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Finding the Right Height for a Nightstand and Lamp

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October 29, 2013 By Jackie

I am just itching to share some nightstand styling with you.  But, good nightstand styling starts with the right nightstand and bedside lamps!

We got new lamps in the bedroom and I am deliriously in LOVE with them. They are so dreamy. But, to get it just right, I brought home two pairs of lamps. The first pair I brought home was lovely, but felt a bit off. I couldn’t shake the thought of another pair I saw at the store. The only reason I passed on them originally was the color clashed with our wall color.

bedroom-lamps

I ultimately decided the first pair was slightly too tall and the elegant mercury glass style was not the moody, edgy look I was going for. The second pair was a winner, except for the color clashing. Two quick coats of paint on the wall behind our bed solved that problem. Now, the new lamps pop against the gray wall…LOVE!

faceted-gourd-lamp

Our old lamps were wrong for several reasons. The scale was too small for our large night stands. They were medium-sized lamps, where large would have been more appropriate. They also were too short and did not provide good reading light. And, I was totally over the stenciled birds!

I agonized over my lamp decision for days. I mean, how do you choose between mercury glass gourd lamps and faceted turquoise gourd lamps?! Well, the final decision maker might surprise you. It was the height of the turquoise lamps that sealed the deal. The right height is so important!

How to Find the Right Height

Regarding height, I have two quick tips for you today for good bedside lighting. There is no standard height rule, because beds and mattresses vary widely. To find the ideal lamp height for your bedroom, start with the height of your mattress top.

The Right Height for a Nightstand and Lamp | tealandlime.com

First, your nightstand should be about the same height as the top of your mattress, give or take a few inches. Ideally, err on the higher side.  Then, when choosing a lamp, you want the bottom of the shade to be about even with your chin level when sitting up in bed. That provides ideal reading and task light without glaring in your eyes.

The turquoise faceted lamps stole my heart and they were the perfect height. All I had to do was paint the wall behind our bed to make them pop!

Is something feeling off in your bedroom? It might be an easy fix.  Is the nightstand the right height for your bed?  Does the bottom of the lamp shade line up with your chin while sitting in bed?

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Comments

  1. Riley says

    October 29, 2013 at 7:40 am

    This information comes at exactly the right time for me. I am in your same shoes as far as looking for lamps for the night stands.

    Where did you get the turquoise lamps? They would be just right for my room (except with different shades, maybe). Thanks for another great lesson in decor.

    • Jackie says

      October 29, 2013 at 9:19 am

      Riley, both pairs of lamps were HomeGoods finds. They came with different shades (plain beige) and I swapped them for the teal trellis shades from Target. Good luck on your lamp hunt!

  2. Diana says

    October 29, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Those lamps are SOOO cute!! Love their silhouette! Great choice!

  3. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    October 29, 2013 at 10:01 am

    Thanks for the tip! I’ve been wondering about this for a while. :)

  4. Lara says

    October 29, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    Thank you! Thank you! I’m hunting for lamps for my little one’s “big girl” room, and this helps a lot!

  5. Jennifer says

    October 29, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    My bedside table is only about 12″ square, but it’s the right height. It’s unique (an antique, purchased from a family friend) so I don’t want to change it. Since the surface is so small a big lamp would overpower it, so I buy a small lamp and place it on top of 3 or 4 books to get it to the right height. The books act as little ledges too, just right for my glasses. Seems to work!

    • Jackie says

      October 29, 2013 at 10:57 pm

      Jennifer, Adding the books to give the lamp height was a great idea. Another option would be a wall-mounted sconce or a hanging pendant light. Love that you are using a unique piece for your nightstand and making it work!

  6. Emma says

    October 29, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    This is great!
    Any tips on how to pick the right floor lamp for you lounge room?

    • Jackie says

      October 29, 2013 at 10:52 pm

      Emma, Thank you. I think with floor lamps it is important to identify the purpose of the lamp. Is it for general lighting or for a reading light? If it is for a reading light, I always recommend something adjustable!

  7. Gwen says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:35 am

    I like how you painted a wall to match your lamps!! I feel like your home has a flow. Each room is not matchy matchy but I feel like your house connects from space to space. Your lamps look fabulous! My only ‘gripe’ lately is that the lampshades are the type that don’t need a harp so can’t have a unique finial. The other lampshades always worked with every lamp for a harp is only five dollars and the shade fits, making either shade fit. I’m happy with your lamp choices! I have lived in my house 12 years last month and I’m amazed at all the lamp trends in that time!! But mine coordinate throughout the home with just updates of shades! Thank you for the reading light heighth tip as well.

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I believe you are the best person to decorate your home. You just need a dash of courage and a dose of decorating know-how. That's why I created School of Decorating.

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