Tall Table Lamps: How To Style Them (With Examples!)

Tall table lamps are the unsung heroes of interior design. Sure, they might not steal the spotlight like a grand chandelier but don’t underestimate their power to completely transform a room.

I’ve personally had a bit of a love affair with tall table lamps - they’re functional, yes, but they’re also statement-makers that bring personality and vertical symmetry to any space.

Let’s dive into some tips, tricks, and examples to help you master the tall table lamp game.

But before we do that, be sure to check out our entire collection of tall (and short!) table lamps here.

Okay, now we're ready!

What is the ideal height for table lamps?

What sets tall table lamps apart from normal table lamps is, uhm well, height. But why is height so important?

It's all relative.

The ideal height for a table lamp depends on where it will be used and the furniture around it. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the perfect height:

1. Living room side tables:
   A lamp’s height should generally match the height of the table it’s sitting on, plus the seating height. For sofas or chairs, aim for a lamp whose bottom of the lampshade is roughly at eye level when seated, typically between 20 to 30 inches tall.
2. Bedside tables:
   For bedroom lamps, the ideal height allows you to reach the switch easily without sitting up. The lampshade’s bottom should align with your chin level when sitting in bed. A height between 20 to 25 inches works well for standard bedside tables.
3. Desk lamps:
   Desk lamps are typically shorter than living room or bedside lamps. They should be tall enough to provide focused task lighting without creating glare. Look for lamps between 12 to 20 inches tall for workspaces.
4. Dining buffets or console tables:
   For accent lighting, such as on buffet or console tables, choose taller lamps that complement the space, usually in the 32 to 36-inch range.

Pro Tip: Always consider proportion - if your table is large and wide, choose a taller or more substantial lamp. For smaller or narrow tables, go with a more compact lamp to avoid overwhelming the space. And don’t forget to factor in the height of the lampshade, as it significantly contributes to the overall look and light distribution!

So these are the general guidelines to consider when choosing your table lamp's height.

Why tall table lamps?

Now, what do we mean by tall table lamps? In general, we mean lamps that are on the higher end of this spectrum or even taller.

And what's so special about them?

Well, they draw in a lot more attention and act as statement pieces. However, you need to place them carefully to avoid overwhelming the space.

For example, let's take a look at the Ilaw table lamp, which stands at just about 25 inches tall.

This lamp has a magnetic quality to it, and not just because of the two majestic rings, but also because it is a large statement piece.

This lamp is great for the bedroom and on each side of the sofa in the living room. It would not be practical as a desk lamp as it is too tall.

See now how it's all relative?

Furthermore, the Ilaw table lamp provides light in all directions making it good for a soft ambient glow at night.

The Celestial table lamp is 27 inches tall.

This lamp, thanks to its design, would look ideal on the living room side table or on a console table. You can also use it on the bedside table in more Victorian-style homes but make sure that the height is right for you!

Made from marble and metal, this lamp is definitely a statement piece that can elevate your space simply by standing there.

Finally, we have one of our tallest lamps, standing at 59 inches, the Eclipsa table lamp:

The Eclipsa table lamp is *really* tall and it is pure magic in lamp form! With its high-quality copper body and elegant glass rod detailing, this isn’t just a light - it’s a design statement. It’s like having a little piece of modern art that happens to brighten up your room.

With adjustable lighting, it is very versatile so it can be used in a variety of settings with you controlling the mood at all times. Just be careful on where you place it because it might overpower other elements of the design.

For example, avoid placing it next to other grand furniture or fixtures, as well as beside powerful art. It is best used as a standalone piece near a dark corner or on a simple console table.

As you saw, the common thing between these examples is that they all act as statement-makers and they are not exactly discreet. Make sure your space is missing a strong focal point or at least a point of interest before buying a tall table lamp. They are typically not so versatile in terms of positioning, so they should stay put for the best effect.

Practical tips for making tall table lamps work

Before you hit "buy," here are some quick tips to ensure your tall table lamp is the perfect fit:

1. Measure twice: Always check the dimensions of your table and lamp to ensure they’re proportional. We discussed some general ranges above but eye-balling it works too!
2. Think about shade material: A translucent shade diffuses light more in a beautiful way, while a darker one adds drama and focus. Think of what your space is missing and what is the primary purpose of the new lamp; to provide light for a specific task or add drama and style? Or both? In that case, go for ornate crystal/glass shades or orange-ish fabric shades. These options typically allow enough light while still adding drama.
3. Check the bulb: Tall lamps often need bulbs with higher wattage to distribute light effectively - just make sure your lamp can handle it!

Bringing it all together

Tall table lamps are more than just a lighting source - they’re a design statement, a mood setter, and, honestly, a bit of a design hack to make any room look more put-together.

Whether you’re going for bold and dramatic or subtle and chic, there’s a tall table lamp out there with your name on it. So go ahead, take your time, and find the one that not only lights up your room but also lights up your style!