Choose lighting by the task, the amount and direction of light needed, and the installation location. A lamp's style matters, but brightness, glare, size and compatibility determine how it works in the room.
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Separate brightness, power and colour
| Term | What it describes |
|---|---|
| Lumens | The stated light output; useful when comparing brightness. |
| Watts | Electrical power, not a universal measure of brightness across different lighting technologies. |
| Kelvin | Colour appearance, from warmer-looking to cooler-looking white light. |
Use the actual lumen figure where supplied instead of assuming two lamps of equal wattage produce equal light. Colour preference depends on the activity and surrounding finishes; there is no single colour temperature that is best for every room.
Plan light around the activity
A reading lamp needs to place light where you read without directing glare into your eyes. General room lighting needs a different spread. Decorative accent lighting can highlight a shelf or wall without replacing useful task lighting.
For a desk or bedside table, compare the shade height, base footprint and switch position. Check that an adjustable arm can reach the intended area while remaining stable. A floor lamp also needs space for its base and a cord route that does not cross a walkway.
Check replaceable bulbs and integrated LEDs
For a replaceable bulb, confirm the fitting type, maximum permitted power, bulb dimensions and any dimmer requirements. Do not assume a bulb is included unless the package contents say so.
For an integrated LED fitting, check the listed light output, controls and service information. “Dimmable” requires a compatible control arrangement; it does not mean the fitting will work with every existing wall dimmer.
Use the right product for the environment
Indoor and outdoor fittings can have different protection and installation requirements. Check the stated suitability for the exact location, including moisture exposure. A covered outdoor area is not automatically equivalent to an indoor room.
Have fixed wiring and installations requiring an electrician assessed and completed appropriately. Do not infer suitability for a bathroom or exposed garden location from appearance alone.
Compare the full setup
For LED strips, establish whether the kit includes the required power supply, controller and connectors, and follow its limits for length and installation. For a table or floor lamp, measure the product in relation to the furniture around it.
Browse lighting, table and bedside lamps and floor lamps. Record output, colour, dimensions, bulb or power-supply requirements and controls for each shortlisted model.
Product example: White Mushroom LED Table Lamp - Rechargeable, 3-Color Touch Dimmable, USB-C. Check the current listing for the exact model, dimensions, included parts and availability; the photograph illustrates this example rather than every item in the collection.
For another part of your floor lamps comparison, read LED Floor Lamps: Placement, Light and Controls.
Compare the options
Plan the next detail
- Table Lamp Size Guide: Bedside Height, Shade Width and Controls
- Floor Lamps for Reading and Living Rooms: Reach, Base and Light Direction
More LIGHTING & DECOR guides.
