How to determine the right lamp size for your home

by Carrie Fitzwater May 28, 2025

Picking the Right Size Cordless Lamp for your Home or Design Project

Small rechargeable lamps versus larger Table lamps... They can vary greatly, so choosing the correct size is key for providing proper functional lighting for your space.

Lamp sizes vary significantly depending on their type and intended use. Table lamps typically range from around 20 to 34 inches in height, while small or mini lamps can be anywhere from 8 to 18 inches tall. Ultimately, the ideal lamp size depends on the specific space and the desired lighting effect you are after.

Mini lamps and table lamps serve different (but sometimes overlapping) purposes due to their size and light output. Here's a basic breakdown of their typical uses:

Mini/Small Lamps:

• Accent Lighting: Their small size makes them ideal for adding subtle pools of light to highlight specific décor items, artwork, or to provide ambient dining lighting.
• Task Lighting in Small Spaces: They can provide focused light for tasks like reading in bed, desk work in tighter areas, or crafting where a larger lamp would be cumbersome.
• Decorative Accents: Mini lamps come in various styles and can serve as decorative elements themselves, adding personality touches to shelves, small table spaces, nooks, or dining environments (also great for bars!).
• Night Lights: Some battery operated mini lamps are designed to provide a gentle glow for navigating in the dark without being overly bright. Being cordless makes that function even more benificial.
• Portability: Their small size and often lightweight nature make them easy to move around as needed. Rechargeable lamps are obviously portable so you can move them anywhere alongside you, even outdoors grilling, relaxing, or while camping!

Table Lamps:

• General Ambient Lighting: They contribute to the overall illumination of a room, providing a softer, more inviting light source compared to overhead fixtures which can be harsh at times. Cordless table lamps can be very beneficial in open floor plan living rooms where there are no floor plugs or it may be dangerous to run cords (definite NO-NO under rugs or carpeting and can be a tripping hazard).
• Decorative Statement Pieces: Table lamps often come in more substantial sizes and designs, making them focal points that can enhance a room's overall décor.
• Layered Lighting: They are crucial for creating layered lighting schemes, adding additional depth and dimension to a space by combining with overhead, floor, and accent lights.

Key Differences in Use:

The primary difference lies in the scale of illumination and their decorative impact on the space. Mini lamps are more about localized accents and task lighting in confined or intimate spaces. Table lamps offer a broader range of uses, including significant ambient room lighting, and often serve as more prominent decorative elements in a room. The distinction often comes down to size, personal preference, and the intensity and spread of the light they provide. Consider the effect you are looking for and use of a tape measure and similar sized existing objects to help you make that lighting decision.

If you are still not certain or the area of intended use is varied, here at Modern Lantern we give personal advice all the time to help you decide on a lamp from us. Send us a description of your needs and a few photos of the space and we can help. This professional design service is free of charge when you consider buying from Modern Lantern.

Thanks for reading, and hope you found this information helpful in making your decisions - Carrie

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