The Best Glass Lamps

Buying Guide for Glass Lamps

Why buy a glass lamp?

Clear glass is essentially colorless, making it an easy-to-style accent in any space, whether you consider yourself traditional, contemporary, or eclectic. Glass lamps, including lightly colored glass, shine in the interior-decorating world because of their unique textures and silhouettes and their ability to light up a room without diminishing the overall design. Pair your clear or colorful lamp with a gorgeous shade (and a mood-friendly bulb), and you’ve got yourself a timeless accent piece that won’t add bulkiness or create barriers.

What should you know when shopping for a glass lamp?

• Height: Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, and pictures can be deceiving, so checking the product’s dimensions and space before adding it to your cart is important. On average, table lamps are 30 to 36 inches tall—shorter than that could be considered a small accent or kids’ room lamp.
• Color: Think about your home or office and whether or not you need that extra splash of color. Satisfied? A clear lamp base will work great. But if you’re craving color, a colored base is a unique way to add a subtle or eccentric touch to a mundane room. Pair it with a simple white or cream shade to help colorful glass stand out.
• Base: As glass lamps are delicate, it’s crucial to find one that features a wide, strong base that supports its weight, especially if you have young children or pets at home. If there’s a thinner lamp you must have, apply sticky tack to the bottom of its base to secure it to the table.

Which designs should you choose for a glass lamp?

Online retailers offer glass lamps in tons of styles, and you’re bound to find one, or two or three, that ties together your space. You could opt for a modern lamp with a glass base while the shade is from fabric. Meanwhile, you could choose a classic Tiffany lamp which usually pairs a metal base with a colorful stained glass lamp shade. Choose from softer traditional designs, like rustic, lantern-inspired lamps, or a more contemporary, metal-accent LED. Maybe you’re an eccentric maximalist who would love a quirky, multicolored glass lamp. Whatever your style, there’s a lamp to match.

Our Picks for the Best Glass Lamps

Pros: If vintage vibes inspire you, these finely speckled, imitation-mercury glass lamps from 360 Lighting are high quality for a great value; you get double the lighting for the price of a single, similar lamp. Their off-white drum shade and subtle brushed-nickel accents easily match any motif without stealing the show. Although retro by design, the shimmering lamps are contemporary in function, with one built-in, 2A-type USB port on each—great for charging your phone and tablet.

Cons: These lamps are 22 inches tall and may better suit smaller tables and spaces.

Bottom Line: This is a gorgeous, vintage-inspired set at a great price. These silver-speckled glass pieces are a quality choice if you’re looking for smaller, unique accent lamps to bring your space together (and keep your handheld devices charged).

 

Pros: If you’re obsessed with all things industrial, you’ll love the oil-rubbed metal frame on this two-pack set of lamps and exposed light bulbs. These lamps are perfect for the living room or bedroom. Better still, they’re dimmable, and also each feature two USB ports so you can conveniently charge your essentials.

Cons: Some people may dislike the exposed light bulb factor. Although this lamp does come with shades, they’re clear glass, which can make for serious glare for some people.

Bottom Line: Those who prefer a modern or minimalist design will love the low-profile style these lamps provide. Two built-in USB ports in each base also serve as a multifunctional solution. But some people may dislike the transparent lampshades that do little to block out direct glare caused by the light bulbs.

 

Pros: Sometimes you don’t want a lamp that sits on a table. This floor lamp from Elegant Designs is designed to stand alone—no pun intended. While you get the main upward-pointing shade, there are also two miniature reading lamps with adjustable necks so you can reposition them as needed. Choose from seven finishes.

Cons: Assembly may not be as easy as it should be. While putting this lamp together is relatively quick, the pole sections may not screw together completely. And, depending on the finish you choose, this means you can see silver threads.

Bottom Line: Style and function combine with this floor lamp that can pull double-duty as a reading light. There’s a lot to love with seven finishes and adjustable reading lamps. But remember, you may get a lamp where the pole sections don’t screw flush together.

 

Pros: If you’ve ever tried to turn on a lamp in the dark, you know that it can often feel like an exercise in frustration. Put an end to that experience with this touch-activated table lamp. Adjust the brightness between four levels: off, low, medium, and high. Plus, the compact size means you could set it on a windowsill or bookshelf if you prefer.

Cons: Although this isn’t the end of the world, you can’t adjust the temperature. This pick comes with an E12 2700K LED bulb, which is a warmer light setting.

Bottom Line: No more fumbling for knobs and pull chains with this touch-activated bedside lamp that’s compact enough to go anywhere. However, you won’t be able to adjust the temperature setting for the lights.

 

Pros: Home decor that can double as conversation pieces are never wrong. This swan neck lamp incorporates a gorgeous mosaic that creates fantastic reflections on your walls and surrounding furniture. Choose from 11 different glass finishes like amber, gold, lilac, or green.

Cons: The globe itself is pretty heavy, so it may break if not set up carefully.

Bottom Line: Bring a little class and culture to your home with this gorgeous swan neck lamp featuring a glass mosaic lamp shade. However, the heavy build may need extra love and care when being set up in your space.

Final Thoughts

Add more light to your life with one of these top-rated quality glass statement pieces. A glass lamp is an easy way to maintain your space’s flow without becoming the show’s star. Because glass is classic in style, you’ll invest in a long-term lighting solution, no matter how much your taste change over time.