A new guide to bedside and table lamps for 2026 brings together designs suited to different rooms and needs, from compact accent lighting to rechargeable options for outdoor use. Its selections are assessed for appearance and function, with notes on where each lamp works best and what buyers may want to consider before choosing one.
The picks include Flos’s Bilboquet, a small steel and polycarbonate lamp with a swivelling joint that can direct light in almost any direction. Serena & Lily’s ceramic lamp pairs a compact base with a choice of shades, including raffia and linen. The guide describes it as an option for adding warm ambient light to a desk, kitchen counter or living-room nook, though its switch takes a firm turn and it may not provide enough light for an entire workspace.
For portable lighting, the list features a rechargeable, dimmable lamp with four light levels, as well as Louis Poulsen’s mini Panthella. The latter has a built-in LED and a touch-operated dimmer; its light is described as warm and ambient rather than suited to detailed tasks. Zafferano’s Poldina is another cordless choice, designed for indoor and outdoor settings. Its battery can take up to seven hours to charge, according to the guide.
Other selections focus on particular styles and uses. West Elm’s glass table lamp is presented as a midcentury-inspired option for a nightstand or dim corner, though its glow may be better for atmosphere than reading or work. Gantri’s Analog Task Lamp has a dimmable light that can rotate 230 degrees, and is made with a polymer blend derived from sugarcane; its long cord offers flexibility but can be difficult to keep tidy.
The recommendations also include Rejuvenation’s small, opaque glass Roland lamp, which casts diffused light, and a hand-cast glass design by Jeremiah Brent that provides a warm glow across a work surface. The latter is transparent, so its bulb and internal wiring remain visible. In Common With’s Fazzo is presented as a pricier decorative option, with amber-toned glass and a soft glow.
The guide advises checking a lamp’s bulb requirements and maximum wattage before use. It cautions against fitting a bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture allows, as this can cause overheating and damage to sockets or wiring. Its testing process also considered delivery, assembly, dimensions, whether a bulb was included and how well each design suited different spaces.
Sources: Architectural Digest.