How to Choose The Best Reading Lights for Your Bed?
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How to Choose The Best Reading Lights for Your Bed?

|Apr 15, 2023
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Do you like to cuddle with a book every night before going to bed? There have been studies conducted in the past that look at the positive effects of light on reading, which is why it is crucial to invest in a good reading light for bed. A reading light is a great way to read a book without disturbing your partner or straining your eyes. 

In this article, we will explore the things you should consider before buying reading lamps for bed and the top 10 reading lights on the market. We will also answer some frequently asked questions at the end so you have all the information you need to choose the best reading light for your reading needs. 

Let's get started! 

What to Consider Before Buying a Reading Light for Bed?

Whether you're looking to get floor lamps or bedside lamps, here are some things you should consider before making a purchase: 

  • Brightness: You must check the lamp's brightness before investing in one. If the light is too dim, it may strain your eyes, but if it's too bright, you may have an uncomfortable reading experience.
  • Light types: There are many different light types on the market, such as LED, incandescent, and fluorescent. However, the most popular option for reading lamps for the bedside is LEDs, as they're energy savers and are long-lasting. LEDs are also great because they produce less heat, making them a safer option for bedroom use. The best desk lamp for your eyes is the one that emits less blue light and are LEDs with brightness and dimming options.
  • Light direction: Some reading lights provide a focused beam, while others give off a broader light, illuminating the entire room or specific space. It's essential that you choose a reading light that suits your preferences.
  • Flexibility: Not all lamps offer flexibility. You may want a lamp with a flexible arm or one that stands tall at the side of the bed. Consider flexibility before you purchase a book light for reading in bed.
  • Power source: Knowing the power source of the lamp is a crucial consideration before purchasing one. A portable battery-operated lamp may not provide sufficient brightness, while those that plug into the socket are not portable to carry around. You must determine your priorities before investing in a reading light for bed.

What to Consider Before Buying a Reading Light for Bed?

10 Best Reading Lamps for Your Bedroom

From desk lamps to floor lamps, portable reading lights, and more, we've tried and tested many different reading lamps and have narrowed them down to the 10 best reading lamps for your bedroom. Whether you're looking for a minimal desk lamp or a swoop floor lamp with many features, there is something on this list for everyone. 

1. Autonomous LED Desk Lamp

The Autonomous LED Desk Lamp is perfect for enhancing your workspace and is a great reading light for bed. Whether you're reading a book in your bed or simply dozing off to sleep, this reading light for the bedroom comes with four color modes and five brightness levels. 

Capable of delivering 50,000 hours of light, the Autonomous LED desk lamp can last five years of continuous use. It has a broad lamp face that provides ample lighting without taking up much space on your bedside table. 

LED Desk Lamp

LED Desk Lamp

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Dimensions21”L x 3”W x 7.5”H x 18 lbs
ColorsBlack
MaterialsDie casting Aluminum & Metal
Input voltageAC 100 - 240V 50/60Hz
Brightness600 lm
Light colors3000k, 4000k, 5000k, 6000k
Lamp lifetime50,000 hours
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
Minimalistic designCannot move the angle of the light diagonally
Five brightness options
Different color modes
Eco-friendly

2. Brightech Swoop LED Floor Lamp

The unique design makes the Brightech Swoop LED Floor Lamp stand out in your bedroom, and the black and gold accents bring a touch of elegance and sophistication. It will complement any interior aesthetics, making it a great option as a book light for reading in bed. 

Fitted with an 800 lumens 9.5W bulb, the Brightech Swoop LED can provide up to 20,000 hours of warm white light, eliminating the need to replace the light bulb ever again. You can adjust the lampshade to shine where you need it most to provide a peaceful, inviting ambiance.

Brightech Swoop LED Floor Lamp

Brightech Swoop LED Floor Lamp

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Assembled height68”
Lamp widthΦ 19.5”
Base widthΦ 10” x 1” H
Item weight10.5 lbs
ColorsBlack base, Gold finish
MaterialsMetal
Lumen800 lm
Bulb typeLED 3000K
Input voltage & wattage110-220V / 9.5W
Warranty3 years
Pros
Cons
Adjustable lamp shadeIt is a floor lamp, not a bedside table lamp
Last up to 20,000 hoursNo brightness options
Elegant design

3. Benzara Industrial LED Floor Lamp

If you're looking for a chic industrial-style floor lamp, look no further than Benzara Industrial LED Floor Lamp. The black metal finish and sleek design make this reading light for the bedroom a great addition to your living space. 

