10 Best Table Lamps UK 2024 | John Lewis & Partners, Philips and More
Of all the pieces of furniture to be found in our homes, table lamps perhaps provide the best balance of functionality and style. We use them every day to brighten our homes when the sun goes down, but they also contribute to the décor of a room. Naturally, buying a new table lamp can require lengthy consideration to make sure it'll suit your living room or bedroom.
To save you time and effort, we’ve put together a guide with some handy hints on what you should be looking for when shopping. We’ve also included a list of the top 10 best table lamps currently available to buy online in the UK at Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos. Whether you're after something retro or modern, you're bound to find something suitable on our list!
Quick List - Top Table Lamps
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How to Choose a Table Lamp in the UK
- Choose a Material That Is Appropriate for Your Home
- Consider the Lamps Shade, Hue, and Adjustability
- Go for an Energy-efficient Lamp With A++ Rating to Save Money and Energy
- Opt for a Rechargeable Lamp so That It Won't Need Replacing
- Select From Push, Pull, In-line, and Touch Switches to Turn on or Off Your Lamp
- Search for Extra Features to Make Life Easier
Select a Material That Suits Your Home ― Glass and Wood Are Traditional, While Metal or Plastic Has a Modern Aesthetic
Regardless of how well it performs, if a table lamp doesn’t fit in with the rest of your room then you’ll rue the day you bought it! It hence makes sense to start by considering which style of lamp will be right for your home.
Luckily, there’s a table lamp to suit every decor. Traditional materials such as glass and wood will complement retro-themed rooms, while eye-catching designs made of metal or plastic look chic in contemporary style homes.
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Think About the Shade, Hue and Adjustability of the Lamp
Choose a Lamp With an Exposed Bulb for a Brighter Glow or Pick One With a Shade to Minimise Brightness
Sure, a lamp’s brightness is largely due to the specifications of the bulb used, but design factors also play a huge role. Take a look at the shape of your table lamp - is the bulb concealed by a large shade or is it more exposed?
Naturally, a lamp with a bulb that's not concealed by any type of shade will cast a brighter light across the whole room. In contrast, a lamp with a sizable shade that conceals a large part of the bulb will only cast light upon a specific area, offering less brightness to the rest of the room.
Making the right choice depends on thinking about how your new lamp will be used. Those working at a desk are likely to prefer a more concentrated light, while those who just want a general glow will be fine with a lamp placed on a coffee table in the centre of their living room.
Check That the Colour of the Material Will Provide the Right Hue and Atmosphere
Next, have a look at what the lamp is made from. If it's made from a translucent material, will the light have to pass through colours before it brightens your room? The answer to this question is crucial because it defines the colour of the light that your new table lamp will cast.
This is particularly the case with lamps made of glass - for example, a table lamp made of pink glass will cast a pink glow across the room. The same is true of Himalayan salt lamps, which are specifically designed for relaxation. This is perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere but perhaps not so appropriate for studying.
Similarly, lamps with yellow or beige-coloured shades will offer a subdued glow. Again, while these are great for unwinding in front of the television in the evening, they may not be ideal for working.
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If You Want to Adjust the Brightness and Colour, Go For an LED Lamp
If a single setting isn’t enough for you, and you want the power to adjust your lamp’s brightness and colour as you see fit, we recommend one with LED lights rather than a halogen or E27 bulb. LED lamps are often dimmable and many of them feature a variety of brightness settings, meaning you can find a glow to fit every situation.
What’s more, many LED lamps even allow you to alternate between every colour of the rainbow. We can’t be sure when you might need a bright red light, but it’s nice to have the option - just in case!
To Save Money and the Planet, Opt For an Energy-Efficient Product With a Rating of A++
Take a look at the specifications of any electrical item, and you'll notice something called an "energy rating". Energy ratings use a grading system, going from G all the way up to A++, to inform the buyer about how much energy an appliance consumes per hour, and therefore how energy-efficient it is.
