Find the perfect bedside lamp

Bedside lamps are much more than just practical lighting. They play an important role in the interior design, functionality, and atmosphere of your bedroom. The right bedside lamp can create calm, support your evening routines, provide a cozy ambience, a relaxing mood, and add character to the space. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to choose the perfect bedside lamp and make the most of the lighting in your bedroom.

What is a bedside lamp?

A bedside lamp is typically placed next to the bed – either as a wall light, a table lamp, or a fixed fixture. Its primary function is to provide light for reading, orientation, or creating mood in the bedroom. Bedside lamps offer soft, comfortable lighting while serving as a practical light source. The right design can even be tailored to enhance a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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A bit about the author:

Picture of Søren Rasmussen
Søren Rasmussen
Søren is the Key Account Manager for Export and Sales at Antidark. He has worked many years in the industry and knows how to utilize lighting as an active part of the decor.

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Why is the right bedside lamp important?

Light in the right place and with the right intensity is crucial for comfort in the bedroom. It’s not just about function – it’s also about a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Bedside lamps contribute to a pleasant way to end the day and create the right mood, which is why bedside lamps are important. Being able to dim the light is an important detail for many people.

Types of bedside lamps

Wall-hung bedside lamps

Perfect for smaller bedrooms or if you want to free up space on the nightstand.

Table lamps

Available in many different designs and can be a decorative element in the bedroom’s decor.

Choose the right placement for your bedside lamps

The placement of the bedside lamp has a great impact on the lighting experience. Wall lamps placed at eye level can provide effective reading light, while table lamps are better for cozy lighting. Remember to place the lamps so that they suit individual needs and add style to the room. This is especially true when they are placed next to the bed.

When placing wall-hung bedside lamps, we recommend that they are mounted approximately 85–100 cm above the mattress and 10–20 cm out from the wall or the edge of the bed. In this way, you get the most comfortable and functional light, without it being dazzling. If you have a high headboard, however, it may be necessary to place the lamp higher or further out, so that your wall lamps do not have to be placed on the headboard itself.

What kind of light should a bedside lamp provide?

Brightness and color temperature are key words. A warm light (2700 Kelvin) has a calming and cozy effect. For reading, it can be good with a little higher brightness. Avoid light that is too bright if you want a relaxed atmosphere. Choose lamps that can be adjusted and provide both strong light and soft light depending on the situation.

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See a selection of our bedside lamps

In our collection, we have both wall-hung bedside lamps and bedside lamps to place on the bedside table.

Dimmable light gives flexibility

A bedside lamp with a built-in dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness and adapt the lighting to the mood and needs. This makes it easier to switch between good reading light and dimmed light. It’s about creating the perfect atmosphere and being able to adjust the light as it suits you.

Many of our bedside lamps have dimmable lighting, both when it comes to table lamps and wall lamps. This makes it easy to adapt the light to different needs and moods – whether you want dimmed cozy light in the evening or brighter light for reading.

Choose bedside lamps with the right design

A bedside lamp is also a design object. Go for materials that match your decor and style, whether it’s black metal, white or brushed brass. All depending on the expression you want. Many models have clean lines and a modern look. The selection of bedside lamps is wide, and in our collection you can find something for every style, as they are all minimalist in their expression.

Function and form must go hand in hand

Design and function do not have to be each other’s opposites. Many modern bedside lamps combine beautiful design with practical details such as adjustable heads and the possibility of charging. Use the lamp both as a practical light source and an element for your decor. Buddy is an example of a rechargeable battery lamp. Flex Wall is, for example, a wall lamp with an adjustable arm, designed specifically for use by the bed. The Dot lamp is an example of a bedside lamp that, with a dimming function, can provide pleasant light while also having a function where the reading light itself can be adjusted in the direction you want.

Dimmable light provides flexibility

A bedside lamp with a built-in dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness and adapt the lighting to the mood and needs. This makes it easier to switch between good reading light and dimmed light. It’s about creating the perfect atmosphere and being able to adjust the light as it suits you.

Many of our bedside lamps have dimmable lighting, both when it comes to table lamps and wall lamps. This makes it easy to adapt the light to different needs and moods – whether you want dimmed cozy light in the evening or brighter light for reading.

Wall lamps in the bedroom

Wall lamps are ideal in the bedroom because they create space, give a light expression and create a cozy atmosphere. They can be placed directly above the headboard or slightly to the side and function as a fixed point in the decor. A wall-hung bedside lamp also allows you to direct the light directly at the reading material and create a cozy atmosphere.

Combine bedside lamps with ceiling lighting

For a balanced lighting environment in the bedroom, you can combine your bedside lamps with ceiling lamps or spotlights. This provides flexibility and the opportunity to create zones in the room. Dim the light in the ceiling and let your bedside lamps provide the cozy atmosphere. If you want the same lamp series in the bedroom, we have, among other things, the SpotOn series, which you can use, both as ceiling lamps, but you can also find a variant with turn on/off function that can be used as bedside lamp.

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If you read in bed, directional light is essential. An adjustable bedside lamp with a flexible arm can make all the difference and provide comfortable lighting during the late evening hours. The ANTIDARK Flex wall lamp is a great option here. Dot can also offer pleasant lighting while still providing directional light.

Should the bedside lamp be movable?

Consider whether the lamp should be fixed or movable. Table lamps offer flexibility, while wall-mounted lamps feel more integrated. Different styles provide different options for creating the right atmosphere. This depends both on what you feel best suits your style and on the possibilities given the size of the room.