With an adjustable lamp shade capable of moving 180 degrees, you can easily lift the light up and down at any angle to get the perfect lighting. There is no glare, and the warm white light is easy on the eyes giving the perfect light for reading in bed. 

Fitted with a 12W bulb and an insane 50,000 hours’ lifespan, the Benzara is the best reading floor lamp that can help you save money on your electric bill by 80%. 

Benzara Industrial LED Floor Lamp

Benzara Industrial LED Floor Lamp

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DimensionsΦ 15”W x 62.5”H x 10.1 lbs
ColorsBlack
MaterialsMetal base
Input voltage110-220V
Lumens960 lm
Bulb typeLED 3,000K
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
Minimalistic designDoes not rotate to the side
Good adjustable lampshadeExpensive
Great longevity

4. Lamp Depot Tree of Life Table Lamp with Wireless Charger: With Speaker

An elegant bedside table with modern technology, the Lamp Depot Tree of Life Table Lamp with Wireless Charger is made from cherry wood that may go well with your bedside table. It has a 10-watt fast wireless charging, allowing you to charge compatible devices without having cords and charging cables hanging around your bed. 

The smooth touch control is a great way to control the options on this gorgeous reading light for the bed. You can use the controls to switch modes, turn off the light, adjust the brightness, and control the speakers. 

Talking about speakers, the Tree of Life features a powerful Bluetooth speaker delivering Omni-Directional sound. You can listen to soothing tunes while you doze off to bed or enjoy reading a book in the warm, inviting light. 

Lamp Depot Tree of Life Table Lamp

Lamp Depot Tree of Life Table Lamp

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Dimensions11.26” x 5.91” x 7.2”
MaterialsCherry Wood, ABS, PC
Standard charge10W fast wireless charging
Item weight3.14 lbs
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
Bluetooth speakerIt may not match well with your bedroom interior
Fantastic design
Great touch controls
Wireless charging
Lightweight

5. Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, Book Light for Reading in Bed

When using certain reading lamps for bed, they can give out enough light to disturb your partner. However, with the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, you don't need to worry about that. It is an extremely lightweight, portable, easy-to-carry reading light that you can place around your neck. 

Equipped with three color temperature modes (yellow, warm white, and cool white), the Glocusent LED provides the perfect book light for reading in bed. The light does not flicker and has a blue light filter that helps reduce the strain on your eyes. With a rechargeable 1,000 mAH battery, this neck book light gives continuous light for up to 80 hours on a single charge! 

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

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Dimensions10” x 7.36” x 1.1”
ColorsGray, Blue, Pink
MaterialsAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Rubber
Voltage / Wattage3.7V / ‎3.70W
Brightness160 lumens
Batteries1 Lithium Polymer batteries required (included)
Switch stylePush button
Item weight0.275 lbs
Warranty3 years
Pros
Cons
PortableIt has a narrow beam angle (90°) design
Lightweight
Different color and brightness options

6. Arnsberg Lighting Alessandro Volta Portable Battery Lamp

The Arnsberg Lighting Alessandro Volta Portable Battery Lamp is the perfect reading light for the bed as it provides a warm light and is aesthetically pleasing, easily complementing any desk accessories. This German manufactured reading light for the bedroom is an excellent addition to any living space as it is highly portable, lightweight, and provides light for up to 36 hours. You can charge it with a USB-C cable. It is made from durable material, protecting the lamp against dust and splash. 

Arnsberg Lighting Alessandro Volta Lamp

Arnsberg Lighting Alessandro Volta Lamp

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Dimensions4.75"L x 4.75"W x 11.5"H x 1 lb
ColorWhite, Black
MaterialsDie-Cast Aluminum
Battery life12-36 hours
Color temperature3000K
Lumens200 lumens
Charger typeUSB C (Included)
Warranty5 years
Pros
Cons
Highly portableNo color or brightness options
Fully dimmable
Good battery life

7. Airthereal Light Therapy Lamp: UV-free LED

Featuring three adjustable color temperatures and five brightness levels, the Airthereal Light Therapy Lamp: UV-free LED provides an excellent book light for reading in bed. It offers up to 10,000 lux of LED light, similar to the sun, instantly improving your mood and productivity and regulating your circadian rhythm. 

If you're looking for the optimal ambiance and the perfect setting, this therapy lamp is one of the best reading lamps for the bed you can get.

