To read in bed without disturbing your partner, use a focused light aimed at the book, with moderate intensity and a shade that limits sideways spill. A lower-wattage bulb does not always solve the problem: positioning and direction matter more.
1. Avoid lighting the whole room
A ceiling light or completely open shade sends light in every direction. For reading, use a nearby source that concentrates the light on your side of the bed.
The closer the source is to the book, the less total light you need to see comfortably.
2. Place the lamp at the right height
The lower edge of the shade should stop you seeing the bulb directly from your normal position. If it is too high, light can cross the bed. If it is too low, it may cast shadows over the book.
The exact height depends on the mattress, bedside table, headboard and whether you read sitting up or lying down. Test it from the pillow before deciding.
3. Use a shade that controls glare
Opal, textured or laterally enclosed shades soften the light. An exposed bulb can feel uncomfortable even at low lumen levels.
It also helps if the main opening directs part of the light down onto the book rather than across the other side of the bed.
4. Choose adjustable brightness
Dimming lets you adapt the light to text size, contrast and existing room lighting. Start low and raise it only until you can read comfortably.
Too much light increases contrast with a dark room and may be more disturbing for both people.
5. Which colour temperature should you choose?
2700K provides a warm, comfortable tone for a bedroom. 3000K looks slightly clearer and can also work well for reading. Colour temperature does not replace good positioning.
Do not confuse kelvin with brightness: a 2700K bulb can still be very bright if it has a high lumen output.
6. Table lamp, portable lamp or wall light?
Bedside table lamp
Easy to install and useful as ambient light too. Choose a shade that does not send too much light sideways.
Portable lamp
You can move it closer without depending on a socket. Make sure it provides enough light for reading; many portable lamps are designed mainly for ambience.
Adjustable wall light
Frees up the bedside table and lets you direct the beam. It requires installation and careful positioning.
Clip light
Very focused and practical, although it may integrate less naturally into the room visually.
7. Avoid reflections and shadows
Place the lamp slightly opposite the hand you use to hold or turn pages. If you are right-handed, light coming from the left often reduces hand shadows; if you are left-handed, light from the right can help.
With e-readers, avoid positioning the bulb where it reflects on the screen.
8. Create two independent controls
In a shared bedroom, the ideal setup is for each side to have its own lamp and switch. One person can then turn off their light without affecting the other.
If the two lamps are symmetrical, use the same colour temperature so they look coherent when both are on.
Checklist
- The bulb is not directly visible from the pillow.
- The light falls on the book, not across the whole bed.
- Each side has an independent control.
- The brightness is sufficient but not excessive.
- The colour temperature is around 2700K–3000K.
- The lamp is stable when reached from bed.
Frequently asked questions
How many lumens do I need?
There is no single figure. It depends on distance and the shade. A nearby, well-directed source is usually more useful than a powerful bulb placed far away.
Is red light better for reading?
Very red or amber light can create atmosphere, but it can reduce contrast and colour perception. For reading, 2700K or 3000K is usually more practical.
Can a decorative table lamp be used for reading?
Only if it directs enough light onto the book. Some models are designed mainly for ambience rather than tasks.
What size should the lamp be?
It should be proportional to the bedside table and position the shade correctly relative to the bed. Read more in how to choose a table lamp for the bedroom.
If you need a bedside or night-reading light, compare our table lamps and choose the format that best suits your bedroom.