We Tested (and Rated!) Every Lamp at Urban Outfitters — Here Are the Best for Every Space and Need

Lighting and lamps can be surprisingly difficult to buy online. As shopping editors, we spend hours dreaming about stylish table lamps, but when it comes time to click “checkout,” even we sometimes freeze. Though the site’s lamp photos are good, you can’t be sure what it’ll look like in your space or how bright the lamp actually is. We all don’t want to use the “big light” (aka the fluorescent overhead light) in our apartments. We’d rather make our space more welcoming, but that can be difficult to achieve when you’re hunting down lamps online. Will the table lamp you bought provide the right amount of ambient light? Is your floor lamp going to shine down at the exact angle you need to get some reading done? And, barring all that, can you track down the light bulb you need? That’s where we come in — we decided to visit one of Urban Outfitters‘ locations in NYC to see all of their table lamps, pendant lights, and floor lamps in person to give you, dear reader, more confidence in choosing the right one for your space and style.

As your Personal Shopper, we’ve gone to Pottery Barn to evaluate their rugs, bed frames, and sofas; to West Elm for a look at their sofas, dining tables, and coffee tables; and to Urban Outfitters to put their sofas and chairs to the test. This time, we went to Urban Outfitters to check out every lamp and piece of lighting in store. We lingered for an uncomfortably long time, took notes, and even snapped photos to help find the best lighting and lamps for you. Here are the results.

• Best Glass Table Lamp: Ansel Glass Table Lamp
• Best Statement Table Lamp: Shana Table Lamp
• Best Modern Table Lamp: Wally Table Lamp
• Best Globe Table Lamp: Delia Frosted Globe Table Lamp
• Best Neon Table Lamp: Saturn Neon Sign
• Best Classic Table Lamp: Harmony Table Lamp
• Best Rattan Pendant: Rattan Woven Pendant Light Shade
• Best Boho Pendant: Shana Pendant Light
• Best Lamp for Spaces with Poor Indoor Lighting: Yoji Floor Lamp
• Best Rattan Floor Lamp: Marcella Arc Floor Lamp
• Best Classic Floor Lamp: Isobel Floor Lamp
• Best Modern Floor Lamp: Wally Floor Lamp

The range of lamps and lighting carried by Urban Outfitters is not limited to this list. Visit the website for more options.

Note: Only one of the lamps at Urban Outfitters comes with a light bulb, so you will need to order those separately in all but one case.

We judged every Urban Outfitters lamp in-store based on the following four criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine who the lamp suits best, from the person who has little natural light in their space to the trendsetter who is on the hunt for an accent piece.

Aesthetic: What style does it suit best? Is it more traditional (sporting a woven drum lampshade and classic arc or oval base silhouettes) or contemporary (made up of an unusual material, and/or featuring a structural base that looks like a work of art)?

Brightness: How does the lamp’s design light up a space? Does the lamp have shades that soften the light to create a more relaxing, wind-down vibe? Or are the light fixtures unobstructed by shades and bright enough to serve as the primary light in a space?

Versatility: Can you use the lamp in multiple spots in your home (e.g., a desk lamp that could also become an accent lamp in your bedroom)? Or can the lamp only be used in one spot or way (e.g., a floor lamp that’s meant to provide soft, ambient light)?

Setup/Installation: Is it easy or difficult to set up? Is it as simple as taking it out of the box, putting in a light bulb and plugging it in? Do you have to assemble it? Is it so tricky to assemble that you might need to call an electrician for help?

What Impressed Us: The overall appearance and cozy atmosphere the lamp cultivates.

You’ve likely seen this lamp on Instagram or TikTok. It made waves on social media and helped launch the mushroom lamp trend, and we still can’t get enough of it. Inspired by Italy’s Murano glass, this lamp is entirely handmade. Even if you order a lamp in a specific pattern, yours will be unique. There were four Ansel Glass Table Lamps on display in multiple colors in the Urban Outfitters store we visited. What’s great about this lamp is that no matter which color you choose, it emits a warm, welcoming light — similar to a lit candle. The Ansel Table Lamp is a little smaller than we would have guessed, which makes it the perfect candidate for entryway tables or nightstands. You might even want multiple for your home.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 7.78″ x 9.82″
• 4.03 lbs.
• Requires type A 60W light bulb
• 7′ cord length
• Available in Pearl, White, Green, Brown, and Blue Multi color options
• Matching styles are available, including Ansel Extra Large Glass Table Lamp, Ansel Mini Table Lamp, Ansel Pendant Light, and the Ansel Sconce

What Impressed Us: The structure and look of the base; its practicality.

