Meghan Markle’s Design Hack Is All About Small Lamps

Your floors are sparkling clean and the dinner and cocktail menus are set, but have you thought about the lighting for your next party? If you’re looking for ways to up your game when it comes to entertaining, Mindy Kaling recently shared a design hack that she picked up from pal Meghan Markle: When guests are over, turn off the overhead lights and rely on little lamps instead. Because as naysayers of “the big light” know, overhead lights can cast harsh shadows on guests’ faces, while lamps produce a softer glow and ambience.

In the spirit of Kaling’s design epiphany, we scouted out some lamps to help light the way for your next gathering. Say good-bye to recessed lighting and say hello to little lamps like this faux-wood design from Threshold and Studio McGee or this asymmetrical gem from West Elm.

Meghan Markle’s Simple Design Hack for Entertaining 

• Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Faux-Wood Table Lamp, $40; target.com
• West Elm Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp, $149; westelm.com
• Article Ando Short Table Lamp in Waxen White, $139; article.com
• Urban Outfitters Little Glass Table Lamp, $39 (was $49); urbanoutfitters.com
• Article Koepel Small Table Lamp in Brass, $99; article.com
• Better Homes & Gardens Mid-Century Ceramic Lamp With Wood Base, $40; walmart.com
• Threshold Ceramic Table Lamp, Gray, $30; target.com
• Mistana Fidel Wood Tripod Table Lamp (Set of 2), $46 (was $70); wayfair.com 
• Mainstays Mini Green Glass Table Lamp, $11; walmart.com

Threshold Designed With Studio McGee Faux-Wood Table Lamp

The clean silhouette and neutral tone of this faux-wood lamp go with just about any decor, and the granular finish adds an attractive texture to your space. The shade produces a soft white light that you can fine-tune with a dimmer to set the perfect mood. Best of all, the classic design means this will stay in style for a while. This lamp is not too big and not too small—making it a perfect candidate for most accent tables.

West Elm Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp

I love decor that balances understatement and drama, and this West Elm lamp nails it. The asymmetrical silhouette draws inspiration from Japanese pottery and evokes a pleasing Zen ambience. The linen shade produces a soft, diffused glow for perfect mood lighting, and you can purchase the lamp in four colors—though I’m partial to the “reactive sage” hue for its iridescent quality. This lamp is stunning enough to stand alone but it can also blend in easily with other decor.

Article Ando Short Table Lamp in Waxen White

I own the tall and short versions of this terrazzo Article lamp and I love the warm glow they emit. The jute shade filters just the right amount of light to create a quiet ambience, especially when paired with a dimmed chandelier. These are the last lights I turn off at the end of the day, and they always make the room feel cozy and calm. The speckled pattern of the terrazzo base also adds a nice visual texture, and the base is sturdy and hefty enough to handle accidental bumps or rowdy kids.

If none of these lamps speaks to you, keep reading to find more options.

KDG 2-Pack Cordless Table Lamps

Urban Outfitters Little Glass Table Lamp 

Article Koepel Small Table Lamp in Brass 

Better Homes & Gardens Mid-Century Ceramic Lamp With Wood Base 

Threshold Ceramic Table Lamp

Mistana Fidel Wood Tripod Table Lamp (Set of 2) 

Mainstays Mini Green Glass Table Lamp