While we need overhead ‘task’ lighting for many things (including checking we’re going out wearing shoes that are actually a pair!) having lamps in a bedroom is also a good idea. They provide additional light when needed, such as reading lamps by the bed, but also help to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere when used on their own without the overhead lights. Here’s how to choose the perfect bedside lamps for your home.

If you’re planning to stand a lamp on a bedside table, then the lamp should be the same height as the table plus two or three inches. That puts it at the perfect height to illuminate without getting in your eyes. Next, you should be able to lie in bed and easily turn the light on and off. Lamps that have a switch built into the cord rather than on the lamp base can be easier to reach.

When choosing a lamp, look for a style and shape that will be stable. For example, heavy shades on very thin bases are prone to falling over if you accidentally knock the table while getting up! To look in proportion, the height of the lamp shade should be roughly a third of the height of the lamp, although this does depend on the style.