Reading Light for Bed
Good lighting creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in your favorite reading spot. Soft lights at the right height are not only crucial for optimal reading, but they are also essential for reducing eye strain as you settle each evening. From integrated headboard-mounted reading lights to 360° adjustable options, there are many options in a range of budgets, ensuring you find exactly what you need.
Brushed Steel Wall Mounted Reading Light
$78.99 $105.6
Brushed Steel Wall Mounted Reading Light
Medallion Lighting
$78.99 $105.6
What We Like: Brushed steel finish is highly durable
What We Don’t Like: No dimmable lighting option
Not So Great For: Luxurious bedrooms with plush bedding and furniture
Perfect For: Kids’ bedrooms or reading nooks
The stainless steel build ensures this light is a stylish yet practical addition to a reading nook or bedroom. A 15" cord offers flexibility, helping you find the perfect angle for reading or working. The integrated LED light is energy efficient and controlled by a discreet rocker switch. With a round, metal frame, this light matches various bedroom styles.
Although this item is designed as a headboard reading light, it can be secured to a wall, desk, or bedside locker. Installation is easy and should only take a few minutes using manufacturer instructions.
Matte Black Bedside Reading Light, Wall Mounted with Swing Arm
$107.99 $144.99
Matte Black Bedside Reading Light, Wall Mounted with Swing Arm
Three Posts™
$107.99 $144.99
What We Like: Adjustable swing arm is stylish and practical
What We Don’t Like: Doesn’t include a lightbulb
Not So Great For: Modern interior design-inspired bedrooms
Perfect For: Cozy corner reading nook
A reading light doesn’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. This antique-inspired light fixture is a space-efficient option to complete your reading nook. The swing arm extends outward from the base and bends in the middle, creating an overhang. This positioning allows for maximum light dispersal and creates a soothing ambiance.
The shade is carved into a bell shape, providing a soft silhouette that adds a traditional feel to your space. Although the unit doesn’t include a lightbulb, you can experiment with different colored bulbs to set the perfect atmosphere.
Wall Reading Lights for Bedroom
$47.99 $49.99
Wall Reading Lights for Bedroom
17 Stories
$47.99 $49.99
What We Like: 2-in-1 installation design
Perfect For: Vintage home decor
Crafted with a metallic finish metal arm and backplate, these vintage-inspired swing arm lamps feature a clear glass cone shade that perfectly diffuses light from a 60W bulb. The innovative 2-in-1 design lets you choose between a plug-in option for versatility or a hardwire option for a sleek cordless look. The exposed bulb adds a touch of vintage style, while the rotary socket switch allows for easy control of the lighting.
Designer Advice:
Industrial accents like distressed wood furniture complement the metallic finish arm and backplate. Pair the clear glass cone shade with textured or patterned bedding in muted colors like navy or forest green, and layer with soft velvet or faux fur pillows and a chunky knit throw.
What Users Say:
The glass shade allows the lamp to throw off significant light. I used a clear bulb and now have the light I need to read with at night.
Swing Arm Reading Light For Bed
Swing Arm Reading Light For Bed
Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse®
What We Like: Domed metal shade and swing arm for easy adjustment
Perfect For: Mid-century modern homes
This swing arm reading light for the bed is the perfect lighting solution for minimalist bedrooms. Its sleek metal shade directs intense, directional task lighting, making it perfect for use as a reading light without disturbing your partner’s sleep. The compact swing arm allows you to reposition the lighting element where you need it, keeping nightstands and end tables uncluttered.
Designer Advice:
The oil-rubbed bronze finish complements warm and neutral color schemes, making it a great match for beige or cream walls. To add texture and interest to the space, add a soft woven throw or textured pillows in muted colors to the bed.
What Users Say:
I put these as reading lamps behind my bed. They’re easy to install. They’re super bright and easy to redirect the shade.
