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15 Modern Table Lamps to Light Up Your Day (and Desk!)

April  4, 2017

Finding the right lighting for your space can make or break the room. You need to consider so many things—shade or no shade? LED or incandescent? A traditional pair or something small and sculptural, like a Noguchi lantern?

Then, of course, there are all of the lighting trends you’ve been wanting to try out. (Darn you, Pinterest!) While installing and uninstalling pendant fixtures and bubble chandeliers isn’t really an option, the humble table lamp provides territory ripe for experimentation. Here are fifteen of our favorites, sure to inspire your next “Eureka!” moment—bulb not included.

Photo by James Ransom

Menu Concrete & Brass Table Lamp, $199

A glowing orb set in a concrete base, this unapologetically minimal design comes with one indulgent feature—a brass dial to adjust the light to your liking.

Tom Dixon Stone Table Light, $305

Inspired by the brand’s own spice grinder, this sculptural table light features stone so thin it appears semi-translucent. (One drawback: The brass-capped bulb is sold separately.)

Threshold Marble Base Edison Lamp, $44.99

A budget-friendly option for anyone looking to hop on the brass-and-marble trend.

Brendan Timmins Fundamental Lamp, $160

This striped pine light comes in dark green with a complementary pink cord and can be wall-mounted as a pendant or propped upright on a table.

Tom Dixon Stone Table Light
Threshold Table Lamp
Brendan Timmins Fundamental Lamp

Objekto Eclipse Table Lamp, $119

This cool, understated design is composed of a single, structured piece of plastic supported on an adjustable black steel frame.

Anglepoise Type 75 Desk Lamp, Margaret Howell Edition, $240

Simple, functional, and classic, Anglepoise’s tension-spring arm task light is available in a matte paint or brushed aluminum finish to complement a variety of decor schemes.

Ikea Sinnerlig 9” Table Lamp, $34.99

Ikea’s Ilse Crawford-designed Sinnerlig collection is a modern-day classic for the brand, and this cork-based, frosted-dome table lamp is no exception.

MUUTO Leaf LED Table Lamp, $209

Love the environment, but hate awkward, unflattering lighting? Look no further than MUUTO’s sculptural leaf-inspired table light, available in a range of muted tones.

Objekto Eclipse Table Lamp
Objekto Eclipse Table Lamp
Ikea Sinnerlig 9” Table Lamp
MUUTO Leaf LED Table Lamp

Anthropologie Ina Task Lamp, $198

Anthropologie’s Ina Task Lamp may call to mind bank clerking, but with its trendy marble base and slim profile feels decidedly updated for today’s busy lifestyles.

Menu Reade Table Lamp, $199

This vintage-inspired design has a minimal footprint, making it the perfect deskside companion. Available in a powder-coated black finish for an industrial-chic look.

Andrew Neyer Good Night Table Light, $99

This simple, streamlined design belies one very thoughtful tech touch—an on/off sensor switch at the base.

Kelly Wearstler Cleo Desk Lamp, $630

A striking light comprised of mixed materials, Kelly Wearstler’s Cleo Lamp will add meditative 'je ne sais quois' to any living room or study.

Anthropologie Ina Task Lamp
Andrew Neyer Good Night Table Light
Kelly Wearstler Cleo Desk Lamp

O&G Jena Table Lamp, $799

An oversized design from an artisan duo, the Jena table lamp features a wood-turned base in four distinct finishes for a look that’s sure to complement any modern home.

Schoolhouse Electric Sidnie Lamp, $449

This domed brass style harkens back to iconic mid-century Italian designs, updated to reflect modern tastes.

FLOS Piani Table Lamp, $349

This compact design combines a table lamp and storage tray, making it perfect for your bedside table or desk.

O&G Jena Table Lamp
Schoolhouse Electric Sidnie Lamp
FLOS Piani Table Lamp

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Sean is a Brooklyn-based writer, photographer and kale apologist who advocates for drinking at lunch. An avid traveler, he is always on the hunt for good coffee and better bread.

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