How to choose a reading light for the bed: what to consider

A reading light for the bed has to light the page without lighting the person next to you, and be switched off without getting up. These are the things worth settling before you choose it. The numbers are common rules of thumb, not fixed rules.

Wall lamps →·Table lamps →·Floor lamps →

Where it goes

A wall lamp frees the bedside table and keeps the light at a steady height. Mounted so the lamp sits about at the shoulder height of a person sitting up, often about 120-140 cm above the floor, it lights the page without glare. Check it against your own bed and pillows.
A table lamp on a bedside table is easier to move and needs no wiring. Check that the table is big enough and that the shade sits at a good height when you are sitting up.
A floor lamp with an arm can reach over a bed from a corner. Check that it is stable and that the cable does not cross where you walk.

Aim and spread

A swing arm or a movable shade lets you aim the light at the page and away from your partner. A fixed lamp with a wide shade lights the whole bed more softly.
Two lamps, one on each side, with separate switches, let two people read at different times.

Light

Warm white light (around 2700 K) is the usual choice in a bedroom. Check that the lamp can be dimmed.
A high colour rendering index (CRI) makes print and skin look natural. 80 or more is common; 90 or more is better for reading.
Check the fitting, the maximum wattage and whether a bulb is included.

Switch and cable

The switch should be within reach from the pillow: on the lamp, on the cable or at the wall. A dimmer on the cable is useful.
Check the cable length and where the nearest socket is. A plug-in wall lamp shows its cable; a cover or channel can hide it.
Some lamps have a USB socket for a phone, which is worth checking if you want it.

Safety

Keep hot bulbs and lamps away from bedding and curtains. An enclosed or LED light runs cooler than an open halogen bulb.
A wired-in wall lamp needs a qualified electrician, and the rules differ by country.

Questions worth asking the maker

Can it be aimed? Can it be dimmed? Where is the switch and how long is the cable? Is the bulb included and replaceable? What are the exact dimensions and how far does it project from the wall? What are the delivery and return terms?

Sources and further reading

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Wall lamps →·Table lamps →·Floor lamps →