The seated-eye rule
Sit where you will sit. The bottom of the shade should land at about eye level, so you see light rather than the bulb.
Nightstand lamps
Typically 24 to 27 inches overall for a standard nightstand. If your nightstand is taller than 26 inches, size down.
Sofa-side lamps
Usually 26 to 30 inches on an end table, or a floor lamp between 58 and 64 inches behind the arm.
Desk lamps
Aim for the light source above the screen line and off to the non-dominant side to avoid shadow across the page.
Check the cord
Cord length is listed on every product page. It decides whether the lamp reaches the outlet without an extension running across the floor.
Shade width matters as much as height
A shade should be roughly two thirds the width of the table it sits on, and wide enough to hide the bulb from a seated view. Too narrow and the lamp looks top heavy; too wide and it takes the surface you wanted the lamp to light.
Before you order
- Measure the table height first, then subtract it from your seated eye level. That number is the lamp height you want.
- Check the cord length against the distance to the outlet. A cord that only just reaches will be pulled taut and the lamp will move every time.
- Match color temperature across the room. One cool bulb among warm ones is the most common reason a well-lit room still looks wrong.