The bedroom is the ultimate private space, not just for resting but also where many prepare for the day and enjoy their most intimate moments of relaxation. Whether it’s watching a film under the covers, checking your phone one last time (though that won’t help you sleep!) or, better yet, reading a good book, bedroom lights are key to making your space cosy and functional.
Lighting plays a major role in enhancing these moments. Setting up the right bedroom lights is essential for comfort: opt for warm light sources (3000K) and plan multiple light points, combining general lighting with focused ones for your closet, vanity, and especially for reading. But how can you get the best reading light at your bedside? Choose lamps with indirect, dimmable light to adjust the brightness to around 500 lux for reading, and lower for ambience. From traditional to modern options, here are 5 functional solutions for the perfect reading light.
Bedside Lamp: The Classic Bedroom Light for Reading
Bedside lamps are the most traditional choice when it comes to bedroom lights. Whether you prefer an experimental or vintage design, these lamps address the issue of glare with a lampshade, usually made of fabric or lightweight plastic. For those who love a table lamp but want something more modern, many brands offer a variety of styles and materials. Some, like the Eclisse by Artemide, are true modern classics. And if you’re rearranging your furniture and have no power outlets near the headboard, you can always opt for a rechargeable model.
Wall-Mounted Lights: Combining Style and Functionality for Reading
Wall-mounted lights are a decor-forward solution and are perfect for reading in bed. These bedroom lights work best when you choose models with downlight emission for better visual comfort, and connect them to a switch to avoid unsightly “dangling cords.”
Slim Pendant Lights: A Modern Take on Bedroom Reading Light
Originally designed for dining rooms or kitchen counters, slim pendant lights now offer a contemporary solution for bedroom lighting. When placed at the right height (similar to wall-mounted lights), they provide a modern and elegant reading light that complements any decor.
Floor Lamps: Asymmetrical Reading Lights for a Unique Bedroom Setup
For those without a bedside table or with shelves behind the headboard, a floor lamp can be the perfect solution for reading light. While the design is up to personal taste, the ability to dim these lamps is practical for using them as both reading lights and general bedroom lights.
LED Strips: The Minimalist Solution for Bedroom Reading Light
Installing LED strips is the most minimalist approach to bedroom lights.
Ideal for mounting behind the headboard or recessed in the ceiling, they offer customizable brightness and can function as both a soft reading light and ambient light for a cosy atmosphere.