Why You Should Never Use the Big Light

If you’ve ever turned on the big overhead light and felt like you were being interrogated instead of welcomed home, you already know: there has to be a better way to light your space.

And there is. Lamps.

Table lamps, floor lamps, portable lamps—these aren’t just functional pieces. They’re mood-setters, vibe-lifters, and the easiest way to make a room feel instantly better. Whether you’re winding down, entertaining friends, or just trying to not feel like you're in a hospital waiting room, good lighting matters. A lot.

In this post, we’re breaking down why the “big light” is ruining your space (and your vibe), and what to do instead

Strada Table Lamp on a side table next to a sofa, casting a warm orange ambient glow in a living room

Add a pop of color with the Strada Table Lamp – perfect for nightstands, shelves, or moody corners.

The Problem With the Big Light

Let’s start with the obvious. The big ceiling light is too much. Too harsh, too bright, too flat. It wipes out shadows, flattens everything, and leaves no room for atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got mid-century furniture, rice paper lamps, or art on the walls. If the lighting is bad, everything looks worse.

It’s like taking a beautiful photo and slapping the worst Instagram filter on it. Why do that to your space?

It’s Not Just About Looks

Lighting doesn’t just change how your home looks. It also changes how it feels. That harsh overhead glare can make your living room feel cold, your bedroom uninviting, and your dinner table a little too much like a cafeteria.

Here’s what happens when you use the big light too often:

Everything feels sterile and flat
Your carefully chosen decor fades into the background
The space feels less like you and more like a showroom

The worst part? You don’t even realize how bad it is until you switch it off.

Estadini Portable Lamp in white, resting on an open book in dim lighting, creating a soft, ambient glow

Set the mood with the Estadini Portable Lamp – made for balconies, bedside tables, or cosy corners.

Lamps Make It Better

Now for the fun part. Lamps are your secret weapon for better lighting—and we’ve got the perfect picks for your space:

For that cozy bedtime glow, a bedside table lamp like the Lecce Portable Lamp makes winding down feel intentional. It’s cordless, rechargeable, and delivers a warm ambient glow perfect for books or phones before sleep. Plus, it looks sharp on a nightstand.
Need a lamp with no strings attached? The Pomello Portable Lamp is fully cordless and rechargeable, ready to move from shelf to sofa or patio. It brightens up corners without the outlet scramble.
Looking for retro style with a modern twist? A mushroom lamp like the Funghi Portable Lamp adds whimsical charm plus serious glow. It’s perfect if you want a design statement and a soft light pool in one.
Don’t have a floor lamp in our line-up? No worries. A medium-height table lamp like the Lustro Table Lamp doubles as a pseudo-floor lamp when placed on a side table or dresser. It offers sculptural presence and warm ambient lighting without needing overhead fixtures.

Each of these picks shows how thoughtfully placed lighting—from bedside lamps to portable lamps—can turn a space from flat to fabulous.

Design You Can Feel

Sure, we’re biased. But we really believe the right lamp can change everything. It’s not just about the glow (although yes, we care deeply about that glow). It’s about how your space makes you feel.

Whether you love a sculptural paper lamp, a bold red table lamp, or something playful and small like a portable lamp, lamps let you show your personality. You can go classic with a Noguchi lamp–style paper floor piece, or keep it lowkey with a modern lamp in a muted finish.

Whatever your style, a well-placed lamp will always do more for your space than a bright ceiling bulb ever could.

Hachi Paper Lamp on a wooden table casting a soft, warm glow in a cosy room

Soften your space with the Hachi Paper Lamp – a warm glow that brings calm to any corner.

Your Big Light Breakup Kit

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick cheat sheet.

For bedtime readers: Go for a bedside table lamp that casts a warm, soft glow. Bonus points if it’s dimmable.

For small spaces: Try a portable table lamp or a cordless lamp. These move with you and take up hardly any room.

For a design statement: A chrome lamp, glass table lamp, or mid century modern lamp turns any corner into a feature.

For maximum cozy: Look into rice paper lamps, flowerpot lamps, or soft-glow battery powered lamps. Game changers.

For the anti-cord crowd: We get it. A rechargeable lamp makes life so much easier. No ugly cords, no outlet stress.

Ready to Break Up with the Big Light?

We’re not saying never turn it on again. But once you’ve lit your space with lamps, you might never want to.

Whether you're building a full lighting setup or just looking for a cool little lamp to sit next to your coffee mug, we’ve got options. Cool lamps, retro lamps, bedside lamps, modern table lamps – they're all here.

Your home deserves better lighting. And so do your eyeballs!

Compare All Our Lamps

Explore our full range of portable, table, and paper lamps – including rechargeable designs, mid-century styles, and ambient lighting options. Use the table below to compare each lamp by style, power source, material, and more.