There are two important benefits to finding a table lamp that is as energy-efficient as possible. Firstly, they're cheaper to run - less energy used means lower electricity bills! While the difference may scarcely be noticeable month by month, it'll certainly add up over a year of usage.
Reduced energy consumption is also better for the planet, as it can lead to a reduction of CO² - as long as your cheaper electricity bills don't inspire you to start using your table lamp more often!
Consider a Rechargeable Table Lamp if You Don’t Want to Buy Replacement Bulbs
One of the most frustrating things about owning a lovely table lamp has to be replacing the bulb. Most high-quality bulbs will last for quite a while, but when they eventually give out you’ll be required to take a trip to the local hardware store or supermarket to fork out for a new one.
Thankfully, some modern lamps use bulbs that are completely rechargeable. Rather than replace the bulb, you can simply recharge your table lamp until it's ready for use again. The time between charges is significantly shorter than the period that elapses between needing to buy new bulbs but, when you consider the money and effort you’ll save, it’s not a bad feature to have!
Decide Between Push, Pull, In-Line and Touch Switches to Turn Your Lamp On or Off
You'd be forgiven for thinking that there's only one way to turn on a lamp - but modern light switches can vary quite a bit! The types available include "push" and "in-line" switches that require only a click to be activated, cords that need to be pulled, and "touch" switches which will bring light into your room when gently pressed.
For many buyers, the first thing to consider is style - a pull chord may look better with a traditionally styled lamp than an in-line switch. For others, however, functionality might be the main issue. Touch switches, for example, can be completely life-changing for arthritis sufferers who may struggle with push or pull options.
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To Make Life Easier, See if the Lamp Offers Extra Features Such as Voice Control or Smart Assistant Compatibility
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, so it may not surprise you to hear that many table lamps now come with a variety of fancy extra features that can make life even easier. Some lamps can double up as a bluetooth speaker, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes as you bathe in their warm glow.
Others can be controlled remotely via voice control or popular virtual assistants such as Alexa or Google Home, so you can turn your light off from the opposite end of the room if you're feeling lazy.
10 Best Table Lamps in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | STATOR LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port | | Style and Innovation in One Sleek Table Lamp | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners Lolly Table Lamp | | Classic and Versatile Table Lamp to Suit Any Room | |
3 | Philips Hue Wellness White Ambiance Smart Table Light | | A Table Lamp at the Cutting Edge of Technology | |
4 | Habitat Louis Smoke Glass Table Light | | Provides a Smoky Glow for a Reasonable Price | |
5 | Eglo Townshend Hung Table Lamp | | A Unique and On-Trend Industrial Looking Table Light | |
6 | Anatole Rabbit Portable Outdoor Light With Built-In Bluetooth Speaker | | Portable Table Lamp for Gadget Lovers | |
7 | John Lewis & Partners Antique Brass Hector Table Lamp | | Modern-Looking, With a Shiny Nickel Finish | |
8 | Seletti Sitting Mouse Table Lamp | | Make a Statement With This Cheeky Gold Mouse Lamp | |
9 | Magic Salt 100% Natural Original Himalayan Salt Lamp | | Create a Comfortable Space With Himalayan Salt | |
10 | Lumie Vitamin L Slim SAD Light | | Banish the Winter Blues With This UV Lightbox |
Style and Innovation in One Sleek Table Lamp
This is a rather unique looking table lamp, but it has something for everybody. You can use touch control to alternate between the 10 different light settings, plus you can adjust the flexible arm and base axis to find the right angle. The USB port can even be used to charge your phone or iPad while you study or relax.
Best of all, the unique, sleek, unobtrusive design means that this lamp is suitable for any setting. Subtle, affordable, and packed full of handy features, it just had to be our number one pick!
Classic and Versatile Table Lamp to Suit Any Room
If you prefer something more traditional-looking, we recommend this ceramic base lamp by John Lewis & Partners. It's hand-painted with blue horizontal stripes of different sizes and hues, giving your space a fresh, coastal look.
