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The 10 Best Sunset Lamps for a Golden-Hour Glow at Home
These top picks make it easy to boost your mood in minutes
Raise your hand if you’ve ever rushed to a window to capture a spectacular sunset photo. For many of us, there’s something about that golden-hour glow that has undeniable mood-boosting benefits. Thanks to the best sunset lamps, it’s easier than ever to capture that vibey lighting all night long.
As the name suggests, these coveted lamps re-create the glow and warmth of a traditional sunset and are best used against a wall to get their full effects. Illuminating gradient shades of orange, yellow, and red are among the most popular, but pink- and purple-hued lights are excellent ambience-lifting options too.
Shop the Best Sunset Lamps
Though some content on TikTok suggests sunset lamps can help relieve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, or depression, Gail Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College, says research doesn’t yet exist that suggests these lamps are a tried-and-true cure. “They may look nice, and they may make you feel nice because they create a warm glow,” the expert tells Bazaar. “Just like listening to relaxing music or smelling some lovely smell could give you a relaxed or pleasurable feeling, so too could a sunset lamp if this appeals to you—but it is not the same as actually being a treatment or actually being therapeutic.”
If the colorful aesthetic still appeals to you, keep scrolling for some of the best sunset lamps wellness lovers are raving about, including compact table lamps, voice-controlled favorites, and more.
Pros
- Under $25
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not project wide enough sunset for some
This multifunctional LED sunset lamp won’t take up too much space on your countertop, and it provides a soft light that isn’t too obtrusive. The lamp head also rotates up to 180 degrees and includes 16 color options for ultimate customization.
Customer review: “This light is everything it says it is. It’s lightweight and easy to move around. The lights are beautiful. No complaints.” —cecelia
Pros
- Includes a remote control
- Features two mist options
Cons
- Essential oils sold separately
Here’s another compact lamp that also includes 16 sunset options, depending on your color preference. And to really set the mood, you can even add essential-oil drops to this device for a steady mist that lasts up to seven hours.
Customer review: “I bought it as a Christmas gift, but it’s a cool lamp.” —Roger H.
Xebkor Sunset Lamp Projector Multicolor Changing LED Projection Lamp
Pros
- Adjustable tripod design
- Can rotate 360 degrees
- Includes 21 color options
Cons
- Some reviewers note the bulb can get very hot
- May not be the most long-lasting option
This multicolor option includes an adjustable tripod design with a bulb that rotates 360 degrees, providing more flexibility in where your sunset image is projected. And thanks to its compact size (the lamp is under 10 inches tall), you can easily tote it from room to room.
Customer review: “The sunset lamp is super bright and easy to use, with multiple light options that really bring character to whatever room you apply it to!” —Andrew
Philips Hue Signe Smart Table Lamp
Pros
- Features Bluetooth connectivity
- Includes two-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Over $180
This vertical Bluetooth-enabled table lamp from Philips uses gradient-enabled bulbs along with preset modes to capture the magic of golden hour in your living room. And if you already have the Philips Hue bridge and app, you can use them to control the look and intensity of your sunset without lifting a finger.
Customer review: “As most of the other reviews say, this expensive lamp hurts your wallet once but makes up for it tenfold in how customizable and sleek it is. The only good thing about going into my office to work in the morning is getting to turn this lamp on and pick a stunning color scene.” —Stephanie
Hatch Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm
Pros
- Features both warm and cool lighting options
- Helps promote healthy sleeping habits
Cons
- Certain app features require an additional purchase
Hatch’s Restore 3 works as an alarm clock, sunrise, and sunset lamp all in one. It features an array of calming colors and a library of over 80 sounds to set the mood for a sound night’s sleep or gently wake you up the next day.
Customer review: “The Hatch Restore 3 has been a game-changer for our family’s sleep routine. It’s more than just an alarm clock—it creates a calming atmosphere with serene sounds and gentle lighting that help ease both bedtime and waking up.” —Veronica
Pros
- Under $30
- Features button switch control for optimal customization
Cons
- Some reviewers claim the lamp gets hot mid-use
Here’s a budget-friendly sunset lamp that won’t break the bank. It delivers a blend of pink, orange, and yellow hues to help soothe you, along with pretty blue, green, and purple tones. Its lamp head can also be rotated up to 180 degrees to project light toward different areas of your home. And despite its small size, customers confirm it fills your room with pretty, calming light.
Customer review: “I am obsessed! Makes for such a cozy, chill vibe and you can’t beat the price.” —Lauren
Pros
- Easy to use
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Some reviewers claim the light is not very bright
Since this LED lamp pairs with an app, you can customize its color schemes for mood lighting that fits every occasion. The lamp can also be controlled by voice by way of Alexa or Google Assistant, eliminating the need to open an app every time you want to turn it on and off.
Customer review: “Love Govee. Easy assembly. The app is easy to use, and customizing your lighting is a breeze, with a ton of options. Consistent light and brightness. Durable enough to survive a move. Stable even on carpet.” —Austin
Pros
- Under $25
- Features dual heads for water ripple and sunset lamp effects
Cons
- Customers claim the USB cord isn’t very long
This sunset lamp features a dual-light head to offer up to 400 color combinations. One of the light heads features a textured bulb that creates a water ripple effect when projected at a wall or surface. At a little over 10 inches tall, the lamp features a thin neck and a circular base. It’s powered by a USB charging interface, so you can plug it into a charging block or your computer.
Customer review: “Cascades beautiful light against the wall, creating a sense of relaxation and comfort. Love it.” —Melissa
Pros
- Under $25
- Some reviewers claim the light covers a large area
Cons
- Some customers have experienced flickering or flashing light
Here’s a lamp that includes 21 different color options while still ringing up at under $20. Satisfied shoppers give it five stars for its easy set-up, intuitive app, and adjustable design. Some also note that the light nicely covers large areas.
Customer review: “I absolutely love this sunset lamp! The colors are stunning and create such a cozy, aesthetic vibe in my room. The app control is super easy to use, and I can switch between different colors and effects effortlessly. If you love cool lighting and want to upgrade your space, this is a must-have.” —Albert
Pros
- Compact
Cons
- Over $100
If you’re looking to capture the natural oranges and yellows usually seen around dusk, look no further than this option, which projects light in a glowy “sunset red.” The device also rotates 180 degrees and turns on with the flip of a single switch.
Meet the experts
- Gail Saltz is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College, and a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Institute.
Are sunset colors known to reduce stress?
As far as these buzzy lamps truly providing stress relief, experts like Saltz say it depends on the person and how a sunset makes him or her feel. “For many people, being in nature is very stress-reducing and mood-boosting,” she adds. “This includes being out in greenery, being by the water, like the ocean or a lake, listening to sounds of nature—and, yes, the change of light with colors such as a sunrise or sunset does create both a boost in mood and a reduced feeling of tension for many.”
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