Brushed Nickel Wall Mounted Reading Light for Bed
Brushed Nickel Wall Mounted Reading Light for Bed
LEEKI
What We Like: Sconce-style unit with fold-away light
What We Don’t Like: May require cutting a hole in the wall to hold the electrical box
Not So Great For: Rental properties where wall features are prohibited
Perfect For: Modern Scandinavian-style interior decor designs
If you’re looking for a statement fixture, this LED light sconce features a unique ornamental mounting bracket. The clean, metal frame has a hollow center, where you can fold away the directional light when it’s not in use. The unit must be installed into the wall to make room for the electrical box. This gives the frame excellent stability.
This type of light best suits a minimalist space, adding subtle depth to the room. Consider placing one on either side of your bed.
Sleek Black Dimmable Spotlight
Sleek Black Dimmable Spotlight
Orren Ellis
What We Like: Touch dimmer switch offers three different settings
What We Don’t Like: Slender design creates a narrow beam of light
Not So Great For: Home offices
Perfect For: Bedside reading at night
The subtle style of this sleek and discreet light ensures it can blend seamlessly with any interior design style. Fitted with a 3W LED bulb (included), it is highly efficient and won’t cause a spike in your electricity bills. The dimming settings range from 4% to 100%. It is touch adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect ambiance for your bedroom.
The unit mounts easily to your wall or headboard using two small screws. You can direct the light wherever you need it with a flexible cord. The soft, directional lighting is easy on the eyes, making it a perfect option for late-night readers.
Durable 360° Dimmable Reading Light
Durable 360° Dimmable Reading Light
Latitude Run®
What We Like: LED lightbulb offers 30,000 to 50,000 hours of light
What We Don’t Like: High price point compared to other lights
Not So Great For: Budget-seeking buyers
Perfect For: Home offices and bedrooms
Offering 360° full arm adjustability and up to 50,000 hours of light, this versatile fixture is a welcome addition to any bedroom or home office. The sleek silver finish makes it a quirky alternative option for a modern living space. This light is durable and elegant with a rounded acrylic shade and magnifying lens.
One of the most useful aspects of this unit is that it can be hardwired or powered by a plug, making it ideal for both renters and homeowners.
All White LED Reading Light for Bed
All White LED Reading Light for Bed
Padise Epoch
What We Like: Frame contains a built-in USB power source
What We Don’t Like: Basic design aesthetic
Not So Great For: Buyers looking for a stylish bedroom addition
Perfect For: Student dorms or compact studio apartments
Despite its subtle design, the light contains a range of extras, including a USB power source for charging your phone and a 5-level dimming switch. It also uses a 4-hour auto shut-off function, helping you conserve energy if you forget to turn the light off.
With a 21" flexible cord and a 360° rotating head, you can adjust the light to shine wherever you wish. Installation is simple, and the unit can be secured to various surfaces using glue or fasteners.
Wall Mounted Reading Lights for Bedroom
Wall Mounted Reading Lights for Bedroom
Latitude Run®
What We Like: Eco-friendly construction
Perfect For: Bedroom reading lights
The wall mounted reading lights are the ideal modern, minimal addition to any bedroom. The chrome-finished metal frame complements any decor and features an LED gooseneck reading light and off-white fabric shade. Eco-friendly with a dimmable fixture and switch included, this easy-to-install lamp provides versatile and functional lighting. With two lights in one fixture, it is the perfect multipurpose lighting solution for a bedside.
Designer Advice:
The chrome-finished metal frame can be complemented with metallic accents, such as silver or gold decorative objects. Pair the lights with soft textures and fabrics, such as a fluffy rug in neutral tones like beige or ivory.
What Users Say:
These are fantastic. The top light is a bit diffused and really lovely. The bottom light is a perfect focused reading light…Good quality. Easy to install (hard wired). Super happy with this purchase.
