A table lamp puts light where you sit or read, on a nightstand, side table or shelf. The main choices are the height, the base material, the shade, how the lamp switches on and whether it adds extras such as USB ports.
The six lamps below range from a 14 inch wood tripod lamp to a 21 inch ceramic pair and touch lamps with USB ports and an outlet. Sizes, bulbs and controls come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these lamps ourselves, and brightness figures are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Height | A nightstand lamp should clear the headboard and fit the table |
| Bulb | Check whether it is included and the maximum wattage |
| Control | Rotary, push button, touch or app |
| Extras | USB ports and an outlet save wall sockets |
Specs at a Glance
| Lamp | Size | Base and shade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDISHINE tripod | 14.2 in tall | Wood tripod; linen shade | E26 bulb up to 60 W; 64.9 in cord |
| PoKat ceramic pair | 20.75 in tall; 11 in wide | Ceramic; linen shade | Set of 2; rotary switch |
| Small linen lamp | 13.97 in tall; 6.89 in wide | Wood-look base; linen shade | Push button on cord; bulb not included, 60 W maximum |
| Govee Table Lamp 2 | 8.8 in tall; 4.3 in base | Plastic | RGBICWW; 500 lumens per the maker; app, touch and voice |
| Touch lamp pair | 17.5 in tall | Metal | USB-C, USB-A and AC outlet; 3-way touch |
| ONEWISH touch | 17.32 in tall; 9.84 in wide | Metal base; fabric shade | Touch anywhere on the base; 3 levels; LED bulb included |
The 6 Best Table Lamps
1. EDISHINE Tripod Table Lamp
A 14.2 inch lamp with a light brown wooden tripod base and a beige linen shade, an E26 socket for bulbs up to 60 watts and a 64.9 inch cord with an on and off switch. The page shows 220 volts, but this is a plug-in lamp with an E26 base, so check the plug before you buy.
Suits: a small side table or nursery shelf. Strengths: a stable tripod and a long cord. Weaknesses: small and the voltage entry is unclear. Skip it if you want a tall lamp.
View EDISHINE 14.2in Wood Tripod Table Lamp on Amazon
2. PoKat 20.75 Inch Ceramic Table Lamps, Set of 2
Two polished ceramic lamps with linen shades, each 20.75 inches tall with a rotary switch and an E26 socket. The lampshade needs to be installed on arrival.
Suits: matching nightstands. Strengths: a pair and ceramic bases. Weaknesses: shade assembly and 7.4 pounds of weight. Skip it if you need only one lamp.
View PoKat 20.75in Ceramic Table Lamps, Set of 2 on Amazon
3. Modern Small Table Lamp With Linen Shade
A 13.97 inch cylinder lamp with a wood-look base on an iron frame and an off-white linen shade, an inline push button and an E26 socket for bulbs up to 60 watts. The bulb is not included.
Suits: a compact nightstand. Strengths: a light 424 g body. Weaknesses: bulb not included. Skip it if you want a plug-and-play bulb.
View 13.9in Linen Shade Cylinder Table Lamp on Amazon
4. Govee RGBIC Smart Table Lamp 2
An 8.8 inch lamp with RGBICWW color, 500 lumens as the maker states, 2700K to 6500K whites, 64 preset scenes, touch control and Wi-Fi, with Alexa, Google Home and Matter support.
Suits: a desk or shelf accent. Strengths: color and voice control. Weaknesses: small. Skip it if you want a classic lamp.
View Govee RGBIC Smart Table Lamp 2 on Amazon
5. Touch Lamps Set of 2 With USB C+A and AC Outlet
A pair of 17.5 inch metal touch lamps in navy blue and brushed nickel, each with a USB-C port, a USB-A port (5V, 2.1A each) and a 120 volt AC outlet, and 3-way dimming.
Suits: a nightstand pair that also charges devices. Strengths: USB ports and an outlet. Weaknesses: the brand is not named in the title. Skip it if you want a ceramic base.
View 17.5in Touch Table Lamps with USB, Set of 2 on Amazon
6. ONEWISH Touch Bedside Lamp
A 17.32 inch farmhouse lamp with a metal base that responds to touch anywhere and a fabric shade. It has three brightness levels and comes with a 6.5 watt 2700K LED bulb; it is not compatible with smart plugs or bulbs.
Suits: a one-lamp nightstand. Strengths: a bulb included and a touch base. Weaknesses: not for smart plugs. Skip it if you use smart plugs.
View ONEWISH 17.32in Touch Table Lamp on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Match the bulb to the socket base and wattage.
- Dust shades with a dry cloth.
- Keep cords off walkways.
- For touch lamps, use the bulb the listing names.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a lamp taller than the headboard allows.
- Skipping the check on whether a bulb is included.
- Using a non-dimmable bulb in a dimmable lamp.
- Putting a smart lamp where Wi-Fi is weak.
Table Lamp FAQ
Which lamps charge a phone?
Only the touch lamp pair lists USB ports and an outlet.
Which come with a bulb?
The ONEWISH lists one. The linen lamp does not, and the Govee has built-in light.
The Short Version
For a small wood tripod, the EDISHINE. For a ceramic pair, the PoKat. For a compact linen lamp, the small linen model. For color and voice control, the Govee. For USB charging, the touch lamp pair. For a touch base with a bulb, the ONEWISH.
