Are Table Lamps Necessary? (7 Best Lamp Alternatives)
Lamps are a great decorative element that can boost the overall appearance of decor and contribute to creating a warm atmosphere. They pack many benefits but are they really necessary?
If you’re in the midst of decorating your bedroom and you’re unsure whether you really need to have table lamps in your decor, you might be surprised by the answer.
Table lamps are not necessary to have but there is merit to having a table lamp on your nightstand. Not only does it make a positive contribution to your decor, but it’s also a convenient item to have if you want to relax in bed and read a book without having to wake up and turn off the lights.
If you have the means to include a table lamp, there’s really no harm in doing so.
However if you believe it’s an unnecessary item and you probably won’t have much use for it, I’ve included a list of alternatives that may be better suited for you.
Below, I go into more detail about the benefits of table lamps and the reasons why they make a great accessory for your bedroom decor.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Table Lamps Are Great
Aesthetic Purposes
The most obvious reason why table lamps are a great item to have is that it adds a stylish charm to the decor.
There are a ton of lamps these days that can suit any style or theme to match your bedroom.
Lamps can add an edgy aesthetic but they can also be used as a way to incorporate a fancy and elegant element into the space that can help you achieve the type of decor and style you’re aiming at.
When you have a table lamp on either side of your bed, it completes the overall aesthetic.
Convenience
Having a table lamp right there to turn lights on or off when you’re in bed is more convenient than having to wake up and cross the room to turn off the light.
This is especially helpful if you like reading at night and want to create that cozy, pleasant environment that is ideal for relaxing.
You won’t disturb your partner if you have a small light source to yourself that illuminates only a specific area rather than keeping the entire bedroom lit with a normal ceiling light.
Makes The Room Warm And Cozy
Having a different light from the ceiling can be a great way to create a different mood and vibe.
Most table lamps have a warm yellow light to help you relax, unwind, and settle down for the night.
If you want to create a warm and cozy feel and look in your room, having a table lamp with this specific color globe can be a great thing.
This way, you can keep your normal ceiling lights a brighter light for the times you do need them.
How Many Table Lamps Do You Need?
Generally, you may only need one table lamp if it’s just you but if you have a nightstand on either side of your bed, then you can add another lamp to make it look cohesive but it really depends on your personal preference.
If you have a partner, you may want to include a second lamp for them to use as well as some table lamps may not have a sufficient amount of coverage to cover that side as well.
Also, when choosing a lamp, consider the style, color, and design to ensure you have a lamp that will be a great addition to the room.
Although you can have different lamps, it’s best to stick with using the exact lamp for both sides to ensure a cohesive and consistent look.
Table Lamps Alternatives
If you find that table lamps are not for you, then you might enjoy these alternatives that are also a great way to decorate your bedside table:
1. Candles
One item that always looks amazing on a nightstand is candles.
Try placing a scented candle that you can use as a small light source but also one which will give off a beautiful aroma that will help you relax and destress from the day.
Having a candle will also make this area of your room look elegant and stylish.
2. Battery-Operated Candles
If you prefer to not light a candle and would be better of with a safer option, you could go for battery-operated candles.
The great thing about this option is that you can add as many of these candles next to your bed as they’re quite affordable and they do look nice.
3. Cinema Lightbox
For a trendy and modern accessory, place a lightbox next to the bed.
This will provide some sort of light but an even better thing about lightboxes like these is that you can customize them to spell any word, quote, or sentence and this will be an added bonus to your decor.
You can find these light boxes that can be connected to the wall or by batteries, depending on which one will be more suitable for you.
Get this cinema light box from Amazon
4. String Lights
A cute idea would be to put string lights in a clear mason jar or hang the string lights that will add a bit of sparkle and fun.
This will provide a bit of light (although not as much as a table lamp would do) making this a rather cool feature to have in the room.
5. Humidifier
Place a humidifier that lights up next to your bed.
This way, you’ll get to enjoy the many benefits of the humidifier but the light feature will also enhance your room decor.
The only downside to this option is that depending on quality and design, good humidifiers can be more on the pricey side.
6. LED Lights
These types of lights are another great alternative to table lamps.
They’re available in different styles but the best one to get is the LED letter lights.
This will make an ideal accessory for your bedroom but you’ll also have a bit of light without it being too bright and overwhelming.
7. Neon Signs
Use a neon sign instead of a table lamp for a cool aesthetic.
These neon lights can be mounted to the wall or you can find accessories designed to be placed on a nightstand.
They also come in various colors depending on what kind of mood or look you want to achieve.
Final Thoughts
It is a good idea to have a table lamp, but it really depends on you.
If you find that you probably won’t even make use of the lamp or you find that your room decor can do without it, it’s totally okay to not have a table lamp. This will free up space for other special accessories and decorations.
Besides, there are many other table lamp alternatives that are great options to personalize and add a custom feature to the decor.
I hope this article answered all your questions but if I missed anything, feel free to drop them below.
Before you go, here are a few other articles you might want to read:
Cool Things To Put In Your Room: 23 Items For Guys And Girls
