Nightside was created by Jess Gupta. Jess Gupta designed the $350 LED bedside lamp with a minimalist approach. While lacking Wi-Fi or Alexa integration, this device boasts a few ingenious features.
I attended design school at CCA in San Francisco, focusing on furniture design. Gupta explains that he became interested in lighting because he wanted to experiment with optics and innovative methods of manipulating light, rather than simply placing a light source behind a shade. I found out that I could create a concentrated beam of light, similar to a theatrical spotlight. I enjoy reading before bed, and I realized that this would make for an excellent reading light.
The inventor continued to test different lamp prototypes. Having a background in law, he initially explored the software industry, taking on non-design positions for a number of years. His departure from the company happened at the same time as a few personal milestones, such as the birth of his first child. During a regular nighttime diaper change, Gupta’s wife mentioned the desire for a lamp that could provide light without causing any sleep disturbances. This moment reignited Jess’s fascination with his earlier prototypes, which were specifically crafted to enable reading without causing any disturbance.
Recognizing the positive impact of his creation, his wife enthusiastically supported his decision to continue with this endeavor. With a renewed sense of purpose and ample free time, Jess committed himself to perfecting and testing his design. The journey was full of obstacles and unforeseen twists, yet Jess stayed dedicated to his vision. He explains that he created the lamp to meet his family’s needs and indulge his love of bedtime reading without disturbing his light-sleeping wife.
The design of the Nightside Lamp is elegant and well-considered. The lamp features a single LED source that serves both ambient lighting and focused illumination. The lamp’s only control is a front-mounted dimmer knob. It operates on approximately one watt of power, has dimmable settings, and prioritizes energy efficiency.
We source the lamp’s various parts from different locations. We source the plastic components from a Chinese supplier, and we source the machined parts from Asia. Nevertheless, the entire assembly process takes place right here in San Francisco. At my facility, we assemble the lamps as per the customer’s specifications. Although there are some pre-assembled units, Gupta explains that he personally builds most of them with some assistance. Gupta takes charge of all the final quality checks and oversees the shipping process. Understanding the intricacies of the product is of utmost importance to me, and I value a hands-on approach to doing so. I strive to guarantee that every component operates flawlessly prior to shipment. Currently, we source approximately 75% of the parts from international sources. For instance, we import the gas spring from Germany to enable the extension of the reading reflector. I prioritize sourcing the best suppliers for these components to ensure the highest quality.
I’ve had the opportunity to personally experience the lamp, and it is undoubtedly a meticulously crafted device. However, one might question the demand for a lamp primarily hand-assembled and priced at $350.
I occasionally have reservations about the pricing, but I consistently come to the realization that the quality makes it worthwhile. The lamp’s pricing takes into account both the intricacy of its assembly and the need for a profit margin. While conducting pricing research and examining the market, it became apparent that numerous products at similar price points provide significantly less functionality. This lamp offers exceptional value for its price, and it is the ultimate bedside lamp that will meet all my needs. It fulfills all my criteria flawlessly, and I’ve received similar feedback from numerous customers. I find it comforting to know that the value we provide is in line with the price. I’ve made a significant investment to ensure the lamp is of high quality, widely admired for its beautiful design, and frequently used as a decorative object for bedside tables. It’s worth mentioning that lighting product pricing can vary significantly, covering a broad spectrum of prices. Gupta asserts, “I am confident that our lamp comfortably falls within this spectrum.”
It appears that early customers are in agreement. “We have already sold a few hundred units from our initial limited run of 1,000, each one numbered and signed,” the founder mentions. It’s been thrilling to witness the steady growth in sales, enabling us to expand the business accordingly.
The lamp uses an LED light that emits a warm white light at 3,000 Kelvin, a scientific approach. Gupta asserts a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80–85. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) quantifies the ability of a light source to faithfully replicate the colors of different objects in comparison to natural light. On a scale from 0 to 100, a higher CRI value indicates a light source’s superior ability to accurately display colors. For tasks that require precise color discrimination, like photography, a CRI of 80 to 90 is considered good, and a CRI of 90 or above is considered excellent. For a bedside light, that’s quite impressive.
Introducing the Nightside Lamp to the market was not without its fair share of obstacles. Gupta emphasized the challenges of managing the global chip shortage and maintaining excellent quality by manufacturing the lamps in San Francisco. Another constant concern is the possibility of a factory in China copying and manufacturing his designs at a low cost. However, Gupta has taken precautions by securing a utility patent for the optical projection system.
The founder has ambitious plans beyond just the lamp, as they are exploring a variety of products that enhance the bedtime routine. Their focus is on creating lighting solutions and accessories specifically designed for the bedside area.
Gupta’s story is truly inspiring for those who aspire to create innovative products, as the Nightside Lamp continues to bring light into the lives of its users. It’s a tale of placing importance on the product rather than chasing after a financial windfall. Will Nightside ever achieve unicorn status? Unlikely, but his journey serves as a reminder that pursuing personal passions and creating companies that address your own needs remain fascinating ways to showcase your skills as a creator.