If you’re on the hunt for a table lamp that elicits a “Wow, where did you get that?” reaction, this is it. Stately yet inviting, this curvy Shana Table Lamp is the best minimalist find on this list. Its silhouette is boho on the bottom and classic on top. The base is resin, and the top features a traditional drum shade. The lamp provides a soft yet bright glow, which is perfect for readers who need some extra light in their living rooms or bedrooms. We saw the black version of the lamp in-store and think its slim silhouette works in just about any space. (Just a note that it is the tallest of the table lamps that we saw.)

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 9.5″ x 17″
• 3.86 lbs.
• Requires type A 60W light bulb
• 7′ cord length
• Available in black (in-store) and white color options
• Matching styles are available, including the Shana Floor Lamp, Shana Pendant Light, and Shana Sconce

What Impressed Us: The design and the brightness.

This Wally Table Lamp combines industrial and modern styles to create a unique piece that is certain to wow guests. Made from poly resin, iron, and glass, this take on a globe light is a display piece that’s meant to serve as a primary light in your space. It’s also bright in a different sense — you can either opt for a white or green version of this lamp, so it’s a great way to add a pop of color to your home. Note: Reviewers say that it is difficult to change the light bulbs (which are not included), because the globes are fragile, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to add this accent lamp to cart.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 14″ x 11″ x 13.5″
• 7.7 lbs.
• Requires two type B 25W incandescent light bulbs or 4W LED light bulbs
• 7′ cord length
• Available in white or green (in-store) color options
• Matching styles are available, including the Wally Floor Lamp, Wally Flush Mount Light, and Wally Sconce

What Impressed Us: The adaptability and brightness.

If you’re on the hunt for a table lamp that could work in virtually any room, we found it: The Delia Frosted Globe Lamp is simple but also sleek and sophisticated. It’s bright enough to light the entire room, while also having a relaxing ambient quality that’ll inspire your brain to wind down at night. This compact lamp could be used as a desk lamp, a nightstand lamp, or a lamp in your living room. Even as your home evolves over time, this lamp can remain a fixture. Reviewers also say this lamp is a breeze to put together, which is an added bonus. Note: It looks larger on the site than it is in person.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 7.09″ x 9.06″
• 2.2 lbs.
• 7.6′ cord length
• Requires type A, B, or G 40W light bulb
• Available in gold (in store) or ivory

What Impressed Us: The style and compact design.

For those with eclectic home aesthetics, there was one lamp that stood apart from the rest. The Saturn Neon Sign turns your space into a groovy intergalactic destination (or, perhaps more accurately, a trendy Brooklyn bar). This lamp shines brightest when it’s dark in your space and will be less noticeable if it’s plugged in during the day — it’s the least practical lamp on this list in terms of providing light, but if you’re considering a neon sign, you’re looking to make a statement. It’s also one of Urban Outfitters’ more low-maintenance neon signs. It sits within a sturdy concrete base, so it’s ready to display when it comes out of the box — no hanging or installation involved. Note: The plug-in cord is shorter than the other options on this list (5 ft. vs. 7 ft.), so if you’re planning to put this lamp far from an outlet, you will need an extension cord.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 10.5″ x 3.5″ x 12″
• 2.2 lbs.
• 5′ cord length
• 12W light bulb
• Urban Outfitters has a whole section of neon signs to shop online, if you’re searching for something else

What Impressed Us: The timeless design and adaptability.

The Harmony Table Lamp boasts a classic, clean design that won’t be going out of style anytime soon. This diminutive table lamp will blend into virtually any space you put it in. Reviewers on Urban’s site love this lamp, and in the comments they were begging for a restock (luckily, they got their wish). It can serve as the primary light source in a room, though we think it would work especially well as a bedside table lamp or next to a couch. You could even get two to create a cohesive, matching look if you have multiple nightstands or side tables. There’s no setup involved with this lamp, and the shade is included.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 9″ x 13″
• 3.07 lbs.
• 7′ cord length
• Requires 60W light bulb

What Impressed Us: The boho style.

