Most of what makes a lamp feel right at night comes down to three things: its height, the color of its light and the shade. This guide covers all three.
1. Choose the height
Bedside. When you sit up in bed, the bottom of the shade should be close to eye level, so you see light rather than the bulb. A common rule of thumb: nightstand height plus lamp height of roughly 55–65 in.
Beside a sofa. Aim for the bottom of the shade around shoulder height when seated. On a typical 24 in side table, that is usually a lamp of 24–30 in.
Floor lamps. For reading, the shade should sit just above seated eye level, which is why most reading floor lamps stand around 58–65 in.
2. Choose the color of light
| Color temperature | How it feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm, like incandescent light | Living rooms, bedrooms, evenings |
| 3000K | Warm white, a little crisper | Reading corners, dining |
| 4000K and above | Neutral to cool | Desks, kitchens, task light |
For a lamp you use after dark, 2700K is the safe choice.
3. Choose the brightness
LED bulbs are rated in lumens. Around 450 lumens matches an old 40W bulb and suits a bedside or accent lamp. Around 800 lumens matches a 60W bulb and suits reading. Always stay at or under the maximum wattage listed for the lamp.
4. Check the bulb base
E26 is the standard US base. E12 is the smaller candelabra base. Each of our product pages lists the base, the maximum wattage and whether a bulb is included.
5. The shade does the rest
Linen and fabric shades soften light and spread it sideways. Opal or frosted glass hides the bulb and glows evenly. Clear glass and open shapes are more decorative and can show the bulb, so pair them with a warm, lower-lumen LED.