Gooseneck Arm Chrome Reading Light
Gooseneck Arm Chrome Reading Light
Latitude Run®
What We Like: Quality chrome finish with a circular patterned head
What We Don’t Like: No commercial warranty included
Not So Great For: Illuminating large spaces
Perfect For: Stylish game room or bedroom
If you’re looking for an adjustable reading light that you can move from your bedroom to your study room, this chrome unit is a mobile solution. A two-pronged plug powers it, so no complex electrical installation or wall modifications are needed. The light requires standard installation with two screws and a mounting bracket.
The key appeal of this light is the chrome finish. It also has an intriguing circular pattern on the top, making it a fantastic addition to a game room. The soft, warm, white light is easy on the eyes, minimizing strain for late-night work.
Compact Matte White LED Reading Light
Compact Matte White LED Reading Light
Latitude Run®
What We Like: Subtle design blends into a white wall
What We Don’t Like: Doesn’t include light shade
Not So Great For: Workshops due to the plastic frame
Perfect For: Shared bedrooms
The matte white LED reading light is another feature-packed fixture for your bedside. It has a built-in USB charging port for phones or tablets. The easy-to-use dimmer switch and adjustable arm allow you to set your optimal brightness and lighting angle. With a 45° narrow light beam, you can enjoy nighttime reading without disturbing your partner.
Installation is straightforward, with just two screws and a mounting bracket. The unit has a 6’ plug cord, so you won’t need an extension cord.
Buying Guide
Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.
The use of bedside wall reading lights is a beneficial addition to bedrooms that lack the space for more than one bedside table. Instead of sacrificing lighting, use of these reading lights allows for the ability to brighten up bedrooms while simultaneously adding charm and sophistication. For those who need lighting on both sides of their bed and are looking for options that don’t take up a considerable amount of wall space, many decorative options are available.
In addition to adding the perfect amount of light to the bedside, you're also developing the room's style by hanging these bedside wall reading lights. Of the most popular styles, you'll find the following examples:
French-style swing arm lamps: these classic wall-mounted lamps featuring warm shades bring cozy style to rooms featuring vintage or transitionally styled rooms.
- Modern-flexible reading light: the metal finish mixes well with modern and contemporary bedroom decor. It's LED light provides the perfect lighting for reading or close-up work.
- Industrial: use of a scissor lamp with articulating adjustable base adds an industrial flair to spaces featuring such characteristics.
- Two-in-one wall lamps: these wall lamps feature a sconce in addition to a flexible contemporary reading lamp below. They’re optimal for those who would like two lighting options—one for the room and one for close-up reading or work.
The most common materials you’ll find regarding bedside reading lights are dependent upon the style of the lamp. For example, if you select a contemporary bedside wall light, they’ll typically be made from metal. The shades are where you’ll find the most variety when it comes to these reading lights. While this also depends on their style, under most circumstances, you’ll see them made from glass, fabric, or metal.
Here are some maintenance tips for different reading light materials:
- Glass: maintaining glass shades requires regular dusting. Otherwise, they’ll begin looking grimy quickly as the lightbulb heats the surface. If grime does appear, clean the shade with a solution of warm water mixed with a mild detergent using a soft cloth.
- Fabric: wipe down its surface carefully regularly with a soft cloth. If spots appear, gently rub them out using mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- Metal: don’t use a spray cleaner on its surface. Instead, keep it dust-free and spot clean the shade with warm water.
For those who are hard-wiring their bedside reading lights directly into the walls, consider the addition of dimmer switches. It isn't uncommon for the lighting in bedrooms to either be too harsh or too dark. Therefore, dimmer switches allow for optimal lighting control. That way, the task lighting at your bedside will always be set at a comfortable brightness. The addition of the dimmer switch also prevents the room from becoming too jarring when the lights go on after you’ve been asleep. The most significant challenge regarding these switches is selecting which kind of light bulb to use. The recommendation is to follow the instructions that come with the bedside reading lights or with the dimmer switch.
