A lamp needs to do more than match your décor. In the living room, it should provide comfortable ambient light; at your desk, it should not cause glare; and as a reading light, it should be easy to position precisely. If you shop based only on colour or design, you can easily overlook technical details that make all the difference in everyday use.
Wattage mainly describes energy consumption, not the amount of light produced. Lumens are a more useful measure of brightness. An LED lamp can produce more light than an older type of bulb while using comparatively few watts.
When choosing a desk lamp or reading light, look out for:
Some products offer only two or three brightness levels. Depending on the model, a touch-controlled dimmable lamp may instead allow you to adjust the brightness continuously. So read the description carefully: ‘3-step dimming’ and ‘infinitely dimmable’ are different features.
A floor lamp can take up too much space in a small corner. With a table lamp, the height of the shade determines whether the light falls sufficiently over your work surface. Before buying, check:
Colour temperature is measured in kelvins. Warm white light of around 2,700 to 3,000 K is often chosen for bedrooms, living areas and cosy reading corners. Temperatures up to 6,500 K appear much cooler and may be suitable for focused work. A CCT lamp lets you switch between several colour temperatures.
Positioning is also important for a reading light. An adjustable arm or movable lamp head can direct the beam closer to a book, craft project or work surface. Position the light so that your body does not cast a shadow over the area.
With lamps that use replaceable bulbs, the fitting and maximum wattage need to be compatible. Common fittings include:
According to the product details, a Lameke table lamp with an E27 fitting is rated for a maximum of 25 W. The Lameke Ceramic Table Lamp uses an E14 fitting and is also rated for up to 25 W. The E27 fitting on the Wrought-Iron Openwork Table Lamp is rated for up to 60 W according to the product description; the bulb is not included. Never exceed the rating shown on the lamp base.
An IP20 rating is intended for dry indoor spaces, not bathrooms, balconies or outdoor areas. Even a bedroom lamp should be kept at a safe distance from curtains, bedding and other flammable materials. Integrated LED modules cannot always be replaced, either. So check whether the product takes a replaceable bulb or has a permanently fitted light source.
Why this product suits your needs: This compact table lamp combines an E14 fitting with a built-in pen holder, making it a handy choice for a desk, bedside table or small shelf.
The E14 fitting and maximum wattage of 25 W are clearly stated, making it easy to choose a compatible bulb.
White jade glass shade, metal construction and an additional pen holder.
Why this product suits your needs: This arc floor lamp is a good choice if you’re looking for a tall light for your living room and want to adjust the colour temperature and brightness.
The product details list 1,300 lm, 14 W, 3,000–6,500 K and an infinitely adjustable touch dimmer. This makes it easy to compare the key specifications.
179 cm tall, with CCT function, touch controls and a 2.28 m cable.
Why this product suits your needs: This desk lamp is well suited to working from home, studying and other tasks where adjustable colour temperature and an adjustable arm come in handy.
The specifications list 360 lm, 7 W, 2,700–6,500 K and infinitely adjustable touch dimming. The arm can be repositioned to direct the light where you need it.
Built-in calendar, time and temperature display, plus alarm and timer functions.
A modern lamp will not necessarily suit every room. Metal arc lamps have a different look from vintage table lamps with openwork shades, while fabric or jute shades can diffuse light more widely. In the bedroom, warm white light and an easy-to-reach switch are often useful. If you’re looking for a lamp with USB charging, compare battery capacity, charging time and run time as well.
The DEWENWILS clip-on reading light could be a good option for your bed or reading chair. According to the product details, it weighs 37 g and offers two brightness levels, 3,000 K and 16 lm. Its built-in 200-mAh battery charges via USB, with a stated run time of up to eight hours. It is designed to stand steadily or clip onto a book; keep it away from moisture.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
It depends on the distance, beam angle and activity. For focused reading light, the lumen rating is not the only thing that matters; you also need to be able to point the lamp head precisely at your book or work surface. Adjustable arms and several brightness levels are useful features on desk lamps.
LED lamps often use less electrical power than traditional bulbs to produce a similar amount of light. For a realistic estimate, compare wattage, how long you’ll use the lamp and your electricity tariff. If the lamp has integrated LEDs, also check whether the module can be replaced.
For many bedrooms, a bedside lamp with warm white light and an easy-to-reach switch is a practical choice. If you’re choosing a reading light for beside the bed, compact dimensions, low heat output, a stable base and a suitably directed beam are also important.