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Buying Lamps Online? What to Check Before You Order

Buying Lamps Online? What to Check Before You Order

by Yilin in The Homezee Edit

Buying a lamp online is a bit of a gamble.

You can’t touch it. You can’t turn it on. You can’t stand in the shop and see how it looks with your sofa, your walls, your rug. And the photo? It might be doing a lot of heavy lifting.

But it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a few simple checks, you can order with confidence and avoid the dreaded “this looked way better on the website” moment.

Here’s exactly what to check before you hit checkout.

Measure First (Seriously)

This is the number one mistake people make when buying lamps online. They fall in love with the design and forget to check if it actually fits.

For floor lamps:

  • How tall is it? The bottom of the shade should sit at or slightly above shoulder height when you’re seated – roughly 120–140cm from the floor.

  • How wide is the base? A wide base is more stable. A narrow base saves space but can tip more easily.

  • Will it fit in that corner? Measure the gap before you buy.

For table lamps:

  • How tall is your side table? A standard table is 60–70cm. Your lamp should be roughly 1.5 times that height – so around 90–105cm total.

  • How wide is the shade? It shouldn’t be wider than the table, or it’ll look top-heavy.

  • Will it block your view or your partner’s? Place it mentally before you buy.

For bedside lamps:

  • Will it fit on your nightstand? Leave room for your phone, book, and glass of water.

  • Does it work with your bed height? You want the shade at or slightly above eye level when you’re sitting up.

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape on the floor or wall to mark the dimensions. It sounds old-school, but it works.

When you’re browsing lamps for sale online, always check the product dimensions. If they’re not listed, ask. A good retailer will have them.

Check the Bulb Situation

The bulb can make or break a lamp. And online, you often can’t see what bulb it takes until it arrives. So check before you order.

What to look for:

  • Bulb type: E27, E14, B22, or integrated LED. E27 is the most common and easiest to replace. Integrated LED means you can’t change the bulb – it’s built in.

  • Dimmable: If you want to control brightness, make sure the lamp is dimmable or compatible with dimmable bulbs. Not all lamps are.

  • Wattage: Check the max wattage. If you put a bulb that’s too high, you could damage the lamp or create a safety risk.

  • Colour temperature: Most lamps don’t come with bulbs. You’ll need to buy your own. For a cosy home, go warm white (2700K). Avoid cool white (4000K+) for living spaces.

If you’re not sure what bulb to choose, our guide on what kind of light reduces eye strain breaks it down.

Look at the Shade Material

The shade changes everything. It affects how light is diffused, how warm the room feels, and how the lamp looks when it’s on.

Fabric or linen shades: Soft, diffused light. Great for bedrooms and living rooms. They create a warm, even glow.

Glass shades: More direct light. Can look stunning, but they show dust and can create glare. Coloured glass changes appearance when lit.

Metal shades: Direct light downward or upward. Industrial look. Great for task lighting, not so great for ambient glow.

Paper or rattan shades: Natural texture, soft light. Beautiful for Scandi, Japandi, or coastal spaces.

What to check online: Look for close-up photos of the shade. Read the description carefully. If it says “requires assembly” or “bulb not included,” make sure you’re okay with that.

Check the Plug, Cord, and Safety

This is the boring stuff. But it matters.

For Australian homes:

  • Does it come with an AU plug? If it’s imported, it might have a US or EU plug. You’ll need an adapter – or you might not be able to use it at all.

  • Is it RCM certified? This means it meets Australian electrical safety standards. If it’s not, don’t buy it.

  • How long is the cord? If it’s too short, you’ll need an extension cord. If it’s too long, you’ll have a mess. Check the length before you order.

  • Where is the switch? On the cord? On the base? Touch control? Make sure it’s easy to reach where you plan to put the lamp.

For floor lamps: Check if the cord comes out of the base or the side. A cord that comes out of the side can be a trip hazard.

For table lamps: Check if the cord is visible. Some lamps hide it better than others.

Base, Weight, and Stability

A lamp that tips over is not a good lamp. Especially if you have kids, pets, or a busy household.

What to check:

  • Base material: Marble and concrete are heavy and stable. Metal can be stable if weighted. Lightweight plastic or thin metal can tip easily.

  • Base width: Wider is more stable. Narrow bases look sleek but can be wobbly.

  • Weight: If it’s too light, it’ll move every time you dust. If it’s too heavy, you won’t be able to move it at all.

If you have pets, our guide on pet-friendly lighting covers what to look for.

Extra Features That Actually Matter

Some lamps come with extras. Some are useful. Some are just marketing.

Worth having:

  • Dimmer: Essential for living rooms and bedrooms. Lets you control brightness.

  • Touch control: Great for bedside lamps. No fumbling for a switch in the dark.

  • USB port: Handy for charging your phone at night.

  • Adjustable arm or head: Perfect for reading lamps. Lets you direct light where you need it.

Not essential:

  • Smart features (unless you actually use them)

  • Remote controls (easy to lose)

  • Colour-changing bulbs (fun for parties, not for everyday)

Read the Fine Print: Shipping, Returns, Warranty

This is where online shopping can bite you. Check before you buy.

Shipping:

  • Is shipping free? If not, how much?

