How to Find the Best Reading Lamps for Your Bedroom

Imagine wanting to catch up reading on your favorite novel while your spouse is asleep and would clearly be bothered when turned on the light. Thankfully, this is where products such as reading lamps come in.

They offer concentrated lighting, so you never have to bother anyone else. We’re going to help you find the best reading lamp based on bulb quality, ease of use, and extra settings.

How to Find the Best Reading Lamps for Your Bedroom

You may want to check out: Best Bedside Lamps

What Is a Reading Lamp?

Reading lights are designed to illuminate over a small area and short distance, allowing you to concentrate better on your task. Reading lights aren’t used just for reading, as they are also good for writing, crafting, computer work, and other tasks that require a beam of light concentrated over a small area.

Do You Need a Reading Lamp?

It really depends on what you intend to use it for. Reading lamps are good in a lot of different situations. You need a reading lamp if:

You spend a lot of time reading in bed in the evening/at night, and your partner doesn’t like sleeping with the lights on.

• You love to craft and need a desk lamp.
• You want a small lamp that you can carry around with your wherever you want.
• You are looking to make your own reading corner and would like a lamp suitable for the task.

I highly recommend if you’re reading in bed, to use a reading pillow with your lamp for optimal comfort.

Of course, natural light will always be the better choice for reading or doing pretty much anything else. But when you want to do certain tasks in the evening, a reading lamp is way better.

On the other hand, it’s not really suitable for illuminating an entire room, so keep that in mind if you want a lamp that can light up the entire dining room.

Pros and Cons to Using a Reading Lamp

As with everything else, desk lamps have their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at the most common ones.

Pros:

• Very good as task lights.
• Available in a lot of sizes and shapes.
• You can read without disturbing the person next to you.
• You can use it as a computer light.
• Some models make for great decorations as well.
• Lots of models are highly portable.

Cons:

• Some are made with cheap plastic.
• Some bulbs have high energy consumption/get too hot.
• Reading lamps are not suitable for lighting up an entire room.

Negative Effects of Reading in the Dark

This is quite a controversial topic, and if you do a quick internet search, you will find tons of articles that tell you reading in the dark doesn’t cause damage, but it puts a lot of strain on the eyes. However, the story is a little more complex than that.

Eyes, like any other muscle in the body, can become fatigued. Reading in low light, for example, makes the eyes fatigued sooner. Anxiety, irritability, and light sensitivity might result from tired eyes.

Our desire for good lighting grows older. Eyes, like the rest of our bodies, often lose function as we age. Better lighting and reading glasses will improve your reading experience. You should also consider switching to LED light bulbs to save energy and money, but also to protect your eyes.

What to Look for in a Reading Lamp

Even if reading lamps are considered a low-tier investment by many people, there are actually many things you need to look out for before purchasing one.

— Lumens

Lumens reflect levels of lights that are actually visible. They quantify the brilliance of your light rays. Another critical term is lux, which refers to the performance of your lumens over a specific distance.

For instance, your lamp may emit 100 lumens directly adjacent to the bulb, but this may drop to 50 lumens if you stand near the door. The majority of residents need lumens that simulate daylight.

— Bulb Wattage

Watts is the unit of measurement for the amount of energy required to light your bulbs. Incandescent bulbs from the past consume a lot of electricity. In general, a 40W tungsten bulb produces the same amount of light as a 10W compact fluorescent lamp, or a 5W LED bulb. Therefore, the type of bulb used in your reading light is critical.

— Bulb Type

LED bulbs can help you save up to 90 percent on your energy bill. Therefore, if you’re seeking an energy-saving bulb, LED reading lights are the most efficient, followed by CFL.

These small fluorescent lighting fixtures are made out of coiled tubes. They produce light with the same color temperature and intensity as the longitudinal bulbs seen in libraries, hospitals, and kitchens.

However, because they are twisted into coils and folds, they fit into standard bulb sockets. Additionally, because LED lights are labeled as cool lights, they are less likely to overheat.

Some may claim that this makes LED reading lamps more environmentally friendly. Particularly because these bulbs have a lifespan of ten to twenty years. However, LED reading lights are frequently sealed. As a result, when they quit working, the bulb cannot be replaced.

— Lighting Angle

This convenient function can be used in a variety of ways. The flexible arms enable you to direct the light precisely where you want it. However, the angle is determined by the size and shape of the bulb housing. Sidelights provide a large, diffused field of illumination. Conical casings frequently feature a strong beam.

This beam has a range of 30° to 40°. However, adjusting the light angle if you’re using a desk lamp is challenging. Because they are smaller, they are less versatile. If you’re purchasing a desk lamp, choose one with a longer neck, as this allows you to adjust the angle and position more easily.

— Flexibility

A reading light is often referred to as a task light. As such, you’ll place it at your desk, next to your favorite reading chair, or perhaps at your bedside. You can also get one that attaches to the headboard. However, it helps if your lamp includes additional functions that make it easy to operate.

You might want to purchase a lamp with an adjustable arm. There are numerous options. You might get a lamp with a swivel or rotating head. Additionally, you can purchase a swiveling neck.

A silicone-coated stainless-steel gooseneck is a common design. These necks/arms are adjustable, allowing you to bring them closer for more powerful beams or further apart for a wider lighting arc. You might also obtain a boom swing.

— Temperature

Tungsten incandescent bulbs generate more heat than other light bulb types. They can burn you if you come into contact with them, and your lampstand may become hot as well.

Therefore, it is prudent to invest in a lamp that emits a cool light. Apart from the bulb type, color temperature also plays a function in this. Look for a bulb with a color temperature of between 2,500K and 4,900K. This range corresponds to daylight.

You want a reading light with a small footprint and a built-in metallic lampshade for room temperature. These slim lampshades limit the surface area available for heat collection, allowing your lights to cool more quickly.

Numerous metallic hues are equipped with LED lamps, which aids in heat dispersal. These lights (and their accompanying lampshades) become warm but rarely become hot.

— Controls

Apart from the ability to turn on and off your reading light, you may desire extra features. Adjustable-brightness lights are preferred because you can change the brightness to prevent disturbing your housemates.

Dimming is a necessary function for reading lighting in bedrooms. The best type comes with either a touch button or rotary knob that adjusts the brightness.

The dial or button should be easily accessible, so test it from various angles. Additionally, you can purchase a reading lamp that includes a night light. This is a softer sort of illumination that is frequently green, blue, or red in color.

It’s beneficial for children, seniors, and even healthy individuals who suffer from night terrors. Additionally, night lights are fantastic mood setters, which is a bonus for the bedroom.

You may be interested in: Best Light Therapy Lamps

Final Words

The Brightever Store is my personal recommendation for reading lamps because it can provide a quality construction, ease of use, portability, different settings to choose from, and the possibility to change bulbs as needed. If you need more tips and helpful suggestions, check out our guide to the best heated mattress pad!