16 of the best table lamps in New Zealand: our top picks

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11 June 2023

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8 min read

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The humble table lamp is a great lighting feature and one that probably doesn’t get the plaudits it naturally deserves. It can be placed in just about any living space in the home — the living room, bedroom, dining room etc and used in many different ways. There is a huge range of options available which can be daunting but by starting with the very best, you’ll quickly see the potential there is when the right choice is made.

You can have a lot of fun choosing a new table lamp for your home. Not only are they a very functional form of lighting but they are highly decorative too. The design possibilities are almost limitless allowing you to select something very specific that personally appeals to you. We thought we’d help by putting together our top picks for the best table lamps in New Zealand that you can consider or use as inspiration for your own homes.

The Paola & Joy Cora Table Lamp will instantly elevate your bedside with its stunning vintage-inspired linen fluted lampshade paired with a brass-plated squiggly base. This eye-catching combination makes a stylish statement and is extremely captivating to the eye. You’ll receive a multitude of compliments from your guests as they admire this exquisite piece of decor.

The stunning Paolo & Joy Cora Table Lamp with its vintage-inspired fluted lampshade and brass-plated squiggly base
The stunning Paolo & Joy Cora Table Lamp with its vintage-inspired fluted lampshade and brass-plated squiggly base

The quintessential British charm of the Type 75 Desk Lamp by Margaret Howell is a big part of the allure of this Anglepoise lamp that will instantly uplift the mood of your home. Created in collaboration with renowned British clothing designer Margaret Howell, it has an undeniable nostalgic warmth and a timeless elegance that will make it one of your favourite fixtures.

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Plenty of charm and functionality with the Type 75 Desk Lamp by Margaret Howell
Plenty of charm and functionality with the Type 75 Desk Lamp by Margaret Howell

Created in collaboration with renowned Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, the Pao Glass Table Lamp by HAY embodies the essence of warmth and friendliness. Inspired by the soft, glowing shapes of traditional Mongolian Pao tents, it captures the same inviting atmosphere that can make a space feel incredibly welcoming. The custom LED light source is hidden within the opal glass shade, maintaining a clean and cohesive look. A lovely little bedside lamp or an equally stylish addition to a living space.

The Pao Glass Table Lamp by HAY conveys warmth and style
The Pao Glass Table Lamp by HAY conveys warmth and style

Derived from an endlessly inspiring collection, the Liberty Table Light exudes luxury with its dazzling appearance. This exquisite table light is meticulously crafted to infuse any space with a refined sense of opulence. The intricate blend of brass and crystal glass, complemented by the elegance of marble, culminates in a truly sublime piece of design. A great showpiece for a console table or dining room.

You won't find a more dazzling and luxurious table lamp than the Liberty Table Lamp
You won't find a more dazzling and luxurious table lamp than the Liberty Table Lamp

The Anisha Table Lamp by Foscarini offers the perfect blend of semi-diffused and downward directional light. Its diffuser, composed of two interconnected liquid-coated injection moulded ABS shells, features an integrated LED bulb for efficient illumination. The lamp is equipped with a touch dimmer switch conveniently located at the base of the diffuser, allowing easy control of the light. The design is sleekness personified with enough contemporary appeal to challenge even larger floor lamps.

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The Anisha Large Table Lamp. by Foscarini is the designer-inspired choice
The Anisha Large Table Lamp. by Foscarini is the designer-inspired choice

The stunning spherical lamp of the Laguna Table Lamp by Artemide is showcased brilliantly by its raised base, available in both satin bronze and satin brass finishes. A great option as a bedside table lamp, its soft diffused light gently graces any tabletop, while emanating a warm glow throughout the wider surroundings. Combining modernity and elegance, you can elevate your space with the Laguna adding a touch of sophistication to any room.

The stunning spherical lamp of the Laguna Table Lamp by Artemide is a real eye-catching feature
The stunning spherical lamp of the Laguna Table Lamp by Artemide is a real eye-catching feature

The meticulous design of the Alchemy T1 Table Lamp is a collaboration between Australian luminaries Sarah Ellison and ADesignStudio and merges emotional resonance with advanced LED technology. The enlarged rounded pebble-like shapes are elegantly tethered to contoured brass bases, creating a harmonious blend of form and function. The result is warm opaque glows and a scattering of mesmerising dappled refractions across the surfaces they grace. As ornamental as table lamps come.

Beautiful design and the latest in LED technology with the Alchemy T1 Table Lamp
Beautiful design and the latest in LED technology with the Alchemy T1 Table Lamp

Gravita, designed by Antonio Macchi Cassia in 1969, stands as a testament to over fifty years of dedicated craftsmanship. This timeless piece has been one of the best desk lamps for years, with its iconic large glass sphere illuminated by a dimmable light, casting a soft and ambient glow. A smaller metal sphere orbits the surface ingeniously through a magnetic solution, projecting a concentrated and adjustable light. Even by today's standards, Gravita remains ahead of its time, showcasing the ingenuity and visionary design principles that make it a revered lamp.

