Modern Table Lamps

Lighting is an essential design element in any room in your home, and a great table lamp should be both functional, and look great. Whether your space needs a pop of colour, some visual texture, or you just need a bit more light in the space, our range of modern and contemporary table lamps is certain to have the lamp you’re looking for. Here, we’re going to look at modern and contemporary table lamps, why you should use them, and how they can enhance your home décor. 

Which rooms are best to use modern and contemporary table lamps?

Modern and contemporary table lamps can be used throughout the home to enhance the decor and provide functional lighting – and they can be used in different ways. 

 

• In your living room, a modern or contemporary table lamp can be an excellent addition, whether you're looking for a statement piece or a more subtle accent. They can be used to highlight a particular area, such as a side table or reading nook. They are ideal for 
• Modern and contemporary table lamps are also a great choice for bedrooms. They can provide task lighting for reading in bed, or simply provide lower lighting on your bedside tables.
• If you have a home office, a modern or contemporary table lamp can be used in several ways. They can be used as an alternative to desk lamps for work or study, can be used as accent lighting on bookshelves, or if you have an easy chair for reading, they’re perfect on an end table so you can see clearly.
• The entryway to your home might not be the first place you think to put a modern or contemporary table lamp, but if you have the space, they can make a great first impression. Add a warm and welcoming glow to a console table or low level shelf, and add a touch of style to your hallway décor.

Why add a modern table lamp to a room?

There are loads of reasons why adding a modern table lamp to a room can be a great idea:

 

• Modern table lamps can provide functional and practical lighting to a room. They can be great as task lighting for reading, an up-close hobby, or working on a computer, and are just as perfect for adding a bit more ambient lighting.
• A modern table lamp can be used as a decorative accessory to add a stylish touch to any room. Our range has styes that have a variety of designs, colours, and materials, so you’re sure to find one that complements your décor.
• Contemporary table lamps can be put in loads of different places. They can be used on bedside tables, on desks, next to a reading chair, or even (particularly with battery powered or rechargeable styles) in the centre of a dining table as a centrepiece. 
• Most modern table lamps have energy-efficient LEDs integrated, which can save you money on your energy bills while still providing the right level of lighting. For those that don’t, our range has plenty of choice for LED bulbs.
• Many modern table lamps come with additional features such as touch controls for easy switching on and off, dimmer switches, and even USB charging ports, making them both convenient and functional.

Adding a modern table lamp to a room makes sense in so many rooms in your home. In addition to functional lighting, they can enhance the room's aesthetics, while being energy efficient, and convenient.

What materials are contemporary table lamps available in?

Our range of contemporary table lamps includes a wide range of materials, meaning that each lamp has a unique look and feel. Some of the bestselling modern table lamps in our range incorporate these materials:

 

• Metal: Metals are popular for contemporary table lamps because they are durable and sleek appearance. Lamps made from materials such as brushed steel, polished chrome, and matte black metal are particularly on-trend right now, but you’ll also find lamps in our range that are made from warmer toned metals such as gold, brass, and copper.
• Glass: Glass is heavily used by designers creating contemporary table lamps. Clear glass is often used to create a minimalist look, while frosted, smoked, or coloured glass can add a pop of colour or texture.
• Ceramics: Ceramic is an incredibly versatile material that can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it an excellent choice for contemporary table lamps. Ceramic lamps might be painted, glazed, or left unfinished, allowing for endless design possibilities.
• Wood: Natural wood materials such as walnut, oak, and ash are popular for contemporary table lamps, as they offer a warm and natural look. Wooden lamps are often stained or painted for a modern look, or they may be left their natural colour, depending on the desired look.
• Fabric: Contemporary table lamps with fabric shades create a soft and inviting ambiance. Shades made from materials such as linen, cotton, and silk can add texture and colour to a room.

Contemporary table lamps can be made from a variety of materials – and these aren’t the only ones you can choose from! You’ll find bamboo, rattan, acrylics, and more in our range, so there’s guaranteed to be the perfect one for you, whichever room you’re decorating. 

What colours are contemporary table lamps?
 

Pick any colour, and you’re almost certain to find a modern table lamp in our range! Contemporary table lamps are available in almost every colour in the spectrum, making it easy to find one that complements your existing decor or adds a pop of colour to your room. Here are some of the most popular colours for contemporary table lamps:

Black and white are classic shades for decorative accessories, and they can add a sleek and sophisticated look to a room. Black lamps can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and glass.

Metallic finishes such as silver, gold, brass, copper and bronze are popular for contemporary table lamps. Metallic lamps can add a touch of glamour and shine to a room – even with brushed, matte finishes, the light is reflected off them.

Neutral colours such as beige, taupe, and grey often used for contemporary table lamps because they can blend in with a variety of décor styles. Neutral lamps can be made from materials such as fabric, ceramic, bamboo, and wood.