Paired with a fabric lampshade to cast a warm glow, your space will be filled with relaxing, ambient lighting. You don't get any additional features with this lamp, but don't let that put you off! It will suit almost any style of interior and has a 5-year guarantee included too, for your peace of mind.
PhilipsHue Wellness White Ambiance Smart Table Light
A Table Lamp at the Cutting Edge of Technology
Who would've thought that a table lamp could be so high-tech? This one is compatible with virtual assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, and is controllable via app or voice, while featuring an impressive array of lighting options.
Despite its impressive features, this lamp requires no installation and works straight out of the box. Those who aren't up to date with technology might feel intimidated by this product, but it's definitely worth investing in if you like to stay at the cutting edge of tech advancement!
Provides a Smoky Glow for a Reasonable Price
Looking at this lamp, it's hard to believe it comes in at such an affordable price! The minimalist, ultra-modern design proves that you don't need to break the bank to add a little bit of style to your space.
The smoked glass allows light to shine gently through and cast an atmospheric glow that would work perfectly in your bedroom. However, the glass does mean it may not be suitable for those with young children or excitable pets.
A Unique and On-Trend Industrial Looking Table Light
This table light features a contrasting natural wood finish with black steel exterior and exterior lumen, and is bound to catch the attention of anyone who walks into your living room. The design is very on-trend and is sure to add a chic, industrial vibe to any room.
Style is the name of the game here, meaning this lamp doesn't have any fancy features and it sadly can't be dimmed. Still, it's we think it's fantastic value for money for the unique design.
Anatole Rabbit Portable Outdoor Light With Built-In Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Table Lamp for Gadget Lovers
Cute design aside, when it comes to extra features, this lamp is pretty impressive. It allows you to choose between a multitude of light colours and you can even play music through the in-built Bluetooth speaker.
In addition, this product can be used outside as it is highly portable and can last between 3-6 hours once fully charged, with the included micro USB cable allowing you to recharge it. This is a brilliant buy if you love your tech!
John Lewis & PartnersAntique Brass Hector Table Lamp
Modern-Looking, With a Shiny Nickel Finish
This table lamp, with its beautiful nickel finish, is perfect for those who love contemporary-style homeware. It's simple yet chic, meaning it'll look fabulous in any room. Plus, its sleek design means it's space saving too.
The solid marble base not only looks good, but it prevents the lamp from tipping over, while the adjustable shade allows you to direct the light wherever you wish. This is a truly classy piece of furniture!
Make a Statement With This Cheeky Gold Mouse Lamp
The unique appearance of this mouse holding a lightbulb as a table lamp makes it a bold statement piece. We guarantee it'll instantly grab attention and become an immediate conversation starter. We've never seen anything else like it!
Naturally, this product won't be to everyone's taste, unless you happen to like unconventional furniture. It's also rather pricey, but for those seeking an eye-catching table lamp that's well-crafted too, this is a must-buy!
Magic Salt100% Natural Original Himalayan Salt Lamp
Create a Comfortable Space With Himalayan Salt
The purported benefits of Himalayan salt include air purification, improved sleep, and stress reduction. There's no doubt that the soft orange glow cast by the natural salt is enough to put anyone at ease.
This perhaps isn't the most functional light - it's not especially bright and it's pretty heavy - but it's ideal for creating a warm, relaxing space in which you can unwind after a long day of work or study.
Banish the Winter Blues With This UV Lightbox
Those long British winters can get to even the best of us. This lamp seeks to alleviate the negative effects of shorter, gloomier days through light therapy, which consists of daily exposure to UV light.
Scientific evidence is currently lacking, but many sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) state that light therapy considerably improves their mood. This may not be the most stylish table lamp out there, but it's a reliable way of brightening up those dark days until summer comes around!
Top 5 Table Lamps
No. 1: STATOR｜LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners｜Lolly Table Lamp
No. 3: Philips｜Hue Wellness White Ambiance Smart Table Light
No. 4: Habitat｜Louis Smoke Glass Table Light
No. 5: Eglo｜Townshend Hung Table Lamp
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.