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Table Lamps

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Table Lamps

Light and decor in one piece. We compared table lamps from modern LED to classic ceramic—finding what illuminates tasks, sets moods, and looks good off.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Madison LED Table Lamp

Brightech

Madison LED Table Lamp

4.6 (18,765 reviews)

The lamp you don't have to think about. Built-in LED lasts years, dimmer adjusts for any mood, modern design fits anywhere. On the nightstand, it's perfect. On the desk, still perfect.

Height

20 inches

Light

Built-in LED

Watts

9W (equiv. 50W)

Features

3-way dimmer

Pros

  • Built-in LED (no bulbs)
  • Dimmer included
  • Modern aesthetic

Cons

  • Can't change bulbs
  • Specific style
  • Modern only

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Madison LED Table Lamp
Madison LED Table Lamp Best
Brightech
4.6
$39 View
Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade
Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade Value
Signature Design
4.5
$49 View
Aged Brass Desk Lamp
Aged Brass Desk Lamp
Hudson Valley Lighting
4.7
$195 View
RANARP Work Lamp
RANARP Work Lamp
IKEA
4.4
$25 View
Nightstand Lamp with USB Ports
Nightstand Lamp with USB Ports
HAITRAL
4.4
$36 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Madison LED Table Lamp

Brightech

Madison LED Table Lamp

4.6 (18,765 reviews)

The lamp you don't have to think about. Built-in LED lasts years, dimmer adjusts for any mood, modern design fits anywhere. On the nightstand, it's perfect. On the desk, still perfect.

Height

20 inches

Light

Built-in LED

Watts

9W (equiv. 50W)

Features

3-way dimmer

Pros

  • Built-in LED (no bulbs)
  • Dimmer included
  • Modern aesthetic

Cons

  • Can't change bulbs
  • Specific style
  • Modern only
Best Value
Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade

Signature Design

Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

The lamp that works in every room of every house. Ceramic base with subtle texture, clean linen shade—classic for a reason. Living rooms, bedrooms, offices. Always appropriate.

Height

24 inches

Base

Ceramic

Shade

Linen drum

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Pros

  • Classic ceramic base
  • Textured interest
  • Works with most bulbs

Cons

  • Bulb not included
  • Heavy
  • Shade can be delicate
Premium Pick
Aged Brass Desk Lamp

Hudson Valley Lighting

Aged Brass Desk Lamp

4.7 (4,567 reviews)

The lamp you'll still have in 30 years. Solid brass construction, aged patina that develops character, mid-century lines. On a desk, in a study, beside a reading chair—instant heirloom vibes.

Height

21 inches

Material

Solid brass

Finish

Aged brass

Bulb

E26 (included)

Pros

  • Designer quality
  • Solid brass
  • Will last decades

Cons

  • Investment price
  • Specific aesthetic
  • Heavy
Budget Pick
RANARP Work Lamp

IKEA

RANARP Work Lamp

4.4 (45,678 reviews)

Interior designers' secret budget weapon. IKEA's RANARP looks way more expensive than $25. The adjustable arm is genuinely useful, and the industrial look works in modern or farmhouse settings.

Height

16 inches (adjustable)

Material

Steel

Finish

Matte black or white

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Pros

  • Industrial charm
  • Adjustable arm
  • Extremely affordable

Cons

  • Assembly required
  • Light bulb separate
  • Simple construction
Nightstand Lamp with USB Ports

HAITRAL

Nightstand Lamp with USB Ports

4.4 (28,765 reviews)

The nightstand lamp for the phone-charging generation. USB ports built in, touch-control dimming, no more reaching for switches in the dark. Practical meets pretty enough.

Height

18 inches

Features

2 USB ports, touch dimmer

Shade

Fabric

Base

Metal

Pros

  • USB charging ports
  • Fabric shade
  • Functional combo

Cons

  • Specific for bedside
  • Plastic base
  • Basic design

Buying Guide: How to Choose Table Lamps


How to Choose Table Lamps

Table lamps do double duty: lighting and decor. The right lamp illuminates tasks while looking good turned off. Wrong lamps create harsh lighting, look awkward, or just disappear in a room.

Size Proportions

The 1/3 rule: Lamp should be about 1/3 the width of the surface it sits on. 12" lamp on 36" table, roughly.

Height guidelines:
  • Nightstand lamps: 24-27" total, shade bottom at eye level when sitting in bed
    - Living room lamps: 26-34", shade bottom around seated eye level
    - Desk lamps: 15-20", adjustable ideal

    ### Shade Shapes

    Drum: Cylindrical, modern, even light distribution
    Empire: Traditional tapered, classic look, directional light
    Cone: Contemporary, wide bottom, pools light downward
    Square/Rectangle: Geometric, modern, fits angular spaces

    Material: Fabric softens light, metal/glass is more directional. Linen is versatile; paper is fragile; silk is luxe.

    ### Bulb Considerations

    Warm white (2700K): Cozy, traditional, bedrooms and living areas
    Neutral white (3000K): Clean but warm, versatile
    Cool white (4000K+): Energizing, offices and task lighting

    Dimmability: Table lamps benefit from dimmers for mood adjustment. Check bulb and lamp compatibility.

    ### Cord Awareness

    Lamps have cords. Plan where cords go before committing to placement. Cord covers, outlet placement, and cord length all matter for clean aesthetics.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Table Lamps

    How bright should a table lamp be?

    For ambient/mood: 200-400 lumens. For reading: 450-800 lumens. For task work: 800-1100 lumens. Dimmers are ideal—bright when needed, dim for ambiance. LED equivalent wattages: 3-5W for dim, 8-12W for bright.

    Should table lamps match?

    On nightstands: matching is classic but not required. In living rooms: coordinating but different lamps adds interest. The key is visual balance—same height and similar scale, even if different styles.

    How do I know if a lamp shade fits?

    Shade should be 2/3 the height of the base. Shade width should be roughly the base height. The harp (metal shade holder) must be correct height—most shades have standard fitter sizes but double-check.

    LED vs. incandescent bulbs in table lamps?

    LED: energy-efficient, cool, lasts years, dimmable versions available. Incandescent: warm glow, cheaper upfront, hot, burns out. For most people, LED wins—just choose warm color temperature (2700K) for cozy light.

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