Bold colours such as red, blue, and green can add a pop of colour and personality to a room – and there are no limits to the materials that can be used. If you’re looking for colourful but don’t want scarlet or emerald shades, look for pastel hues, which have been trending for table lamps for a little while. 

What colour temperature is best for contemporary table lamps?

The colour temperature of a lamp refers to the warmth or coolness of the light it produces, and is measured in Kelvin (K). Contemporary table lamps are available in a variety of colour temperatures, but the best temperature for your lamp will depend on the intended use and the ambiance you want to create in your room.

For most contemporary table lamps, a colour temperature in the range of 2700K-3000K is ideal. This range is often referred to as warm white, or soft white, and produces a warm, inviting glow that is close to traditional incandescent bulbs. You’ll want to use warm white light in living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want to create a cosy and relaxed ambiance.

If you're using your contemporary table lamp for task lighting, such as reading or working in your home office, then a colour temperature in the range of 3500K-4000K may be more suitable. This range is often referred to as neutral white, or daylight, and produces a bright, clear light. Neutral white light is particularly suited for home offices, craft rooms, and other spaces where you need to see details clearly.

What bulbs are best for contemporary table lamps?

Contemporary table lamps are available with a variety of bulb options, including traditional incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and LED bulbs. LED bulbs are ideal for contemporary table lamps due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility.

LED bulbs are an excellent choice for contemporary table lamps because they consume less power than traditional bulbs, and that means savings on your electricity bills. They also last far longer than incandescent bulbs, which can save you money on having to replace them. Not only that, but LED bulbs are available in a variety of colour temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool white, so you can get the right colour temperature for your needs.

Smart bulbs are another option for contemporary table lamps. Smart bulbs can be controlled via a smartphone app, voice assistant, or a smart home hub such as Alexa or Google Nest, allowing you to adjust the brightness and colour temperature of your lamp remotely. This can be particularly convenient if you have multiple lamps in your home or want to adjust the lighting from your bed or couch – perfect if you have a teenager who is prone to leaving lights on late at night.

Table lamps with integrated LEDs are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary home decor. These lamps have the LED bulbs built directly into the lamp, which allows designers to create even more detailed and intricate lighting. 

LED bulbs are the most popular and energy-efficient option for contemporary table lamps. Smart bulbs offer additional convenience and customization options, while table lamps with integrated LEDs provide a sleek and modern design option.

What are the alternatives to contemporary table lamps?

While contemporary table lamps are a popular choice for adding lighting and style to a room, there are several alternatives that can achieve a similar effect, or might suit the space better. A few options to consider: 

Contemporary floor lamps are a great alternative to table lamps, particularly if you want to create a statement piece in your room. Like table lamps, floor lamps can provide both task lighting, or ambient lighting, and they come in a variety of styles to suit the modern home.

Desk lamps are the most functional lighting option for your workspace, and a desk lamp may be a better alternative to a table lamp, depending on the setting. Desk lamps can provide task lighting and our range has a huge choice of styles and sizes.

Do contemporary table lamps need a power outlet?

Yes, most contemporary table lamps require a power outlet to operate. Table lamps typically have a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet, which supplies the power to the bulb. However, they aren’t the only option! Some modern table lamps may have a built-in rechargeable battery that has a USB port, so you can charge it with the same cable as smartphones or tablets. Some models will allow you to use them either plugged in, or when they have been charged, so even if you’ve forgotten to charge your lamp, you’ll be able to use it near a plug socket.

Some styles of modern table lamps that are battery-operated, which means they don't require an electrical outlet. Battery-operated lamps are particularly useful for areas without easy access to electrical outlets, and for outdoor use, such as in a conservatory, or even on a covered patio or deck. If you’re planning to use your lamp outdoors, make sure you’ve checked the safety rating – you’ll need an IP safety rating of 68 if it will be left outside and it rains. 

While LEDs don’t need a huge amount of power to provide bright lights, it is important to note that battery-operated lamps may not provide the same level of consistent brightness, or longevity as those that are powered by an electrical outlet. Additionally, battery-operated lamps require replacement batteries over time, which can be an added cost – but you can use rechargeable batteries too, which are becoming more and more affordable.

Final thoughts

Contemporary table lamps offer a variety of styles, designs, and functionalities to enhance any room decor. From the materials used, to the colour temperature and brightness, there are many choices to consider when selecting the right lamp for your needs. Whether you're looking for a sleek and modern look, or a warm and inviting ambiance, contemporary table lamps offer a versatile and functional lighting solution that look great in your home. Since they can provide both task and ambient lighting, contemporary table lamps are an excellent choice for adding a touch of style and functionality to any space. 

Browse our extensive range of modern and contemporary table lamps today, and make your purchase safe in the knowledge that you’re covered by our Change Your Mind Guarantee. If you don’t love your new lamp, you can return it to us within 30 days for a full refund. Why wait?