Everything you need to know about reading lamps
Key takeaways:
- A reading lamp is a lamp designed for reading, whose directed light focuses on the page of the book rather than lighting the whole room.
- Choose it according to where you read: a table lamp for the nightstand, a cordless model you can take to the sofa, or a reading floor lamp next to a living room armchair.
- A warm white light, between 2700 and 3000 K, suits evening reading, and care is done with the lamp unplugged, using a soft, dry cloth.
What is a reading lamp?
A reading lamp is a lamp designed for reading, which focuses its light on the book rather than lighting the whole room. Placed on the nightstand, it lets you read in bed in complete peace, without disturbing the person next to you, unlike traditional lamps, whose glow spreads everywhere.
Choosing a reading lamp has many advantages for book lovers: its targeted lighting, both precise and soft, brings real reading comfort and sets a pleasant mood for these quiet moments. LED models are particularly appreciated for their low consumption, their longevity and the quality of the light they give off.
The reading lamps in the collection
Our reading lamps are table lamps: models with light directed downward, arc-shaped lamps, lanterns and foldable portable lamps, or small wooden lamps. Each one provides both reading light and a decorative touch at the bedside. Here are the main families of reading lamps, including those that stand on the floor or attach to the wall.
Bedside reading lamps
Reading bedside lamps create a comfortable atmosphere in the bedroom, thanks to a soft light that is perfect for reading in bed and does not bother the person sleeping next to you. This is the family you will find here, as all the models in the collection sit on a nightstand.
Depending on the model, the light falls downward from a shade or an arc-shaped head, or it is aimed with a flexible arm and an adjustable head, which provide precise directional lighting. A light finish, white or gold, gives the bedside a look that is both warm and functional.
Flexible LED reading lamps
Flexible LED reading lamps offer adjustable, directional lighting, which makes them the natural solution for a personalized reading corner: just bend the arm to bring the light exactly where you need it.
These LED lamps are designed for precise and comfortable lighting, including during long reading sessions. Check the product page to see whether the head is adjustable, since not all reading lamps have a flexible arm.
Reading floor lamps
For reading in the living room or in a space set aside for reading, the reading floor lamp takes over from the table lamp: it combines function and design, and its adjustable lighting meets specific needs, next to an armchair.
These standing light fixtures often have an adjustable head and a flexible arm, which direct the light straight onto the book without dazzling the reader. In a gold finish, they add a note of elegance to the interior while providing light well suited to reading, and they simply plug into an outlet.
Reading wall sconces
Reading sconces save space while providing targeted light, which makes them valuable in bedrooms and in small reading nooks, where the nightstand sometimes lacks room. Mounted above the bed, a headboard wall sconce frees up the top surface completely.
There are many models, some of which include a switch, or even a USB port, for practical everyday use. They make it possible to set up a comfortable and functional reading corner without cluttering the living space, but their installation and connection must be entrusted to a qualified electrician.
Metal and glass
Metal and glass reading lamps have a modern, sometimes industrial look, which naturally finds its place in an office or in a living room with a contemporary decor. The combination of these two materials gives a result that is both sophisticated and robust.
A metal lamp also comes in several colors, from white to black by way of gold, so it is easy to match it to your existing decor.
Plastic and resin
Plastic and resin light fixtures are colorful and sturdy, which suits them to playful or modern decor. Their soft shapes and bold colors bring a touch of fun and modernity to the room.
Light and not very fragile, they are well suited to casual reading corners and children's bedrooms, provided you place the lamp out of reach of small children and prefer an LED model, which gives off very little heat.
Fabric and wood
Fabric and wood light fixtures create a natural and warm atmosphere, ideal for a Scandinavian or rustic style. Wood adds a natural note, while fabric diffuses a subdued light that is pleasant.
A wooden lamp, on a simple base or a small tripod, creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. If the shade is made of fabric or paper, fit the lamp with an LED bulb only, since it gives off little heat.
Lighting your reading well
Place the lamp slightly back, on the side of the book, so that the light falls on the page without reflection or glare. On a nightstand, the ideal is for the light source to be at about shoulder height when you are leaning back against the pillows, so that the bulb stays out of your line of sight.
Avoid reading with only a small light source in a completely dark room: soft ambient lighting makes reading more comfortable. A warm light lamp placed a little farther away is enough to fill this role.
| Where do you read? | Recommended reading lamp | Placement tip |
|---|---|---|
| In bed | Bedside lamp with directed light | Slightly back, on the side of the book |
| In an armchair or on the sofa | Cordless lamp or reading floor lamp | Light coming from the side, above the shoulder |
| At the desk | Lamp with an arm or an adjustable head | On the side opposite the hand you write with |
| In a small bedroom | Reading sconce, installed by a qualified electrician | Above the headboard |
The benefits of a reading lamp
Energy savings
A reading lamp lights where you need it, uses little power when running on LED and takes up little space. LED models use far less energy than traditional lamps, which lowers your electricity bill.
