Reading is a fantastic activity that is enjoyed by people for many reasons such as relaxation, learning, emotional connectivity and so on. To be able to enjoy reading to the fullest, you need to have Proper lighting in a comfortable position because it directly impacts the overall reading clarity and comfort. You can choose different types of light sources for a memorable reading session; however, choosing between a bedside lamp or ceiling light for this purpose can be tricky.
What type of lamp is best for reading?
If you enjoy reading, you will be wondering what is the perfect lighting for this purpose because it can negatively or positively influence your well being. If you are exposed to excessive artificial light it can create a lot of problems such as sleeping issues. On the other hand if you don't have enough light you may not be able to read or concentrate. Let's take a look at the best lighting and lamp for reading between bedside lamps and ceiling lamps.
When it comes to lighting there are several bulb options that can be used in the bedside lamps or ceiling. It is generally believed that fluorescent and halogen bulbs work wonderfully as compared to incandescent bulbs. This is especially true when the job is to light a book or reading material. Halogen bulbs emit white light that makes them a perfect option for reading. The bright white light emitted by these bulbs does not produce glare and offers good illumination.
Sometimes homeowners prefer a lighter light in the room, which can be a problem for book readers as they may need more light to read after dusk. In that case, bedside lamps come to your back. They are adjustable, and you may choose the source of light that suits your needs. Bedside lamps with LED light are the perfect choice as they are long lasting and save power as well. Fluorescent bulbs can also be used in warmer environments. LED lights are known for their longevity and focus light in a specific direction. This feature makes them a very ideal choice for reading as compared to conventional lights ceiling lights which spread light in various directions.
Please only compare beside lamps and ceiling lights bulbs, and the performance of the bulb that they two provide, the difference effect for reading
The best lamp for reading is one that provides adequate light directly on your book without glare or shadows. Here are some common types of reading lamps and how they affect your reading experience:
Task Lamps
Task lamps are those designed to focus light at a place of your choice; hence, they are good for reading. You can adjust them so that the light shines right on the place you want it to. One of the greatest things about task lamps is that, by giving you control over the direction and intensity of the light, they allow you not to strain your eyes and be comfortable while reading.
Floor lamps
These lamps are mostly movable, often having adjustable arms. If placed correctly, they could afford good reading light. Basically, floor lamps are versatile and can easily be placed beside your favorite reading chair or sofa. This actually creates a rather cozy, well-lit reading corner.
Desk Lamps
Desk lamps are essentially a source of directed light and usually adjustable. They are well suited for reading at a desk or table. Desk lamps would be very appropriate to students or professionals who would spend long hours reading documents, since they provide focused illumination.
Wall lamps
These mount on the wall and can offer superb ambient light, though they may not be as flexible as other lamps when considering the fact that their light could be directed. Scones are a stylish solution to add supplementary lighting to any reading nook or bedroom, but may have to be paired with another light source for reading light.
Ceiling Lights
Providing general illumination, ceiling lights might not focus bright enough to read; they work best in conjunction with a task lamp. They definitely can provide an environment that is bright and well-lit, but for reading purposes, one will still need an extra source of light to eliminate shadow and illuminate the pages properly.
The readability will be affected by the type of light created from the different lighting. Task lamps, floor lamps, and desk lamps are generally more suitable reading lamps due to their focused and adjustable light. Ceiling lights and wall sconces will give good background illumination but can't be used independently.
Is a bedside lamp ideal for reading?
Bedside lamps are an important source of light in any room as they not only fit effortlessly in any room but also add an amazing source of light. For reading, bedside lamps are a very good option, however there are few things that we need to consider before selecting a bedside lamp.
When the task of a bedside lamp is to illuminate your book it should provide enough light to reduce strain on the eye. The light coming from the bedside lamp should not be too bright or too dim; they cannot serve the purpose. It should focus on the reading material so that you have a good session.
Height
One of the most important features of a bedside lamp is the height of the lamp. If you want to enjoy reading you have to place a good height bedside lamp. You must ensure that it is not emitting light above your head or producing a strain in your eye. For reading the lamp shade bottom should level with your eyes when you are sitting in the bed. Ideally, 24 to 30 inches tall bedside lamps work well for reading.
