Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Tide.lamp.
Product & Function
What is Tide.lamp?
Tide.lamp is a handcrafted wooden lamp that reflects the movement of the tide at your chosen coastal location using beautifully pleasing colours.
What locations do you cover?
We cover over 6000 locations globally, with over 650 in the UK alone. You can view all our locations on this interactive map.
How does it actually work?
The lamp connects to WiFi, retrieves real time tidal data, tracks where the tide is in its cycle, and smoothly transitions the light to reflect that movement throughout the day.
What does the lamp actually show?
The lamp shows the state and direction of the tide. It is designed to be understood instantly without numbers or labels.
How do I know if the tide is coming in or going out?
A small status light at the base glows blue when the tide is coming in and turns off when it is going out.
What are the dimensions of the lamp?
Tide.lamp measures approximately:
Height: 305mm (12 inches)
Diameter: 98mm (3.9 inches)
It has a compact footprint, making it suitable for bedside tables, shelves or desks without taking up too much space.
Does it show tide height or numbers?
No. Tide height is available in the app. The lamp itself shows a simplified visual representation to keep it clear and easy to read.
My local tides are complex. Will it still work?
Yes. Tide.lamp will still work in locations with complex tidal patterns, such as Poole in Dorset.
By default, the lamp uses a Rule of Twelfths model designed to be smooth and easy to read. In some areas with multiple highs and lows in a day, this can slightly simplify the behaviour.
For greater accuracy, an advanced mode called Sample Based Tide Calculations can be enabled. This uses tide data measured in 30 minute intervals, allowing the lamp to reflect more complex tidal movement throughout the day.
Do I need to live near the coast?
No. In fact, Tidelight is at its best when it is bringing the coast to you. The lamp allows you to stay connected to your coast even when you are far away from it.
Is it meant to light a room?
No. While it can be bright when running at 100% brightness, it is designed to produce a soft, low level glow and is not designed to replace a main light.
Setup & Connectivity
How do I set it up?
Plug in the lamp, open the app, connect to WiFi and choose your location. Setup takes just a few minutes.
What do I need to get started?
You need WiFi, the Tidelight app and a USB power supply.
Why is there no plug included?
To reduce electrical waste, a plug is not included. You can use a standard charger with at least 2 amps output.
What type of power adaptor should I use?
Use a good quality USB power adapter with at least 2A output and USB C compatibility.
Does Tide.lamp have a battery?
No. Tide.lamp is designed to remain illuminated throughout the day, continuously displaying the changing tide. A battery capable of powering it would add extra size, weight and cost, while still requiring frequent charging. Keeping it plugged in is far more practical for a table lamp and means it can always display the current tide without interruption.
Does it need WiFi all the time?
Yes, for live updates. If WiFi drops, it continues running for up to two days and reconnects automatically when the WiFi connection returns.
Can I change the location?
Yes, at any time in the app.
Do I need to keep using the app?
No. The app is only needed for setup or changing settings.
Orders & Shipping
How long does delivery take?
We aim to dispatch your item in one to three days. Delivery takes one to two business days. Your lamp is sent tracked and signed, so someone will need to be available to receive it.
What about the Channel Islands?
Orders are usually zero rated for VAT, but local import rules may still apply.
Usage
Does it have an on and off switch?
No, Tide.lamp does not have a physical on and off switch.
Instead, it is designed to run continuously and reflect the natural movement of the tide throughout the day.
You can control when the lamp is active using the scheduling feature in the app. This allows you to set it to gently turn on in the morning and dim or turn off in the evening.
Once set, this runs automatically, so you do not need to interact with the lamp day to day.
Is it bright enough to read with?
No. It is not designed as a reading light.
Do I need to interact with it every day?
No. Once set up, it runs automatically. Just enjoy the tide as it flows in and out.
Does it make any noise?
No. It operates silently.