Bedside lamps and colour rendering (CRI)

A lamp with a high CRI value reproduces colours accurately and naturally. This is a detail that makes a big difference to the bedroom’s atmosphere and can help create a cosy and relaxing ambience. In addition, a high CRI value is ideal in areas with wardrobes or walk-in closets, where it’s important to see the colours of your clothes as accurately and naturally as possible. All our lamps with an integrated LED light source have a high CRI value.

Materials and finishes

Consider how materials such as metal, glass, fabric, or wood fit with the overall style of the room. With many different designs and styles available, you can easily find the perfect lamp for any bedroom. If you already have a variety of materials in the space, one of our discreet white lamps can be a great choice, as they blend in seamlessly without drawing attention away from the rest of your décor.

Modern features in new bedside lamps

Touch dimmers, built-in LED, and smart adjustment options are among the features you’ll find in many modern bedside lamps. Philips Hue and IKEA Trådfri are examples of technological solutions that can adapt the lighting to the desired mood, and our lamps without an integrated light source can be used with these systems. Modern features are ideal for bedroom lighting, where there’s often a need to adjust brightness and choose between warm or cool light.

Bedside lamps for small rooms

In small bedrooms, it’s all about making the most of the space. Here, wall lamps and slim design solutions are ideal. Wall-mounted bedside lamps and adjustable models create an atmospheric ambience without taking up too much room.

Inspiration from Hotel Lighting
Many people find inspiration for their bedroom lighting from hotels. Discreet bedside lamps with good reading light and built-in comfort are popular choices, creating both a functional and pleasant atmosphere throughout the room. In hotels, you’ll often find wall-mounted bedside lamps, cosy pendants, or floor lamps in addition to the functional ceiling light. They are usually divided into zones, ensuring both good functional lighting and the possibility to create a cosy ambience.

Symmetry or Asymmetry?
Two identical bedside lamps create calm and balance. But it can also be exciting to experiment with different designs on each side of the bed. The most important thing is that the lighting provides the right amount of light and the perfect illumination for its purpose.

Safety for Fixed Lamps
If you choose fixed bedside lamps, installation should always be carried out correctly by an electrician—especially if the lamp is to be connected directly to the mains. A new lamp should be both safe and aesthetically pleasing, so be sure to consult an expert before installing a lamp in the bedroom.

Which Style Suits Your Bedroom?
Modern, classic, minimalist, or natural? Your bedside lamp can enhance the style of the room and add the finishing touch. Many people prefer a minimalist look and choose lamps that can be easily integrated into the bedroom décor.

Conclusion: A Small Lamp with a Big Impact
A bedside lamp is an important detail that makes a big difference in your bedroom. With the right choice of function, placement, and design, you get lighting that supports your everyday life and feels pleasant to be around. Bedside lamps are not just lamps – they are mood creators, light sources, and design elements in one.

Browse our selection of bedside lamps, whether you’re looking for table lamps by the bed or wall-mounted lamps. Remember to choose lamps that match your bedroom décor.
Find your new bedroom lamp here:

CHECKLIST

What to consider when choosing a bedside lamp

When choosing the right lamp for your bedside, several factors come into play – both practical and aesthetic. Use this checklist to help you make the best choice for your bedroom.

✔️ Purpose: Will the lamp be used for reading, ambience, or both?

✔️ Placement: Should it sit on the bedside table or be mounted on the wall? Do you have a headboard that affects placement?

✔️ Light Quality: Do you want warm, cosy light, bright reading light, or the option to switch between them?

✔️ Dimming: Do you need to be able to adjust the brightness?

✔️ Design and Materials: Should the lamp match an existing style – e.g., minimalist, classic, or Nordic?

✔️ Size and Room Layout: Do you have limited space, requiring a slim and discreet lamp?

✔️ Technical Features: Do you need wireless charging, touch function, USB, or an adjustable arm?

✔️ CRI Value: Do you want high colour rendering, for example, if the lamp is near a wardrobe?

✔️ Installation: Should the lamp plug into a socket, or does it require a fixed electrical connection?

✔️ Safety: Will you need help from an electrician for installation?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bedside Lamps

A colour temperature of around 2700 Kelvin is recommended for bedside lamps, as the warm light creates a relaxing atmosphere, which is ideal for the bedroom.

Yes, most modern bedside lamps are compatible with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a great choice for both wall lamps and table lamps. However, many bedside lamps also feature integrated LED.

A dimmable lamp allows you to adjust the brightness as needed. This is especially useful in the bedroom, where you may want bright light for reading and softer light to create a relaxing atmosphere.

It is recommended to place wall-mounted bedside lamps about 85–100 cm above the mattress and 10–20 cm out from the wall or the edge of the bed. If you have a tall headboard, you may need to position the lamp higher or further out to ensure optimal lighting. The installation itself may require the help of an electrician.

For children’s rooms, lamps with soft and pleasant light are recommended, preferably with a dimming function. Choose models with low heat emission and sturdy materials. Wall-mounted lamps are often the safest choice, as they cannot be tipped over.

The choice between a wall lamp and a table lamp depends on your needs and the bedroom’s layout. Wall lamps free up space on the bedside table and can provide direct reading light, while table lamps are easy to move and can add decorative appeal to the room.

If the lamp needs to be connected directly to the mains, it is recommended to get help from an electrician to ensure proper and safe installation. If the lamp has a plug, however, you can install it yourself without professional assistance.