A table lamp should do more than simply look good. It needs to suit its location, the desired lighting mood and the available power supply. Whether you are looking for an LED table lamp for your desk, a bedside lamp for the bedroom or a decorative table lamp for the living room, many poor purchases are the result of unclear product information and overlooked details.
Wattage mainly describes energy consumption, not actual brightness. For comparisons, luminous flux in lumens is more meaningful. An LED table lamp with 400 lumens may be suitable for a bedside table, while a workplace may require stronger, more precisely directed lighting, depending on the task.
With a dimmable table lamp, check whether it offers several preset brightness levels or continuous adjustment. The position of the controls also matters: a touch switch on the lamp base, a rotary knob or a control on the cable will suit different locations.
A cordless table lamp generally requires an integrated rechargeable battery or batteries. The stated run time depends on the brightness level. Figures given for the lowest brightness cannot be directly compared with run time at full power. With a rechargeable table lamp, the charging port, charging time and battery capacity are also important purchasing details.
Light colour is measured in Kelvin:
A table lamp with warm white light is often around 3,000 Kelvin. The CRI or Ra value is relevant for colour rendering. An Ra value of 80 is specified for the Aigostar lamp. This value describes how naturally colours appear under the light; it is not a measure of brightness.
A table lamp with a mains connection is suitable for a fixed location. It provides continuous light but requires a socket. A battery-powered table lamp or rechargeable model can be used flexibly on shelves, sideboards or terraces.
Look out for the following details:
A stated protection rating such as IP54 should be considered in the relevant product context. It does not replace the manufacturer’s safety instructions and does not automatically mean that the lamp may be used outdoors permanently or in the rain.
Measure the available space on your bedside table, desk or shelf before buying. A wide, heavy base can reduce the risk of tipping over. At the same time, the lampshade should not extend beyond the edge of the table. Metal, glass, plastic and acrylic all affect the weight, care requirements and lighting effect.
The following points are also useful in bedrooms and living rooms:
Why this product suits this profile: This model combines an integrated rechargeable battery with touch controls and three adjustable colour temperatures. It is suitable for desks, bedside tables or flexible use indoors.
The specifications state 400 lumens, 4 watts, 3,000/4,000/5,000 Kelvin and a battery capacity of 2 × 1,800 mAh. This makes it easier to assess brightness, light colour and power supply before buying.
Touch dimming, a flexible lamp neck, a 1-metre charging cable and dimensions of 130 × 130 × 380 mm. The manufacturer also states a service life of up to 25,000 hours.
Why this product suits this profile: The combination of metal, a gold-coloured finish and a white feather shade is aimed at shoppers looking for a decorative table lamp with a fixed mains connection.
The product details explicitly state that it has an integrated, non-replaceable LED, cable controls and a socket-powered design. This makes maintenance requirements and placement clear in advance.
3 watts, warm white light, touch dimming and a height of 500 mm. The product description states that a one-year limited warranty is included.
Why this product suits this profile: The cordless design and 4,000 mAh battery make it suitable for changing locations, such as a bedside table, living room, hallway or dry terrace.
The product description distinguishes between low brightness and other settings: up to 160 hours is stated at the lowest brightness. You should therefore take the desired brightness level into account when planning how to use it.
Ten dimming levels, 3,000-Kelvin crown light, 2,400-Kelvin base light and a rotary knob. The lamp is intended exclusively for dry environments.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
That depends on how it will be used. Lower brightness may be sufficient for decoration or a bedside table. For reading or working, luminous flux, the distance to the surface and the direction of the light are key. So compare the lumen rating rather than looking only at wattage.
LEDs often require less electrical power than traditional light sources at a comparable brightness. However, running costs depend on wattage, daily usage and the electricity tariff. With rechargeable lamps, charging requirements also need to be considered.
The run time per charge depends on the battery capacity and brightness level. A figure such as ‘up to 160 hours’ refers to the lowest setting and cannot be equated with operation at full brightness. The product’s overall lifespan is also affected by charging cycles, proper storage and the manufacturer’s instructions.