How To Choose The Right Table Lamp For Your Living Room?

The UK is experiencing a surge in modern, minimalist table and floor lamps, with the market expected to reach $304.6M by the end of 2025. The decorative lamps lead the way, showing how much people value both style and ambience. So, how do you choose the right one for your space? Read on to find the perfect table lamp for your lounge room.

A well-lit living room is all about creating the right ambience to relax or welcome your guests. While general lighting sets the tone, table lamps play a key role in adding warmth and style.

But if not chosen carefully, a table lamp can make the space feel cluttered or too bright.

That’s why it’s important to choose a lamp that not only looks good but also fits your space and needs. However, when picking and placing a table lamp in the living room, many homeowners struggle with questions like: 

• What type of lamp is best for a living room?

• Where to put table lamps in a living room?

• What lamps are trending in 2025?

If you're asking yourself these too, you're in the right place. 

We bring you the tips and tricks to choose the right lamp for the lounge room -one that looks good and lights the space just right.

Keep reading for more.

What To Know Before Picking A Table Lamp For Your  Living Room?

1. What Is The Purpose Of Your Table Lamp?

Before buying a lamp, ask yourself: What will I use it for?

• Reading or working? Choose a lamp that’s bright enough, with an adjustable arm or higher brightness (lumens).
  

• Mood lighting or decoration? Go for a lamp that looks stylish, even if it’s not super bright.

2. Which Lamp Style Best Fits Your Room?

Your lamp should match the look and feel of the space.

• For a classic or traditional look, try lamps made of wood, ceramic, or brass.
  

• For a modern or minimalist vibe, choose sleek materials like glass, metal, or matte finishes.

Picking the best table lamps for the living room is like choosing the right accessory for an outfit—it should blend in, but also add something special.

3. What Is The Right Lamp Size For Your Table?

A lamp that’s too big or too small can throw off the balance of the room. A general rule says: 

‘The height of the lamp should be about 1.5 to 2 times the width of the table.’ 

Here’s how this works: 

For Side Tables And Console Tables:

A lamp with dimensions around 350mm (width) x 590mm (height) works well for round side or console tables. This size provides a balanced proportion for most table types.

For Study Or Task Lamps:

The dimensions of a study lamp should be approximately 350 mm x 740mm. The table must be roughly at eye level to minimise glare and get the right amount of light.

4. What LED Color Temperature Is Best For Your Living Room?

Common Question: Should Lamps Be Taller Than A Couch?

Yes, floor lamps should rise above furniture to distribute light effectively, but avoid overly tall designs that overwhelm.

Where To Place A Table Lamp In Your Living Room?

• Side Tables:

• Console Tables: 

• Bookshelves: 

Side Table:

Placing a table lamp on a side table next to a sofa or armchair is one of the most common choices. It gives you good task lighting for reading, relaxing, or chatting. 

Tip: Place the lamp at eye level when seated (typically 24–30 inches tall) to minimise glare and ensure a comfortable lighting experience.

Want to know more ideas for styling side tables? Check this blog here!

Console Tables:

A console table behind a sofa or along a wall is an excellent spot for a decorative living room lamp. These lamps don’t need to be too bright—they’re more about creating a warm, welcoming vibe.

Tip: Use a decorative console table lamp to fill empty walls or blank corners. 

Bookshelves:

You can place small table lamps on bookshelves or open units, making them give a cosy glow and add an accent to your decor. 

Tip: Choose small and minimalist table lamps for bookshelves.

How Many Lamps Should A Living Room Have?

To make your living room feel warm, cosy, and well-lit, it’s best to have at least three light sources. This helps create a nice balance of light across the room.

Here’s a simple setup that works for most spaces:

• 1 floor lamp – for general lighting (ambient light)
  

• 2 table lamps – placed on end tables for reading or relaxing (task lighting)

Along with these, Larger rooms may need more, such as a chandelier for central illumination and additional floor lamps. Smaller spaces can work with two well-placed lamps if paired with reflective surfaces like light-colored walls.

