At this time of year the nights are drawing in and by 4pm the sun has already begun to set. This always seems the perfect time to cosy up inside with a book and, this year especially, escape into a new world. It’s great for a bit of TLC, but it can be frustrating when you have to get up to turn on the lights or try to read by the light of your bedside lamp – great for finding your way into bed, not the best for reading!
I’ve also found it can be equally disappointing when you can’t tuck into your favourite book out and about because there is no good lighting available. For me this always seems to happen when I’ve hit a cliffhanger and just don’t want to put the book down. A great solution for this is to buy a reading light to keep your book, and mind, alight.
A reading light illuminates a small, specific area at close distance, great for not only reading but writing, drawing, working on a puzzle, crafting or doing other detailed tasks. Usually produced with LED lighting, a reading light is economic and helps reduce eye strain and headaches. Reading in a dim light will tire your eyes out much quicker so a reading light will help prevent this.
Why should I use a reading light?
A reading light is not only better for your eyes in the short-term, it also produces the optimal lighting to read by. The brighter light provides better page illumination that is evenly distributed and with adjustable brightness, you can make it suit you.
It’s also extremely portable which is great for book lovers who can carry it anywhere. Light in weight, you can adjust its shape to position it best for you. Many options allow you to:
Attach the light to your book
Clip the light on a table
Clip on your bed headboard
Wear on yourself
We’ve listed some of our favourite reading lights available to buy today, whatever your requirements.
The Best Portable Reading Lights
1 of 8Flexilight Xtra Book Light
This reading light is the ultimate travel accessory. Portable and lightweight, it's great to use wherever you need it. Simply clip on to your book and bend the flexible body to position the LED light over the page. The colourful design makes it a great gift idea for a fellow bookworm.
£8.79
- Rrp: £10.99
2 of 8Glocusent Round Neck Reading Light
This light is not only great for reading but for other hands-on activities thanks to the round neck design. Rechargeable and long-lasting, the LED light has six brightness levels and three light colour-temperature modes so you can tailor it to suit you. Fantastic for on the go, or in the comfort of your own home.
£19.99
- Rrp: £21.44
3 of 8Vekkia Bookmark Book Light
This small, light and flexible light can double as a bookmark - super handy for keeping your light and book in one place! You can clip the light on to the cover of your book and bend into position to illuminate the page with three brightness setting available. It even recharges using the centre of the bookmark board so additional cables aren't necessary.
4 of 8Clip On Reading Light
This clip on reading light offers three brightness settings and three colours. Stand it on its clip base or attach it to a furniture edge to position it exactly where you need it. I would recommend using this touch control light on your bed headboard, so you read in the comfort of your sheets.
£12.95
5 of 8LENCENT USB Rechargeable 7 LED Book Light
This reading light has a similar clip design better suited to books, or to stand on a table top with its sturdy base. With nine adjustable brightness settings and seven LED bulbs, it offers high brightness to satisfy your needs.
6 of 8LED Desk Lamp with Clamp with 10W Eye-Care Dimmable Reading Light
If you often read with a table next to you for your cup of tea and biscuits, this reading light solution could be best for you. Clamp it to the table edge and flexibly adjust to ensure your book it effectively lit. It comes in a sleek, modern design with three colour modes and 10 brightness levels.
7 of 8LED Clip On Reading Light
This corded, clamped reading light is touch dimmable and has 360 degree flexibility, giving it a full range of movement for any task. Unobtrusively stylish and minimalist, it offers three brightnesses for the eye-caring LED.
8 of 8Quntis e-Reading LED Lamp
If you find yourself often reading on your computer or reading at your computer desk, this discreet reading light will illuminate the space without any screen glare. It's also a great solution if you have limited desk space and comes with adjustable colour temperatures and brightness.
If you have a favourite reading spot indoors and would like a reading light to have a more permanent fixture in your home, a reading floor lamp might be best suited for you. It provides the same benefits with direct, evenly distributed light shone from above to the page, just without the added portability. Make a statement with some of these great options.
2 of 8Argos Home Reading Light Floor Lamp
3 of 8Argos Home Father & Child Uplighter Floor Lamp
4 of 8NOT Floor Uplighter/Reading Lamp
5 of 8BAROMETER Floor/Reading Lamp
6 of 8Bella 160cm LED Reading Floor Lamp
7 of 8Tedder 150cm Floor Lamp
8 of 8John Lewis & Partners Zella Uplighter Floor Lamp
If you’re an avid reader, especially in bed, you might want to consider making your own reading lamp headboard. A great DIY alternative if you don’t have the space for side tables or have a headboard as part of your bed.
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