceiling light can't. With so many bases, shades, colours and finishes, a table lamp is the easy way to tie a room together.
Where do table lamps work best?
- Bedside lamps: a matching pair either side of the bed, ideally touch-operated for easy control.
- Sitting room & living room lamps: on a side table beside the sofa for a warm evening glow.
- Hallway: on a console table to make a welcoming first impression.
What is a touch lamp?
A touch lamp switches on and off, and often dims, when you touch anywhere on the base, so there's no fiddly switch to find in the dark. That makes touch table lamps a favourite as bedside lamps, where a quick tap turns the light up or down without reaching for a cord.
Do you have battery or rechargeable table lamps?
Yes. Battery-operated and rechargeable table lamps run with no cable at all, so you can place one in the middle of a table, on a shelf with no socket, or outdoors for dinner on the patio. You charge them up, use them for hours, and top them up when they run low, and many are dimmable so you can set the mood.
Should I buy table lamps in pairs?
For a symmetrical, balanced look, yes, a matching pair either side of a bed or on two ends of a sideboard feels considered and calm. A single statement lamp works well too, as an accent on a side table or console where symmetry isn't the goal.
Materials, colours and shades
- Ceramic, glass, marble and concrete bases for texture and weight
- Brass, chrome and black metal for a classic or modern look
- Colours from navy and green to pink and orange, with fabric, seagrass or glass shades
How big should a table lamp be?
As a rule of thumb, match the lamp to its surface and the room, a tiny lamp looks lost on a big sideboard, and an oversized one crowds a small bedside table. Aim for a shade roughly two-thirds the width of the base, and a height that puts the bottom of the shade around eye level when you're seated nearby.
Buying table lamps in Ireland
We carry table lamps and bedside lamps from brands including Endon, Searchlight, Dar and Ideal Lux, all available to order online with fast delivery across Ireland and Europe.
Related categories
Browse floor lamps, desk lamps and Tiffany lamps, or see all table & floor lamps.