Modern Reading Lamps

Reading Floor Lamps

Many floor lamps provide the ability to read or perform tasks under the light. Reading floor lamps include several variants of floor lamps with different styles and features including arc-shaped bodies for a grander look and swingarms for adjustable needs to get just the right view. Reading floor lamps are not limited to reading, but rather include any tasks that would benefit from an even, direct glow.

Where Reading Lamps Work Best

Reading lamps are the ideal choice for any area in the home designated for reading. Avoiding dim light while reading books or newspapers is crucial, so choosing a floor lamp that provides ample focused illumination is key. In the living room, a strategically placed reading lamp can be situated in a corner by a favorite chair or near a couch for over-the-shoulder lighting. These floor reading lamps, being portable and easy to adjust, accommodate any furniture arrangement in the room. The home office also benefits from these lamps, with their contemporary designs offering a fresh look to spaces that might otherwise feel stuffy. In the bedroom, where a reading sconce or table lamp may not be available, a standing floor lamp ensures sufficient light for reading in bed.

How to Choose the Best Reading Lamp

The primary function of a reading light is to facilitate reading, making it essential to select a fixture that fits well within the space and personal style. This collection includes reading lamps in various shapes, colors, and styles, all designed to provide adequate lighting for relaxation and reading. The range includes halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lamps, with LED reading lamps highly recommended for this specific task. It's important to examine a fixture's light bulb requirements and brightness output to ensure it meets the lighting needs of the space. Size constraints are also a vital consideration, including the lamp's reach, height, and floor space requirements.

The Different Types of Reading Lamps

Floor Lamps

Floor lamps sit on the floor and typically plug into the wall. They usually have long and thin bodies that lead to a higher-up light source creating a tall silhouette. Floor lamps come in a variety of styles and can add a direct glow down to a specific point such as a lounge chair or desk. Some floor lamps can send light upwards as well, creating an even illumination on walls to highlight specific objects or create accent light that spreads throughout the room.

Reading and Swingarm Lights

Reading and swingarm lights mount to the wall or sit on the floor and provide adjustable function, allowing for a precise display of light to a space below. The swingarm can be moved in a moment as needs arrive, making them versatile pieces that can be valuable for certain room décor and uses.

Arc Floor Lamps

Arc floor lamps are grander and larger versions of floor lamps. Rather than only having a long and thin body, these floor lamps showcase a wide arc. These lamps typically sit in a corner or behind a seating area due to their size. The end of the arc hovers over a sitting area, providing a bright source of light.

Desk and Task Lamps

Desk and task lamps are smaller lamps that sit on desk areas and are designed for close-up tasks such as reading, work or studying. These lamps are sometimes portable and sometimes contain swingarms for precise movement of the light. Some desk lamps or table lamps are literally smaller versions of a floor lamp counterpart, allowing for a sense of flow in the space.

Bedside Lamps

Bedside lamps are lamps designed to be near the bed. For reading or finishing up some work before turning in for the night, these lamps can sit on a nightstand or mount to the wall and provide a bright, even glow that illuminates whatever task needs to be completed before the day is done.

Features to Consider when Selecting a Reading Lamp

There are many features to consider before choosing a reading lamp. Many reading lamps are dimmable, allowing for a shift in the brightness and coloring of the light if working on something at night or needing a low level of light. As above, swingarms and adjustable arms are desired functions as they provide a custom view for the light. A swingarm contains one or multiple joints for increased functionality and adjustability and can contain telescopic arms that shrink the silhouette until it is needed. For rooms that can benefit from layers of lights at different heights, a lamp with an adjustable height can be beneficial. Rooms such as the bedroom can benefit from a lamp with an adjustable height if switching from a lounge chair in the bedroom to a lower surface such as the bed itself. As always, don’t discount the décor of the outside of the home. Many floor lamps can be used outside, as long as they have a damp or wet rating to be safe to be used around moisture and direct water contact.