Choosing a new lamp seems straightforward until you have to decide between a floor lamp, table lamp, desk lamp, LED lamp or outdoor light. An attractive design says little about lighting comfort, positioning or energy consumption. If you focus only on colour and price, you could end up with a lamp that is too large, does not provide enough light or is unsuitable for the room you have chosen.
This buying guide helps you compare lamps based on practical specifications. That way, you can find the right standing lamp, reading lamp, dimmable lamp or decorative lamp to suit your interior and everyday needs.
Not every lamp comes with a light source. With a fitting that uses an E27 or E14 bulb, you will often need to purchase an LED bulb separately. Therefore, check:
An integrated LED lamp is ready to use straight away, but on some models it cannot be replaced. With a separate fitting, you have more freedom to choose the colour temperature and brightness.
A 180 cm lamp can dominate a small living room. As well as the height, check the diameter of the base, the length of the cable and the space around the lamp. A narrow base may also be less stable, particularly in areas where children or pets are present.
For a table lamp, height is not the only important factor. Check whether the lampshade obstructs your view of a screen and whether the switch is within reach from the bed, sofa or desk.
An LED lamp generally uses less power than a comparable traditional light source, but actual consumption depends on the wattage and how long it is used. So look at the power in watts and, where stated, the light output in lumens. A lamp with a lower wattage is not automatically suitable if you need plenty of light.
Colour temperature is expressed in Kelvin:
A warm white lamp works well next to an armchair or bed as a reading lamp. For a desk lamp, a more neutral colour may be more practical. Models with several colour temperatures, such as 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, offer greater flexibility.
Lumens indicate how much visible light a light source produces. Wattage indicates its electrical power consumption. Compare these values together to avoid choosing a lamp that provides little light even though its design is large or striking.
For example, the Brilliant Katrina LED desk lamp is listed with a power rating of 8.5 W and a light output of 650 lumens. Its integrated light source produces warm white light at 2700K. The lamp also has a rotating head and a height-adjustable arm.
The IP rating indicates the level of protection a product offers against dust and moisture. A lamp with IP20 is intended for dry indoor areas. A higher level of protection is required for a balcony or garden. According to the product information, the Atmosphera Zack outdoor lamp has an IP44 rating and is intended for outdoor use. Always position the lamp according to the instructions and protect connections from prolonged exposure to water.
Why it suits this profile: This compact table lamp fits beside a bed, on a side table or on a desk. You can choose your own E14 light source, allowing you to tailor the colour temperature and energy consumption to the room.
The product information clearly states that the light source is not included, an E14 fitting is required and the maximum power is 40 W.
31 cm high, 1.3-metre cable, in-line switch and suitable for 220–240 V.
Why it suits this profile: This tall floor lamp is designed for users who want to adjust their lighting from their armchair or sofa. According to VIVREAL’s product information, three colour temperatures and a remote control are included.
The specifications list a power rating of 14 W, light colours of 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, and an operating range of up to 10 metres.
180 cm high, 216 LED chips according to the product information, three colour temperatures and remote operation.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of uplighter and reading lamp is practical for a living room with a seating area. You can combine general lighting and targeted reading light in a single floor lamp.
The product description mentions two dimmers, allowing you to adjust the brightness rather than relying on a single fixed light setting.
23 W power, height of 180 cm, warm white light according to the product description, and a combined uplighter and reading function.
Why it suits this profile: This battery-powered outdoor lamp is ideal if you want to move your lighting around easily on the balcony, terrace or in the garden.
The IP44 rating and battery power are listed in the product details. Nevertheless, check the instructions for moisture and weather exposure when positioning the lamp.
108 cm high, three light modes, light source included, manual controls and a stated operating time of ten hours.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Check these points on the product page:
A reading lamp should provide focused light and preferably be adjustable. A floor lamp with a separate reading arm, such as the vidaXL LED floor lamp, can combine general and targeted lighting. For a desk, a rotating desk lamp with an adjustable arm is often more practical.
Consumption depends on the wattage and the number of hours the lamp is switched on. For example, an 8.5 W LED lamp uses less electricity per hour than a 40 or 60 W light source, but the light output must also suit the intended use. Therefore, compare wattage and lumens together.
Lifespan varies between models and usage conditions. Some product descriptions state an expected lifespan, but this is not a guarantee for every usage situation. Also check whether the LED light source can be replaced. With a non-replaceable light source, you will generally need to replace the entire lamp if it develops a fault.