Lumens
If you are not sure about the level of brightness the bedside table offers measure the lumens of the bulb of the lamp and not the wattage. For a reading lamp 450 lumen bedside lamps are perfect. This level of brightness is comfortable to the eyes at night and also perfectly illuminates the reading material for you to focus with clarity. If you want a calm and soft glow in the room, a 400 lumen bulb is also good.
Color temperature
Generally warm and white bulbs are a preferred color temperature for bedside tables. They also have a dimmable option that allows you to adjust the light according to your needs while you are reading. Usually a color temperature between 2000 to 2700k is considered ideal for bedside lamps.
Lampshade
The choice of lampshades depends upon the amount of light they emit. Usually lighter tones or transparent lamp shades are preferred for more light emission as compared to opaque and dark color shades. So, depending on your needs, you can choose the best color for your lamp shade that not only provides enough light for reading but also compliments the style of your room.
What is the best lighting color for reading?
Natural light
Natural daylight is the perfect source of light for reading. It provides focus and alertness to fully concentrate on reading. It has a range of 5000 to 6500k. Its range of light is very good for task lighting such as reading and it will increase productivity.
Warm colors
If warm light colors are used in the ceiling lights, they create a great environment offering a feeling of unity and warmth in the house. They create a perfect outlook of the house. However, if warm colors are used excessively in the ceiling lights, they also create the feeling of enclosed space. For houses that are already not very spacious, warm ceiling lights can cause jamming.
On the other hand, warm colors are perfect for bedside lamps as their use is subject to requirement. They offer the same warmth and cozy environment without affecting the overall look of the house.
If you want to create a cozy environment when you are reading you will require a warm light color. Warm colors such as red and orange can be very relaxing and soothing. They mainly make the responses of the body similar to when you are exposed to a candle light or a sunset making you very composed and relaxed. If you read at night to go to sleep instantly, warm colors are a good choice to enjoy a few pages of your book and then drift off to sleep.
Soft colors
Soft colors are usually preferred in the ceiling lights as they create a great aura of motivation and energy. Since most of the work other than reading needs to be done in the using the ceiling lights, light color light is preferable. . Soft light is a very good option for focus reading sessions but if your goal is to go to sleep while reading they might not be a good option. These colors can make it hard for you to sleep.
Soft color light used in bedside lamps can also destroy the overall look of the room and the space lit by the lamp.
As compared to warm colors light and soft colors such as white and blue improve the cognitive ability of the brain and keep you alert. Soft colors have a temperature of 4000 to 6500k
Therefore you have to decide what your goal is when you are reading. If you prefer a cozy environment and want to relax and sleep after reading you should opt for warm color temperature. However if you want to have an alert time while you are reading and fully concentrate on the book then you can select a soft light temperature.
Please only compare the difference of light color they can provde between ceiling light and beside lamps. The range of your written content was too large, google can’t know they are related to the topic title.
How much light is needed for reading?
Now that we have discussed the color temperature of the light for reading you should know how much light is ideally required for reading comfortably.
The amount of light provided by any light source for reading depends upon the lumens. This unit gives you an idea of the bulb's brightness level. If the bulb has a high lumen value, it will be very bright, and if it has a low luminous value, it will be less bright. Let's take a look at some of the light options and their recommended lumens for reading
Table Bedside lamps
Bedside lamps are also a preferred choice for reading especially at night. You can select a bedside lamp with 450-900 lumen to provide you with adequate light for reading. This range is ideal for a relaxing reading time at night without disturbing your sleep later on.
Scones Bedside lamps
Scones installed over bedside are another good alternative is ceiling light and bedside lamps for reading. They can be installed in your bedroom or living room. And they offer 400 to 800 lumens of light that is ideal for reading without illuminating the entire space.
Bedside Desk lamp
For detailed tasks such as studying or even reading, desk lamps on your bedside are another good choice. They provide concentrated light in a particular direction. You can select a desk lamp depending on the size of your desk. The choice of a desk lamp also differs if the activity you would be performing here is reading or crafting. Typically a reading desk lamp should have an output of 1000 to 2000 lumens.
Ceiling light
Ceiling lights offer light to the entire room and create a very well lit space. They are a good option if you like to read at day time. When the ceiling light is harmonized with a natural day like they provide enough illumination for you to stay alert and focus on reading.
But for night time ceiling light is not good for reading. For this time you need to explore more options such as bedside tables or table lamps.