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All About Table Lamp Sizes: Small Table Lamps


Have you ever thought about how much charm small table lamps with shades can bring to a space? Many of us get put off by their tiny size, but that’s precisely where all the magic lies. You can use them to light up small corners and even use them to create a layered lighting impression. Now that’s what we call truly great! So, don’t let the compact size stop you from experimenting with small table lamps. Welcome them into your home and watch them work their magic in ways you never imagined!

Small but Mighty 

Let’s talk about the dimensions of small table lamps. They measure between 20 and 25 cm from the bottom of the base to the point where the bulb is fitted. Anything less would fall in the category of very small table lamps. The petite size of these beautiful luminaries makes them a great choice for intimate, cosy spaces where they provide soft, ambient light without obstructing views or taking up too much space. These table lamps are particularly useful in small apartments, where floor and table space may be limited.

Bright Ideas for Small Spaces

The real kick lies in lighting up small spaces aesthetically. If you think, you cannot create a softly glowing corner with small lamps in your cosy little home, allow us to dispel this misconception and show you how small table lamps can work wonders.

  1. Perfect for Bedside Tables - Small table lamps for the bedroom are an ideal choice for nightstands. Since the base of these lamps is small, they occupy less surface and leave enough space for keeping other essentials like a phone, specs and book. Small lamps do not dominate the space, and their small size guarantees a clutter-free look.
  2. Enhancing Small Tables - Over a small side table or a desk, you cannot place an extra large table lamp. It will break the visual harmony of the space and instead of a warm puddle of light, it will create an overly bright space. Only a small table lamp for the living room will do a fair job of enhancing its cosy corners and small surfaces, uplifting the room’s ambience. 
  3. Accent Lights for Shelves - Small table lamps with shade make excellent accent lights on shelves, mantels, or console tables. These can be used to highlight art, books, or other items while adding a soft glow to the space. Choose lamps with decorative bases, like a small ceramic table lamp, to add artistic flair without overpowering the surrounding decor.
  4. Small Space Solution - Hallways or entryways are small and narrow in many homes. If your home, too, has a similar construction, small table lamps can add a welcoming glow. They work well on narrow consoles or small dressers, offering just enough light to illuminate keys, plants, or a small mirror.

Materials That Define Your Space

Small table lamps are space savers and come in different materials. Try out a small black table lamp in wood, metal, or ceramic before making a selection. 

  1. Wood - Wooden bases in table lamps are perfect for adding warmth and texture. when you pair them with natural fabrics like cotton or linen, they submerge your home in a relaxed, organic feel. To achieve different effects, you can experiment with wooden bases in different finishes, like white wood finish and distressed white for a rustic look and Ebony and lacquered finish for modern spaces. Learn more about wooden table lamps from our blog From Rustic to Modern: A Guide to Wood Table Lamps’.
  2. Ceramic - Small ceramic table lamps are pretty artistic, featuring neutral to bold colours and hand-painted designs. That is why, in your home, they will act as both sources of light and decoration pieces. In a glazed look, they will add elegance and refinement, while in an unglazed finish,  they bring a raw, earthy charm that adds warmth and texture to any space. To learn more about ceramic lamps, head on to ‘A Guide to Beautiful Ceramic Table Lamps’.
  3. Metal Finishes - Small table lamps with metal finishes are little marvels that work wonders in contemporary and industrial spaces. If that’s what you thought, think again because antique brass and antique bronze finishes look great even in vintage and traditional spaces. Just because it is metal, don’t think of only a small black table lamp in a matte finish because you can also get it with a high-shine in nickel finish. If your interest in metal finishes is ignited, read more about them in Master The Art of Lighting with Metal Table Lamps’.

Stylish Lampshades 

Small table lamp shades can be sophisticated or simple. You need to find one that is perfect for your dainty table lamp. These are some things that will help you make the right choice:

  • Shape - The function of the table lamp ideally decides the shape of the lampshade. If it's for focused lighting in a downward direction, Empire and Straight Empire shades will serve much better. But if an even glow is required from both top and bottom, look for drum lampshades, which help create an ambient glow.
  • Look - The next big concern is what sort of look to aim for in a lampshade - rolled or gathered? Rolled edges offer a neat, clean finish, ideal for modern or minimalist spaces. On the other hand, gathered shades add texture and interest with their folds, making them perfect for more traditional or eclectic styles.
  • Fabric - Cotton shades give your home a relaxed, casual feel. Linen, on the other hand, brings with it character and texture, making it apt for Scandi and rustic space. In complete contrast, silk shades will add to your space a luxurious, stately feel, which is why they are ideal for elegant, traditional spaces.
  • Pattern - Solid colour rolled and gathered shades are available in all fabrics. In comparison, printed shades can only be found in cotton. They can feature anywhere from traditional indie prints, like ikat and block prints to florals and more contemporary geometric and abstract patterns. For busy rooms, get solid small table lamp shades, and for simple rooms, add dynamism with printed ones.

We Recommend - Use rolled or gathered cotton & linen empire shades of 20- 25 cm base diameter with small table lamps.

Handy Style Tips

  • Cosy living room - Place a small gold lamp with a silk empire shade in a beige colour on the side table in your living room. Pair this small table lamp for the living room with a tall vase or a picture frame with golden accents to create a layered effect.
  • Warm Bedside- Place a small wooden table lamp with a soft pink shade on your bedside table for a touch of warmth and peace. Pair it with a decorative tray to hold your nighttime essentials and a small potted plant for freshness.
  • Bright hallways - Position a large white ceramic table lamp with a green lampshade next to a small green table lamp with a white shade on the hallway console. Add a decorative runner beneath them in complementary colours and a vintage vase to make a stylish and bright hallway.

Before We Close

Don’t be fooled by the size of small table lamps for great things often come in deceptively small packages. They may be tiny but have a big impact on the aesthetics of any space. From the cosiness offered by a small bedside table lamp to the elegance of a small gold lamp, these petite beauties are powerful design elements that blend functionality and style. Embrace their versatility and use them to elevate your home in the most creative and unexpected ways.

Add a touch of charm to any corner of your home with chic small table lamps from Comet Lighting. Our petite collection blends style and functionality, casting the perfect glow that your cosy corners need.

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