Ambient lighting can turn each room into an oasis. Let this curation of lamps help you unwind after a long day
Whatever your design philosophy may be, this rings true: lighting changes everything.
Overhead lighting can illuminate every corner of the room, but ambient lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere. The possibilities are endless when you play with the level of light and shadows in the space.
This is especially true for the home library, where you can curl up with a good book. The key to harmony is making sure that the room is adequately lit but still cosy.
To help you create the perfect nook, here’s a selection of lamps in different silhouettes and styles. Each of them is tailored to your space and ready for your next literary adventure.
Méne Lamp: Ross Gardam

Above Méne Lamp by Ross Gardam
Described by Ross Gardam as a ‘lunar apparition’, the Méne Lamp evokes the image of a lantern ready to float away. Made from mouth-blown glass, each Méne Lamp has a unique rippled texture. It casts a subtle but welcoming light that can be adjusted to your preference.
It also features an anodised aluminium body that anchors the lamp, ensuring it blends in seamlessly with the other elements in your relaxing space.
Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp: Studio Sii

Above Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp by Studio Sii

Above Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp by Studio Sii
The Téssara Lamp is an architectural feat. One of its perks is that it adjusts to your lighting preference. When the cube is closed, the light barely peeks through. But when the cube opens, its polished interiors illuminate everything in sight. Its sleek design can easily add a geometric edge to any table setup.
More from Tatler: 15 Furniture pieces to make your home feel like it’s on cloud nine
Jakobsson Lamp: Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Yamagiwa

Above Jakobsson Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Yamagiwa
The Jakobsson Lamp, designed by Hans-Agne Jakkobson for Yamagiwa, permeates the room with its inviting glow. The layers of wood cascade over each other, gently lit from within.
This lamp combines Scandinavian design with Japanese craftsmanship. Artisans dedicate themselves to creating each piece, drying and shaping the pine over a long period. Reminding me of cosy bonfires, this lamp is the perfect companion for any literary escapade.
Element Lamp: Jae Choi

Above Element Lamp by Jae Choi
Inspired by laboratory equipment, the Element Lamp perfectly balances functionality with aesthetic quirks. The level of the lamp can be adjusted via a knob, depending on how concentrated you need the light to be.
Featured in the 2024 Head Hi Lamp Show, this lamp reminds us of vintage designs being adapted by the modern user. It can add a bright pop of colour to your library while maintaining an industrial edge.
Read also: From mycelium floors to fruit peel lamps: The sustainable materials shaping eco-friendly design
Hymn Lamp: Hiroto Yoshizoe for Ambientec
This one’s for those who have always wanted to reenact 19th-century novels, walking around with a candle to guide them. That dream can turn into reality with Hiroto Yoshizoe’s Hymn Lamp.
This lamp is a modern twist on the old methods of reading by candlelight or lantern. The light projects from the base, illuminating the room the way a candle would. Its curved handle can even help you examine your shelves like a Jane Austen character would. However, unlike candles back then, the brightness of this LED light can be adjusted.
Madco Lamp: Elisa Ossino for Ambientec

Above Madco Lamp by Elisa Ossino for Ambientec

Above Madco Lamp by Elisa Ossino for Ambientec
Elisa Ossino’s goal with the Madco Lamp is to combine playfulness with a touch of elegance. The glowing sphere can be adjusted to different brightness levels and rotate 360°, depending on where you need it to face. It’s also rechargeable and easily transported around the room due to its lightweight material.
Ambientec’s first foray into colour, the Madco Lamp, comes in five different shades. The choices include oliva (olive), pesca (peach), cacao (brown), mostarda (mustard), and ciliegia (cherry).
GB01 Lamp: Artel Design Studio
The GB01 Lamp prides itself on being entirely adjustable. Instead of using switches, you can push the lamp up and down. This can either spread the light or concentrate it in one spot. Made of stainless steel and aluminium, this durable lamp will be a fixture on your desk for a long time.
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