There’s never a bad time to cosy up with a best-selling book and 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, but not the best for reading! That is why we have rounded up the best reading lights so you can settle into your book without straining your eyes.
We’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, and it doesn't help that reading in dim light will tire your eyes out much quicker. The solution? We'd recommend buying a reading light to keep your book, and mind, alight.
Why should I use a reading light?
A reading light illuminates a specific area at a close distance, which is great for not only reading but writing, drawing, working on a puzzle, crafting, or doing other detailed tasks. Modern reading lights usually use LED lighting, a type of light and bulb that is economic and helps to reduce eye strain and headaches. Some LED reading lights will even let you change the brightness or colour hue of the light, allowing you to find the light that’s most comfortable for you.
A reading light is not only better for your eyes in the short term, but 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.
What kind of reading light should I buy?
There are many types of reading light. Some are small reading lights and extremely portable, which is good for book lovers on the move. These devices are light in weight, and you can often adjust their position to best suit you. Small portable reading lights come in several forms: ones that attach the light to your book or your person and those that clip onto a table or bed headboard.
Other types of reading light include larger tabletop and desk options, which have poseable arms and long LED heads. Mains powered, these lights can emit much more light and illuminate larger areas. Often, these larger models have adjustable brightness and colour settings, giving you greater control over the light you are reading by. The downside of these bigger reading lights is that they tie you into one place - but if you have a favourite reading chair, then this isn’t going to be a problem!
We’ve listed some of our favourite reading lights available to buy today, whatever your requirements.
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. Available in six colours.
Battery: CR2032 (included) Weight: 23g
£10.99
- Rrp: £11.99
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.Available in three colours.
Battery: Built-in, USB rechargeable Weight: 141g
£14.15
- Rrp: £26.99
3 of 8Opard 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 onto 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.
Battery: Built-in, USB rechargeable Weight: 100g
4 of 8Derlights Clip 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. We would recommend using this touch control light on your bed headboard, so you read in the comfort of your sheets.
Battery: Built-in, USB rechargeable Weight: 260g
£12.99
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 tabletop with its sturdy base. With nine adjustable brightness settings and seven LED bulbs, it offers high brightness to satisfy your needs.
Battery: Built-in, USB rechargeable Weight: 100g
6 of 8Skyleo LED Dimmable Reading Desk Lamp with Clamp
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 it to ensure your book it effectively lit. It comes in a sleek, modern design with three colour modes and 10 brightness levels.
Power: USB (can be plugged into mains adapter, laptop, or computer) Weight: 720g
7 of 8CeSunlight Clamp Desk Lamp
This corded, clamped reading light has 360-degree flexibility, giving it a full range of movement for any task. Unobtrusively stylish and minimalist, it offers three colour temperature levels and two brightness settings for each in the eye-caring LED.
Power: Mains and USB Maximum Clamp Width: 44mm
£14.99
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.
Power: USB (can be plugged into mains adapter, laptop, or computer) Clamp compatibility: Can clamp on nearly any monitor with thickness from 1 to 3cm
The best floor reading lamps
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.
Best Floor Reading Lamps
1 of 4Tomons LED Dimmable Reading Floor Lamp
This affordable floor reading lamp has both adjustable brightness and colour temperature features, so you can choose how soft or bright you want the light. With a switch and remote control, you have the choice to control the lamp within effective range, so you don't even need to stand up!
Lamp Base Diameter: 20cm Lamp Height: 1.7m Weight: 2.3kg
2 of 4Argos Home Reading Light Floor Lamp
Not only is this lamp minimalist and sleek, but its flexible head is really useful, and it features an easy-to-use footswitch, too. There are no dimming or colour adjustments here, however.
Lamp Base Diameter: 23cm Lamp Height: 1.15m Weight: 3.3kg
3 of 4Argos Home Father & Child Uplighter Floor Lamp
This floor lamp is a two-in-one solution that is great for reading. The poseable lamp allows you to spotlight your book, while the upright lamp gently lights the surrounding room.
Lamp Base Diameter: 25cm Lamp Height: 1.80m Weight: 5.4kg
4 of 4Serious Readers Alex Dimmable LED Floor Lamp
The Serious Readers lamp is beautifully designed, with a flexible arm for easy positioning next to an armchair or sofa. It may be more expensive, but reviewers have said it is packed with quality that makes it worth every penny. With comfort and ease of use in mind, the LED light output is fully dimmable and offers a bright, warm white light. It has an energy-efficient lifetime, and you know it'll last you for years to come with the five-year guarantee.
Lamp Base Diameter: 20cm Lamp Height: 1.44m Weight: 3.1kg
Make yourself a reading lamp headboard
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.