Common Question: Do Table Lamps Have To Match?

Not really! Matching lamps can look neat, but mixing different lamps can also work—as long as they feel like they belong together.

Try mixing different shapes or finishes, but keep them in the same colour family or style. This gives your space a more curated, designer feel without looking too uniform.

Top 2025 Table Lamp Trends (with product recommendations)

Minimalist: 

Simple shapes, clean lines, and soft neutral colours are everywhere. These lamps blend in beautifully with modern homes. 

White Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade

The ivory ceramic table lamp features a soft linen shade, emitting a warm and welcoming glow. Its minimalist design suits both modern and classic interiors. 

Sculptured Design:

People love that handmade, sculptured look! Lamps made from wood, ceramic, or polyresin feel natural and unique. 

Lady Black & Gold Table Lamp: 

This Lady Table, with a luxurious Black finish, has a graceful vibe. It makes a perfect accent on the side tables, consoles, or bedroom dressers.

Black And White Colours:

Black and white lamps are making a comeback. Matte black, bright white, or a mix of both—they look great in both modern and classic rooms.

Black Cocoa Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade

The Black Cocoa Table Lamp is a modern and stylish piece, featuring a smooth ceramic base and a soft linen shade. It is perfect for your living room, bedroom, or home office. 

Stylish Tips For Living Room Lamps

Mix And Match (But Keep It Balanced):

Use different types or shapes of table lamps, but keep them in the same colour theme or material style (like all matte black or warm woods).

Use Dimmers If Possible:

Installing dimmable switches or bulbs gives you full control over the mood. It allows you to choose:

• Bright light for cleaning or reading

• Soft, warm glow for movie nights or relaxing

Play With Lamp Height:

Try to mix different heights of lamps for a stylish feel. For  example:

• Use taller lamps on lower tables, like a side table.

• Shorter lamps on higher surfaces, like a console table.

Use Reflective Surfaces In Dim Rooms:

If your living room doesn’t get much sunlight, try placing lamps near:

• Mirrors

• Light-colored walls

• Glass decor
  
  

These surfaces help bounce light around, making the space feel brighter without the need for additional lamps.

Additional Tips To Style A Living Room With Lamps(By Reddit Users)

People on Reddit often share what’s worked for them:

💡 “Put lamps beside or behind the seating—not in front of the TV to avoid screen glare.”

💡 “No ceiling light? Two table lamps on side tables are enough if the bulbs are strong enough.”

💡 “Table lamps on console tables behind the sofa add a cosy background glow.”

Conclusion:

From side tables and console tables to bookshelves and corners, your lamp placement should complement your furniture, not clash with it. And remember, it’s not about matching everything perfectly—it’s about creating a look that feels intentional and inviting.

Looking to upgrade your living room setup? Explore modern table lamps for the living room and bedroom at Chloe Jade Home—where style meets function in every detail.

Because in the end, a great table lamp doesn’t just light up your living room—it brings it to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 

Q1 Where to put lamps in the living room with the TV?

A1 Place lamps beside or behind seating areas, not directly in front of the TV, to avoid glare and ensure comfortable lighting.

Q2 Is warm or cool light better for a living room?

A2 Warm light is best for a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, while cool light is more energising and works well for tasks.

Q3 How tall should living room lamps be?

A3 Lamps should be around 24–30 inches tall, ideally at eye level when seated, to avoid glare.

Q4 What kind of light do you need for a lounge?

A4 You need a mix of ambient light (overall room lighting), task lighting (for reading or activities), and accent lighting (to highlight decor).

Q5 What is the best light bulb for a living room table lamp?

A5 A LED bulb with a warm white (2700K–3000K) colour temperature works best for a relaxed and inviting living room atmosphere.

Q6 Do LED room lights use a lot of electricity?

A6:No, LED room lights are energy-efficient and use significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, making them a cost-effective lighting option.