Choosing the Right Size Table Lamp

Table lamps do far more than simply light a room. They add warmth, personality, and balance to a space. But even the most beautiful lamp can feel “off” if the size isn’t right.

At Cowshed Interiors, customers often ask us how to choose the correct proportions—particularly when shopping online. So we’ve put together a simple guide to help.

Start With the Surface

The first thing to consider is where your lamp will be located.

A lamp should always relate comfortably to the table beneath it. Place a petite lamp on a grand sideboard and it may disappear. Put a large statement piece on a small bedside table and it will quickly overwhelm.

As a general rule, the combined height of a lamp base and shade should be roughly one and a half times the height of the table it stands on.

For example:

• Bedside table around 60cm high → lamp height of 40–45cm works well

• Console table around 75cm high → lamp height of 50–55cm suits

• Large living-room sideboard around 90cm high → lamp height of 60–70cm feels balanced

These are not strict measurements, but they provide a helpful starting point.

Consider the Room Around It

Proportion is also about the wider setting.

Think about ceiling height and the size of the room. In a cosy cottage corner, a modest lamp brings intimacy. In a high-ceilinged barn or country hallway, a taller, fuller lamp creates presence and anchors the space.

Allow enough breathing room around the lamp so it feels intentional, not crowded. If you’re pairing two lamps on a long surface, you can usually afford to go slightly larger than you first imagine.

Shade Size Matters Too

Many sizing mistakes come from the relationship between base and shade.

The lampshade should be in harmony with the height and width of the base. Ideally:

• The shade height should be about two-thirds the height of the base

• The shade width should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base

A well-chosen shade frames the base and diffuses light at the correct level for reading and relaxing.

Think About Eye Level

A practical tip that designers rely on is seated eye level.

When you are sitting beside a lamp, the bottom of the shade should be close to your eye height. This prevents glare from the bulb and ensures the lamp performs as beautifully as it looks.

For sofas and armchairs, this usually means a lamp height between 58cm and 64cm is ideal.

Don’t Forget Function

Of course, style and scale must work alongside purpose.

If you need a lamp mainly for task lighting—perhaps on a desk or reading table—a slightly taller and more directional shade is helpful. If it’s for ambient glow, you may choose a broader shade and softer proportions.

Always picture how the lamp will be used as well as admired.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing the right size table lamp is simply about balance.

Measure your table, think about the space, and imagine the lamp in proportion to its surroundings. Do this, and your new piece will feel as though it has always belonged.

And if you’re ever unsure, our team is always happy to help. Finding the perfect finishing touch is what we love to do.

At Cowshed Interiors we seek out distinctive, characterful lamps in a wide range of shapes, sizes and finishes. With a little guidance, you can enjoy them exactly as they were intended.