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 it’s important to check the product’s dimensions and space before adding it to your cart. On average, table lamps are 30 to 36 inches tall—any shorter 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 important 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 from 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. 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, multi-colored 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. If you’re looking for smaller, unique accent lamps to set off your space (and keep your handheld devices charged), these silver-speckled glass pieces are a quality choice.

 

Pros: Accentuate your rustic room with this Ashley Furniture modern spin on traditional-style cylinder lamps, featuring light-catching wavy glass and a rich bronze finish. Its clear, round base, topped by a fabric drum shade, is a unique and delicate way to adorn any table while maintaining the flow of your design. Plus, the wavy glass creates interesting patterns when your lamp is lit. Its simple, metal-accent ridges and rings lend to the country/rustic feel and pair well with wood tables and surfaces.

Cons: This premium-choice lamp comes at a higher cost than other glass models since Ashley is a renowned, high-quality furniture brand.

Bottom Line: This lighting solution is worth the price, especially if you want to complete your comfy country-chic theme with a simple, elegant statement piece. In that case, you might need two.

 

Pros: Glass doesn’t have to be clear (or super expensive) to make your space look bigger, and this 20-inch table lamp from Elegant Designs is a perfect example. Choose from three lightly colored glass bases, including blue, gray, and smoky-gray, to accent spaces already full of color—no worries about clashing designs. Each lamp base is paired with an easy-to-match white linen drum shade, which keeps the focus on your new, interesting glass lamp.

Cons: If you flip the lamp, you’ll see its base is not solid but hollow, affecting its overall sturdiness. Consider tacking it down.

Bottom Line: This affordable mini table lamp is a sweet, simple way to light up your space while adding a little extra color and flair. For added stability, fasten it to your table or arrange décor around the lamp.

 

Pros: This JONATHAN Y glass lamp, available in brass and gold finishes, is a sleek take on a classic design you’d see in tons of mid-century-modern spaces. Its shape, style, and finishes are subtle enough to let the rest of your room speak but stunning enough to attract the right kind of attention. The lamp is compatible with Philips Hue and Alexa smart outlets (sold separately), and its LED bulb uses 90% less energy than incandescent with a 25,000-hour lifespan.

Cons: If your lamp arrives with only one lightbulb, contact the manufacturer to request another.

Bottom Line: This is a steal for the price, considering you’ll receive a gorgeous, smart-capable lamp with an impressive bulb lifespan. Choose your gold or bronze finish, and enjoy the simplicity of your new glass lamp.

 

Pros: Talk about unique. This 100% handmade mosaic lamp from DEMMEX is a beautiful, fun way to add a touch of color and interest. Its glowing globe is designed with hand-cut glass pieces and beads and supported by antique brass, adding even more shine to this statement piece. It emits a soft light perfect for dimly-lit rooms and is internationally compatible, making it a gorgeous gift for overseas friends and family.

Cons: This mosaic lamp is only 18.8 inches tall and best suited as a small accent light.

Bottom Line: An intricate, dazzling piece for eccentric and eclectic homes, plus, you have eight color/design options to ensure you get the exact style you’re looking for.

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 the flow of your space without becoming the star of the show, and because glass is classic in style, you’ll invest in a long-term lighting solution, no matter how much your tastes change over time.