Airthereal Light Therapy Lamp: UV-free LED

Airthereal Light Therapy Lamp: UV-free LED

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Dimensions9.45”L x 1.97”W x 9.45”H x 1.46 lbs
Input supply20V 0.9A
Power‎16W
Color temperature3000-6500K
Brightnessness5 levels / Stepless adjust (2000-10000 LUX)
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
InexpensiveCannot adjust dimming settings
Multiple color and brightness options
Portable

8. Ocushield All Day, All Night Light Oculamp

The Ocushield All Day, All Night Light Oculamp is a fantastic low blue light desk lamp that is highly portable. Blue light trips your body clock and can be harmful, but with the Ocushield, you don't have to worry about that. It keeps your body clock in check, and with the three different settings, you can control how much blue light the lamp emits. 

The lamp charges in 3 hours and provides light for up to 30 hours, making it a great reading light for the bedroom. What's even better is that with every purchase, $1 goes to Orbis Eye Charity. 

Ocushield All Day, All Night Light

Ocushield All Day, All Night Light

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Dimensions56.2 x 6.5 x 2.1cm
ColorsSilver, Gold
MaterialsAluminum Alloy + Sillicone
Input voltage5V/1A
Light colors3100k, 4200k, 5400k
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
Extremely portableNo dimmable option
Three light colorsThe design may not suit the bedroom's interior
Great cause with every purchase

9. Lexon Mina M Wireless LED Lamp

Are you looking to inspire your living space? Give Lexon Mina M Wireless LED Lamp a try! Mina M is a fantastic, compact, waterproof LED lamp that can light up your room. 

Although small, the lamp comes with nine adjustable light colors that you can adjust with a single touch. It's also a wireless lamp, meaning you don't need to connect it to the power outlet at all times, and charging is simple too. Homeowners can charge the lamp using its wireless charging capabilities or through the USB-C charging port. 

Whether you want to take the lamp outside or leave it near the bed, the Lexon Mina M looks fantastic and is a cute addition to any living space. 

Lexon Mina M Wireless LED Lamp

Lexon Mina M Wireless LED Lamp

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Dimensions⌀ 3.62” x 4.33” H x 0.31 lbs
MaterialsAluminium, ABS
Base colorsDark red, Orange, Dark blue, Gun metal, Alu polished, Light blue, Light pink, Mint
Input portDC 5V-0.5A
Warranty1 year
Pros
Cons
Compact and cuteIt may not be bright enough
Nine different light options
It is water-resistant

10. Artiva USA Full Spectrum LED Floor Lamp: Reading Magnifier

The Artiva USA Full Spectrum LED Floor Lamp: Reading Magnifier is an excellent floor lamp that can act as a book light for reading in bed. It has a 5-level dimming switch, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your needs. The bulb lasts up to 25,000 hours, giving you three years of daily use. 

With the additional accessory hanger to hang your headphones or other devices and a free reading magnifying glass, this Artiva floor lamp is a great reading light for the bedroom.

Artiva USA Full Spectrum LED Floor Lamp

Artiva USA Full Spectrum LED Floor Lamp

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Dimensions7”W x 10.5”D x 53” - 62”H
ColorsBlack
Wattage12W
Brightness1200 lumens
Actual color temperature5000K
Dimming switch5 level touch
Bulb lifetime25,000 hours
Warranty6 months
Pros
Cons
Includes accessory hangerBulky design
It comes with a free magnifying glass
1,200 lumens full spectrum light

FAQs

Where Should Reading Lights Be Placed in Bed?

Homeowners should place the reading light in a location that does not cause glare or discomfort to the eyes. Above or behind the bed can provide direct light onto the book, avoiding glare and discomfort. 

How Close Should Reading Light Be to the Bed?

There are several factors that affect how close one should keep the reading light to the bed, including the height of the lamp, the lamp's brightness, and the angle of the light beam. 

It should be close enough to provide sufficient book light for reading in bed but not too close that it starts to cause discomfort.

Is White or Yellow Light Better for Reading?

Although there is a personal preference when it comes to choosing white or yellow light for reading, ZME science suggests that cool light improves learning and academic performance, while warm light is better for relaxing. According to studies, cooler white light is more effective for reading than yellow light. 

Another thing to note is that according to Richard Gans, an ophthalmologist at an eye institute in Cleveland, dim light does not have long-term effects on the eyes but can cause short-term fatigue.

Is it OK to Sleep with a Bedside Lamp on?

Is it OK to Sleep with a Bedside Lamp on?

Exposure to light during sleep can affect a person's sleep cycle, which is why we do not recommend sleeping with the bedside lamp on. However, dim lighting can help relax, create an ambiance for some people, and improve their sleep quality. 

You should also consider the electrical risks before having your bedside lamp on throughout the night. If you're going to be sleeping with the bedside lamp on, we recommend using a portable battery lamp rather than one you plug into a power outlet.

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