Table lamps for every room, all under $50 (because those pricey CFL bulbs add up)

Domino blogged last week about the great bargains you can find in furnishings retailers' kids and teens lines—like the totally-mature-for-its-age Swiss-dot ceramic lamp from PB Teen—but I thought I'd go ahead and supplement that pick with a few more just-plain-cheap table lamps that you don't have to be into (or even have heard of) the Jonas Brothers to appreciate. Each of these styles is under $50 (and yeah, $49.99 counts, in my book—so car salesman-y!) and comes with the pictured shade—which can be a sneaky added expense at a lot of shops. And if it's all looking a little metallic/white/brown/black, just consider these the go-to neutrals that can play nice with all the stuff you already have. Brilliant, right?

1. This simple, but almost architectural, style from Bed, Bath and Beyond is very man-friendly. $49.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

2. Wal-Mart, make no bones about it, is definitely specializing in some knock-off lamps, but the bottom line is that so are a lot of way more expensive retailers. Might as well get a bargain if you're gonna do it. This iconic tripod shape has a steel base and happens to be on clearance right now. $20, walmart.com

3. I love the oblong, egg-like shape and muted metallic glimmer of Target's glazed ceramic lamp. $49.99 (but free shipping!), target.com

4. This cutie from Urban Outfitters (also available in shiny chrome) is the first lamp I found and fell in love with while researching this story. It's technically a desk lamp, so sue me. $36, urbanoutfitters.com

5. A classic teardrop shape with a touch-activated (woo hoo!) base. Fair warning—that does mean you'll be cleaning fingerprints off the chrome, so heed one reviewer's experience: "I have a 2yr old nephew with little sticky hands who LOVES the 'magic' lamps." Maybe best for households with no small children. Or small-children visitors. $29.99, kmart.com

6. Here comes WalMart again, with this Adler-esque (and gourd-like) base. See #2 if you need justification. $29.88, walmart.com

7. Ikea makes these glass globe "Knubbig" lights in 5 colors and patterns, including this black-and-clear "clover" design (the frosted white cherry-blossom one is nice, too) for the shade-averse. $16.99, ikea.com for store locations

8. Delia's delivers our dose of retro wooden style. Swap out the shade if you're not into the forest scene on its interior. $39, delias.com

Comment Away: Which one do you like best? And how much would you pay for a lamp?

For more cheap-decor roundups on Shine, check out:
5 throw pillows under $25 each
5 pairs of curtain panels for $50 or less

From the Community…

Comments 1-8 of 8

Posted by Mom of Two Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:30pm PDT

My husband could use that first one, from BB and Beyond. I wonder if they let you use those never-ending 20% off coupons online. Does anyone know? That would make it even nicer.

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Posted by Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:00am PDT

I own two of number six and I love them...they are perfect night table lamps.

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Posted by Sarah B Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:17am PDT

These are really nice selections, thank you for the suggestions. I particularly like 2,3, 6 & 8. (I do wish all of the web sites would tell you what watt bulbs the lamps take. Most attractive accent lamps only take 60 watt bulbs which really isn't bright enough for most areas except a bedside lamp.)

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Posted by Jan, Poppytalk Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:22pm PDT

Great picks! I've never seen some of these!

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Posted by indiechica Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:52pm PDT

These are great looking lamps. I really wanna check out 7 and 8.

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Posted by walterhosom Thu Jul 24, 2008 1:24am PDT

These are great looking lamps. i wanna to check out 6 and 7 for my husband'S birthday gifts.Yeah It's a hot topic on the hot luxury dating site ★I n t e r r a c i a l L o v i n g . C O M ★ where
lots of successful men and women go there for love and business partnership

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Posted by Alva S Thu Jul 24, 2008 3:36am PDT

I just LOVE the featured lamp. It's "funny", b'cause the apt. I'm in is lacking in outlets, so I have extension cords snaking across the rooms (but...I'm not seeking an interior design award---I just want good-looking, AFFORDABLE light). The featured lamp will do this admirably, Thank You!

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Posted by Bellisima Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:28pm PDT

I have my eye in #8....Time to check out Delia's website :)

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Comments 1-8 of 8

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