Ever tried reading in bed with light blasting straight into your eyes? Or fumbled around in darkness at 2 AM searching for the switch?
Bad bedside lighting creates more than just annoyance. Your eyes strain. Your sleep suffers. Bright light before bed tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime.
Getting this right is simpler than you'd think. In this blog, we'll discuss practical tips for choosing lamps that won't wreck your sleep or leave you groping in the dark.
The Height Formula That Actually Works
Most people pick whatever looks good online. Then it arrives, too tall, too short, completely wrong.
The sweet spot? Between 24 and 30 inches from base to top. But here's the real trick: sit on your bed like you're reading. The lampshade's bottom edge should hit right at eye level.
Quick measuring steps:
- Check your nightstand height
- Sit up and note where your eyes naturally fall
- Pick lamps roughly 1.5 times your nightstand height
- Verify shade positioning when you're in reading position
This stops light from blasting your eyes or creating annoying shadows.
Brightness Levels for Better Sleep
Your bedroom at 10 PM shouldn't feel like an office. Harsh white light screams "WAKE UP!" when you're trying to wind down.
Go for dimmers or three-way bulbs. Start around 40-60 watts for reading. An hour before sleep? Drop to 15-25 watts. Stick with warm light (2700K to 3000K) that won't mess with your sleep hormones.
Look for:
- Adjustable brightness settings
- Warm tones that help you relax
- Downward-facing shades for reading
- Softer ambient options for winding down
The SOTRA rechargeable table lamps online at S-Lights let you tweak brightness as you transition from reading to sleep mode.
Size Proportions Beyond Height
Your lamp should occupy about a third of your nightstand's surface. Why? You still need room for your phone, water glass, and other essentials.
Check base dimensions before buying. The VERSO lamp works great on larger nightstands, while the VIDA fits compact tables better. Nobody wants their entire surface dominated by one lamp.
Switch Placement and Accessibility
Nothing's worse than having to sit up completely just to turn off your lamp. The switch needs easy reach from your sleeping position.
Touch controls beat twist switches every time. Pull chains work well too, assuming they hang low enough.
Features that help:
- Touch-sensitive bases you can tap in darkness
- Pull chains hanging near mattress height
- Remote controls for maximum convenience
- Rechargeable models eliminating cord tangles
Our table lamps collection offers various switch styles matching how you actually use your lamp.
Material Choices That Affect Light Quality
Fabric shades spread light softly, perfect for winding down. Metal shades direct everything downward for focused reading. Glass options give you multiple bulbs for brightness flexibility.
If your partner sleeps earlier, get opaque shades. They contain light instead of flooding everywhere.
Your Sleep-Friendly Bedroom Starts Here
Getting bedside lamps right means measuring properly and understanding how light affects sleep. Stick to that 24-30 inch range, choose warm dimmable light, and ensure you can reach the switch without acrobatics.
Check out S-Lights at 3/2120-2124 Sydney Rd, Campbellfield VIC 3061, or browse everything at our online store. Call +61 473 515 544 or email sales@slights.com.au for specific recommendations.
FAQs
Q. What's the ideal bedside lamp height?
A. Between 24-30 inches total, with shade bottom at eye level when seated.
Q. What brightness level helps sleep?
A. 40-60 watts for reading, dimming to 15-25 watts before sleep.
Q. How wide should bedside lamps be?
A. About one-third of nightstand width, leaving space for other items.
Q. Do rechargeable bedside lamps work well?
A. Yes, they eliminate cords and offer flexible placement throughout your bedroom.
Q. What colour temperature is best for bedrooms?
A. Warm temperatures between 2700K-3000K promote relaxation and melatonin production.