Urban Outfitters is the purveyor of all things boho, so it’s no surprise that they’ve got a Rattan Pendant Light Shade that turns your home into a ’70s paradise. In person, we noticed that this natural rattan shade created a stunning light pattern — and online reviewers agreed. It’d serve well as an overhead kitchen or living room light or could spice up a corner. The only catch? It doesn’t come with a cord kit, so shoppers will need to purchase one. Luckily Urban has the perfect one for this shade and it only costs $19. You will need to install a hook or something to hang the light off of, which is important to keep in mind if you’re committed to this pendant light style.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 10″ x 14″
• Requires light and cord kit
• Assembly required

What Impressed Us: The overall appearance and lighting.

If you’re searching for a way to make a room feel cozier, we recommend the Shana Pendant Light. This raffia lamp shade, which features a chic resin ring, really warms up a room. Even in the store, it provided a comforting glow among the fluorescent overhead lights. This stylish pendant light would look at home in the center of a living room, bedroom, or over a kitchen table or counter. And, unlike the lamp shade above, this pendant light does include the cord kit — but shoppers will still need to purchase a light bulb. You’ll also have to buy and install a hook from which the pendant light hangs.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 15″ x 14″
• 2.76 lbs.
• 12′ cord length
• Requires type A 60W light bulb
• Some assembly required
• Matching styles are available, including the Shana Table Lamp, Shana Floor Lamp, and Shana Sconce

What Impressed Us: The overall appearance and brightness.

We’re not usually the type to gasp audibly over floor lamps, but the Yoji Floor Lamp is just that stunning in person (and online, honestly). This statement piece is a mix of mid-century modern and eclectic style. The cherry-red wood base provides the most interesting silhouette on this list. The lamp does need to be placed with care on the base piece, so buyers will need to do some minor assembly. The globe lamps emitted an ambient glow in-store that makes you want to climb under a blanket on the couch and stay in for the night. If you want the same effect, you will need to make sure you purchase bulbs that provide it. Some online reviewers opted for color-changing bulbs or fluorescent bulbs instead. This floor lamp does take up quite a bit of space, so we suggest measuring the spot you’re planning to put it in. Reviewers also note that the globes are very fragile and that you should be careful handling them.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 20” x 15.5” x 70.5”
• 20.94 lbs.
• 9′ cord length
• Requires type G 60W bulb with 40 mm diameter
• Assembly required; hardware included

What Impressed Us: The boho aesthetic and functionality.

The Marcella Arc Lamp is the best Urban Outfitters option for over-the-couch lamps for living rooms. Sure, it could go anywhere in your home, but this lamp seems specifically designed to provide you with some extra light while you work, lounge, read, or scroll on your sofa. The rattan neck is just an added style bonus. This chic detail alone automatically adds a boho vibe to your home. The wooden base the lamp sits on also seems like it’s low enough to partially slip under a sofa if you are tight on space. Note: This lamp also boasts the longest cord length out of all of the lamps we saw, which is great news if your apartment or home doesn’t have many outlets. If you opt for this lamp, you will need to put it together, but the instructions fit on a single page and a wrench is included.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 33.07″ x 16.93″ x 76.77″
• Weight not included
• 15′ cord length
• Requires type A 60W bulb
• Some assembly required; hardware included

What Impressed Us: The brightness and silhouette.

If there’s no overhead light in a room, the Wally Floor Lamp is bright enough to light your entire space. It’s way more stylish than any light fixture your landlord could have put up, anyway. A mix of modern, retro, and industrial style, this lamp is the perfect candidate for that empty corner that you don’t know what to do with. But, this statement-making piece is also immensely practical. Note: This lamp will require some elbow-grease to put together, but Urban Outfitters provides you with the tools to do so. The Wally Floor Lamp is part of the Wally series (we covered the table lamp above), so shoppers have the opportunity to trick out their rooms with four different kinds of Wally lamps and light fixtures if they desire.

How We Rated It:

Specifications:

• 16.75″ x 54.5″
• 7.7 lbs.
• 7′ cord length
•  Requires two type B 40W incandescent light bulbs or 6W LED light bulbs 
• Matching styles are available, including the Wally Table Lamp, Wally Flush Mount Light, and Wally Sconce