They also last much longer, so they need to be replaced less often, which makes them an economical choice for reading light. Integrated LEDs, which cannot be replaced, require minimal maintenance and keep a constant output over time.
Flexibility and portability
A rechargeable cordless lamp offers great freedom of use: it moves easily from the bed to the sofa, and it can be used in places without an electrical outlet.
Its rechargeable battery allows extended use without being permanently plugged in, and the exact battery life is given on the product page. These models are also light and easy to carry. To read on the terrace or in the garden, however, choose a lamp designed for outdoor use, whose IP rating is indicated on the product page.
Aesthetics and decoration
Reading lamps come in a wide range of designs, which makes it easy to fit them into any interior decor style. Whether you are looking for a modern, vintage or industrial lamp or a Scandinavian lamp, there is something for every taste.
A well-chosen reading lamp enhances the overall look of the room while providing effective lighting. Reading light fixtures also come in several formats, floor lamps, wall sconces and bedside lamps, so as to suit every room in the home.
How to choose your reading lamp?
The basic criteria
When choosing, consider the size and shape that suit the available space, and pick materials that go with your decor. A chrome metal lamp will suit a modern interior, whereas a wooden model will fit better into a more traditional decor.
Also check the height of the lamp relative to the bed and the direction of the light, so that it lights effectively without causing glare. Lamps with an articulated arm and an adjustable head are particularly handy for aiming the beam precisely, much like a desk lamp.
Additional features
Next, look at the features offered: adjustable brightness, touch control or a rechargeable battery for cordless models. A touch lamp or a lamp with a dimmer adds extra comfort and greater flexibility of use.
Models with integrated LEDs are also energy efficient, and some reading light fixtures are controlled with a remote, for adjustment from a distance. All this information is given on each Lustria product page.
Frequently asked questions about reading lamps
What is the difference between a reading lamp and a regular bedside lamp?
The reading lamp concentrates the light on a precise area, whereas a regular bedside lamp spreads a wider ambient light.
Many models combine both uses, however, thanks to a shade or an arc-shaped head that directs the light downward.
What color temperature is best for reading?
A warm to neutral white light gives good contrast on the page while remaining pleasant in the evening. For a reading lamp, a temperature of 2700 to 3000 K (warm white) is ideal, because it gives a soft light.
For a workspace, or for a room that calls for a more invigorating light, a neutral white of 4000 K is better suited.
Can you read in bed without disturbing your partner?
Yes, that is the whole point of a directed light: it lights the book without lighting the other side of the bed.
Place the lamp on your side, slightly back, aim the beam at the page and lower the brightness if the model allows it. A reading lamp with a flexible arm or an adjustable head makes this adjustment even easier.
Is a cordless lamp suitable for reading?
Yes, it can be placed wherever you like, on the nightstand as well as on a shelf far from any outlet. Check its battery life on the product page.
Choose a model bright enough for reading, because some portable lamps are first and foremost ambient lamps, and remember to recharge it regularly.
How do you care for a reading lamp?
Dust it with a soft, dry cloth, with the lamp unplugged, and check the condition of the cable from time to time.
For a stain, a barely damp cloth is enough, with no abrasive product and avoiding the electrical parts. If the cable or the plug is damaged, stop using the lamp and have it checked by a qualified electrician.
What are the different types of reading lamps?
There are several types of reading lamps, including floor lamps, wall sconces and bedside lamps. Each type has particular advantages, depending on the available space and the reader's needs.
Desk lamps with a flexible arm are also popular for use near the reading corner.
Are there reading lamps with integrated LEDs?
Yes, many modern reading lamps are fitted with integrated LEDs. They give a brighter light and use less power than traditional bulbs.
These LEDs, which cannot be replaced, last much longer than old bulbs and keep a constant output: they therefore need to be changed far less often, which makes them an economical solution over time.
What brightness should you choose for a reading lamp?
A brightness of 400 to 600 lumens is generally enough for comfortable reading. Prefer a reading lamp with adjustable brightness, which adapts to different reading needs.
Some reading floor lamps have a dimmer, just like our dimmable lamps, which lets you adjust the brightness to your preferences and create an atmosphere suited to every moment of the day. On a model with a bulb, check that the bulb is marked "dimmable".
How do you install a reading wall sconce?
The sconce is fixed to the wall with screws and anchors suited to the surface, but its connection to the circuit must be entrusted to a qualified electrician. Only models fitted with a cable and a plug can be plugged into an outlet.
For detailed instructions, refer to the product's installation guide, whereas a table lamp simply plugs into an outlet.
What are the advantages of flexible reading lamps?
Flexible reading lamps offer adjustable, directional lighting. They direct the light exactly where you need it, which makes them perfect for comfortable reading.
Their flexible arm adjusts easily and precisely, without having to move the lamp, to switch from a novel to a magazine in a single motion.
Where can you buy a quality reading lamp?
On Lustria, whose collection brings together table reading lamps, with or without a cord. Each product page presents the model from several angles, with its dimensions, its materials and its power supply, to help you compare.
Our customer service answers your questions, and you will find other models designed for readers among our reading lamps.