Best Nightstand Lamps: Quick menu
I’m on a mission to transform my little apartment with nightstand lamps. My aim is to create a dreamy ambiance and cozy sophistication without breaking the bank. If this sounds like you, too, have a little perusal of this list and see if anything strikes your fancy.
Having a nightstand lamp in your apartment is more than just a decorative addition; it's essential to getting the vibe right and genuinely putting you in a better, more relaxed mood. When it’s time to kick back at home after a long day, the last thing we want is the overhead light on.
A well-placed bedroom lamp provides just the right amount of illumination, allowing you to indulge in your favorite activities without straining your eyes or disrupting the overall mood. It's the perfect little companion for those late-night reading sessions and will make your apartment feel like a true sanctuary. Basically, this small purchase is about to make your life a whole lot better.
9 best nightstand lamps
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
When decorating an apartment, finding budget-friendly gems is half the battle. The next step? Navigating through the vast landscape of interior design inspiration. There’s just too much good stuff out there (and a fair bit of trash to wade through — sorry not sorry). So, I’ve put in the legwork and factored in color, size, power, and positive reviews to come up with the best of the best.
Balancing form and function so that practical decor can double up as art is a sure way to curate a home you truly love and won't go out of fashion!
Battery-operated nightstand lamps
Price: $11.99
Power: Battery-operated
Made from: Plastic and metal
Color: Copper
I love a motion lamp because I'm a proud lazy girl! Once I get into my bedroom, it's time to properly relax. Having a lamp that does some of the work for you is a dream if you ask me. Gone are the days of leaving your light on by mistake. Oh, and it's also waterproof, so some reviewers have used it in their bathrooms for a softer glow at night when you need to pee.
Price: $35.99
Power: 3 W
Made from: Ceramic and glass
Color: Cloud
This vintage-style mushroom lamp gives off a cozy, warm white light through a gorgeous nebula pattern, reflecting some '70s charm. Each one is unique, giving off a slightly different glow and making this mushroom lamp just the most adorable addition to your nightstand!
Price: $129
Power: 5 W
Made from: Fabric and wood
Color: Natural or white
I think it's fair to say that simple Scandi style is not going anywhere, and that's what made me fall so hard for this cute little battery-operated lamp. With the option of a natural linen or white shade, this lamp exudes sophisticated simplicity and is super slimline to fit perfectly in small spaces.
Exposed-bulb nightstand lamps
Price: $25.88
Power: 1.5 W
Made from: Glass and ABS
Color: Pink
Obvi we couldn't put together this round-up without featuring a baby pink lamp (Barbiecore isn't over quite yet). This is a soothing little nightlight that champions softened industrialism by pairing pastel pink and an exposed bulb. This lamp kind of doubles up as a piece of art — rechargeable, portable, and just fabulous.
Price: Was $59.99, Now $36.99, (save $18.50 at Wayfair)
Power: 60 W
Made from: Metal and manufactured wood
Color: Gold
If you get the shade of gold right, it can really elevate your interiors, and that's exactly what this set of beautiful gold arched lamps does. With an elegant and unique silhouette, they will undeniably give your bedroom an expensive twist (I won't tell anyone the price if you don't).
Price: $269
Power: 60 W (bulb not included)
Made from: Wood and glass
Color: Blue
There was no way I wasn't going to include this cool little contemporary model from Urban Outfitters when I came across it. What a life hack?! This modern side table has a sleek silhouette and an integrated globe light in the base, so you're getting a nightstand and lamp in one. Plug it in to power it on.
Pairs of nightstand lamps
Price: Was $39.99, Now $23.99 (save $12 at Amazon)
Power: 40 W
Made from: Ceramic, plastic, metal, and fabric
Color: Black
These mini globe nightstand lamps are perfect for a small space that you want to maximize (while making a statement with your cool decor). I love the blackout look of these lamps and the fact they would go with really any room. Whether you're buying them for an apartment or dorm that isn't necessarily your forever home, these can still be forever lamps — and for that price? It's a no-brainer.
Price: $99.99
Power: 150 W
Made from: Plastic/polyester
Color: Washed blue and white
Okay, this pair of lamps is giving traditional gets a modern makeover. I love the classic silhouette, paired with the washed blue stand for that coastal vibe. Opting for nightstand lamps like this is an easy way to add a pop of color and character to your space that'll remain timeless.
Price: Was $179.99, Now $149.95 (save $30.04 at Target)
Watt: 150W
Made from: Resin and polyester
Color: Gray Beige
This earthy pair of nightstand lamps captures the warm minimalist vibe that I will forever be on board with. Each lamp is crafted from ceramic-looking resin and given a gorgeous neutral finish, with tapered drum shades that deliver a casual classic look. Perfect for rustic or Southwest-style settings.
Frequently asked questions
Do nightstand lamps need to match?
Whether or not your nightstand lamps need to match is a much-debated question, so I asked the experts for some insight! Brad Smith, interior designer and CEO of Omni Home Ideas argues that "nightstand lamps don't necessarily need to match, but they should complement each other and the overall bedroom aesthetic."
A matching pair can "provide a sense of symmetry and order," he explains, whereas "using different lamps can introduce character and a dynamic feel to the space." If you choose two different styles, he adds that the best thing to do is pick options with "common elements."
"The more you break the traditions of design rules the more interesting the design will be," says Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla. "I compare this philosophy to the traditional approach of not mixing navy and black which are now bygone days and in fashion this rule-breaking has caused both men's and women's style to flourish."
How tall should a nightstand lamp be?
Executing the optimum height for your nightstand lamp will make such a difference to the look and feel of your room. "It largely hinges on your table and bed's specifics," says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, an award-winning interior design studio based in New York. "Ideally, it should illuminate your late-night reads without casting shadows or obstructing views. If you're seeking a golden rule, consider this: a lamp height mirroring half your bedside table often strikes the right balance."
Where to shop for nightstand lamps
Still searching for nightstand lamps? Here's where to continue on your shopping journey...
How we chose
With expert insight under our belts, we trawled the internet for the nightstand lamps that met the important criteria. Paired with high ratings and positive feedback from customers, that's how we chose this list!
Meet our experts below:
Artem Kropovinsky, founder of the NYC-based Arsight, boasts over a decade of global interior design expertise in both residential and commercial projects. From transforming Brooklyn brownstones to reshaping Manhattan retail spaces, Artem's designs prioritize authenticity and originality, seamlessly blending natural materials and handcrafted details for a unique aesthetic.
An experienced interior designer and CEO of Omni Home Ideas, Brad Smith has a profound passion for transforming spaces with innovative designs. Possessing a keen eye for detail and an ability to balance form and function, he creates interiors that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Devin is the Lead Sales Designer at Decorilla, a service that connects customers with vetted professional interior designers who create curated 3D and VR spaces based on customer style preferences and budget.
Now you have your nightstand lamp game down, there are plenty of cute bedroom ideas available to help you figure out the rest of your sleep space decor situation!