The iconic Gravita 1969 Table Lamp that remains a classic after all these years
The iconic Gravita 1969 Table Lamp that remains a classic after all these years

The exquisite Unit Table C Table Lamp by Ango features individual silk cocoons that create a stunning texture, allowing the warm light to delicately shine through. Supported by a hand-finished stainless steel and copper base, the lamp embodies a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and elegance. The soft and inviting glow adds a touch of natural warmth, making them an ideal choice for creating a cosy ambience in any room. This one can easily function as a bedside lamp, desk lamp or tabletop solution for your home.

The delicately beautiful individual silk cocoons of the Unit Table C Table Lamp by Ango as a wonderful unique feature
The delicately beautiful individual silk cocoons of the Unit Table C Table Lamp by Ango as a wonderful unique feature

Designed by Marie Christine Dorner, the Jali Table Lamp features an intricate mesh structure that creates enchanting patterns that project beautifully as decorative shadows. The interplay between ambient light and shadow adds an extra dimension of visual interest, enhancing the lamp's overall aesthetic appeal. With its unique design, the Jali Table Lamp brings a touch of artistic elegance to any space, making it a truly remarkable lighting piece.

The Jali Table Lamp creates enchanting patterns with its beautifully decorative shadows
The Jali Table Lamp creates enchanting patterns with its beautifully decorative shadows

The playful design of the Mr Light Short Table Lamp features a floating arm and body crafted from matte black metal. The two-coloured diffuser, with a matte white inner part, provides a soft and widespread light. For added versatility, the upper part of the lamp allows for light output reduction through the use of a covering hat. It’s a fun, uplifting and stylish lamp all in one. An especially popular choice as a desk lamp in the home office.

The Mr Light Short Table Lamp is both fun and functional
The Mr Light Short Table Lamp is both fun and functional

The Kenneth Cobonpue Boom Town Little People Table Lamp is where whimsy and craftsmanship converge. This unique lamp showcases hundreds of individual figurines, exuding a joyous spirit. Each figure is meticulously adorned with hand-applied Salago fibre, creating a sculptural composition atop a steel base. The result is a visually striking and meaningful display, symbolising the power of unity and collaboration.

Hundreds of individual figurines embody the playful nature of the Kenneth Cobonpue Boom Town Little People Table Lamp
Hundreds of individual figurines embody the playful nature of the Kenneth Cobonpue Boom Town Little People Table Lamp

The exquisite Reims Large Table Lamp with Paris Shade is a French vintage-inspired lamp, boasting elegant curves that captivate the eye. This table lamp's delicate natural pale rattan hue is perfectly complemented by the Paris shade, enhancing its subtle beauty. Just as denim on denim makes a statement, rattan on rattan is a trend to embrace. With its large size, this lamp and shade duo will make a stunning focal point on a sideboard or side table.

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Rattan on rattan styling with the Reims Large Table Lamp with Paris Shade
Rattan on rattan styling with the Reims Large Table Lamp with Paris Shade

The enchanting world of lunar landscapes can be yours with the Lunae table lamp. Its fibreglass diffuser showcases a backlit material surface, evoking the image of the moon's terrain. A mesmerising 'counter figure' winds along the back of the diffuser, rotating on a vertical axis to create the design of moon phases, resulting in unique light projections. Through interaction with the lamp, you can immerse yourself in evocative and magical atmospheres, transporting yourself to different celestial realms. An easy candidate as one of the best bedside lamps you'll find.

Capturing the world of lunar landscapes with the Lunae Table Lamp
Capturing the world of lunar landscapes with the Lunae Table Lamp

Whether for workstations or illuminating tables and desks in homes or hospitality environments, the Opuntia Table Lamp offers flexibility and functionality. The adjustable head features a LED board with DIM-to-warm technology, allowing you to manipulate the light intensity and colour temperature, from warm white to cold white. With many different colours and finishes, it is the perfect choice for customised styling and a great solution as a task lamp for a study or reading nook.

The multi-functional and effortlessly cool Opuntia Table Lamp
The multi-functional and effortlessly cool Opuntia Table Lamp

The contrast in the sculptural design of the Glaive Table Lamp, where the sharp, precision-crafted brass base beautifully juxtaposes the soft, inviting glow of the fine bone china shade is a marvellous achievement in design. The interplay between these distinct materials is accentuated by the elegant drifting ribs that gracefully traverse both elements. The fusion of sleek metalwork and gentle illumination makes this lamp a striking centrepiece that effortlessly balances modernity with warmth.

Exquisite materials that include a bone fine china shade and brass base with the Glaive Table Lamp
Exquisite materials that include a bone fine china shade and brass base with the Glaive Table Lamp

So there you have it. Our favourite picks for the best table lamps in New Zealand that are available right now. With some beautifully designed pieces that are as functional as they are stylish, you can quickly see what high-quality options can do for your living space and home. Take your time, do your research and enjoy the experience of finding the perfect table lamp for you.