  • How long will it take? If it’s coming from overseas, it could be weeks.

  • Is it tracked? You want to know where your lamp is.

Returns:

  • What’s the return policy? Can you return it if it doesn’t work in your space?

  • Who pays for return shipping? If it’s you, that’s a cost to consider.

  • Are there restocking fees? Some retailers charge them.

Warranty:

  • How long is the warranty? 1 year? 2 years? Longer?

  • What does it cover? Just electrical faults, or also finishes and materials?

  • Is it easy to claim? Read reviews to find out.

A good retailer will make this clear. If it’s hidden, that’s a red flag.

Look for Real Photos and Reviews

Product photos are shot in studios. Real life is different.

What to look for:

  • Customer photos in the reviews. These show the lamp in actual homes.

  • Reviews that mention size, brightness, and quality.

  • Reviews that mention issues – and how the retailer responded.

If a lamp has no reviews, be cautious. If it has lots of 5-star reviews with no detail, be suspicious.

Think About Your Room’s Style

This is the fun part. But it’s also where people get it wrong.

Ask yourself:

  • Does the lamp match my room’s vibe? Modern, Scandi, coastal, retro, industrial?

  • Does the colour work with my walls, furniture, and rug?

  • Will it look good when it’s off? (Because it’ll be off during the day.)

If you’re not sure, stick to neutral colours and natural materials. Timber, linen, brass, and matte finishes work almost anywhere.

For more inspiration, check out our guide on how to make a new light fit with your existing home style.

Quick Checklist: Before You Hit Checkout

Measure:

  • Height, width, base size

  • Will it fit your space?

Bulb:

  • Type, dimmable, wattage

  • Warm white (2700K) for living spaces

Shade:

  • Material, light diffusion, colour when lit

Plug and cord:

  • AU plug, RCM certified, cord length, switch placement

Base:

  • Weight, stability, material

Extras:

  • Dimmer, touch control, USB, adjustable arm

Fine print:

  • Shipping, returns, warranty

Reviews:

  • Real photos, honest feedback

Style:

  • Does it match your room?

The Bottom Line

Buying lamps online doesn’t have to be a gamble. It just takes a few minutes of checking before you hit checkout.

Measure your space. Check the bulb. Read the fine print. Look at real photos. And think about how it’ll look in your home – not just in the studio photo.

Do that, and you’ll end up with a lamp you love – not one you regret.

Ready to shop with confidence? Explore Homezee’s full collection of floor lamps, table lamps, and small lamps at Homezee.

FAQs

1. What’s the most important thing to check before buying a lamp online?

Size. Measure your space and compare it to the product dimensions. A lamp that’s too big or too small will never look right, no matter how beautiful it is.

2. Can I return a lamp if it doesn’t look right in my home?

It depends on the retailer. Always check the return policy before you buy. Look for free returns or a reasonable return window. Some retailers charge restocking fees – avoid those if you can.

3. Do lamps come with bulbs?

Most lamps don’t come with bulbs. Check the product description. If it doesn’t include a bulb, you’ll need to buy one separately. Make sure you know the bulb type (E27, E14, etc.) and whether it’s dimmable.

4. How do I know if a lamp is safe for Australian homes?

Look for RCM certification. This means it meets Australian electrical safety standards. Also check that it comes with an AU plug. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an adapter – and it might not be safe to use.

5. What if the lamp looks different in real life than in the photos?

Product photos are shot in studios with controlled lighting. Real life is different. Read customer reviews and look for real photos. And remember – you can always change the bulb or move the lamp to a different spot to make it work better in your space.

Still have questions about buying lamps online? Our Homezee team is here to help. And if you’re looking for lamps for sale that actually work in Australian homes, we’ve got you covered.

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Switch off unnecessary overhead lighting and check the effect from outside before guests arrive. Make sure any decorations attached to windows don't obstruct your view when opening curtains or checking the area outside. 7. Layer Your Lighting Instead of Switching Everything On Here's a common Halloween decorating mistake: turning on every light and expecting the room to look spooky. Too much uniform lighting can flatten the display, making decorations look ordinary rather than dramatic. A better approach is to use several light sources at different heights and brightness levels. For example, in a living room you could use: A dim table lamp to create a warm background glow. A floor lamp positioned to cast dramatic shadows. LED candles around your decorations. A coloured accent light near a wall or window display. You don't need all four. Even two or three carefully positioned sources can create more depth than a single bright ceiling light. Try switching each light on separately, then experiment with combinations. You might find that the purple accent light looks better at a lower brightness or that moving the floor lamp slightly changes the entire mood. Keep enough general lighting available for serving food, moving around and cleaning up afterwards. Halloween lighting should be atmospheric, not uncomfortable or unsafe. Make Your Halloween Lighting Work Beyond One Night The smartest Halloween lighting ideas don't require buying a cupboard full of decorations you'll never use again. Floor lamps, table lamps and dimmable lighting can return to everyday use once the pumpkins and cobwebs come down. Coloured smart bulbs can be useful for parties, while portable lamps may suit other occasions when you want flexible lighting. Start with the lamps you already own, choose a few areas to highlight, and experiment with colour, brightness and shadows. 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