If you’re like most readers, you probably have a favorite place where you like to get lost in a book. But whether it’s in a comfy armchair in the den or propped up in bed just before sleeping, having the right reading light can spell the difference between an enjoyable read and an eye-straining experience.
Because reading is a task that’s intensive on the eyes, you will need adequate lighting that is both bright and focused. Task lighting is one name for this kind of lighting: it refers to lighting that is not intended to brighten up an entire room, but instead focus on only one work surface.
This is even more important for reading at night.
Which Light Is Best for Reading?
To get the best illumination for your nighttime reading session, opt for fluorescent or halogen bulbs over incandescent bulbs. The whiter light coming from halogen bulbs makes them a great choice for reading, because they illuminate your page much more clearly.
Some people complain about the greenish blue light that fluorescent bulbs emit. The good news is that fluorescent lighting is now available in different colors, lasts 20 times longer, and uses up to 80% less energy than older models.
Best Reading Lights to Choose From
Here are some of the most highly recommended reading lights you can choose from:
1. VONT LED Clip-On Reading Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 7.80 x 4.30 x 2.20 inches
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $13.99
This reading light comes with three different brightness levels and a flexible gooseneck you can bend up to 360 degrees.
You can clip the lamp onto a table, bed, or even the edge of your book, and then position your light where you need it. Alternatively, you can just stand it on your bedside table and its large base will keep it in position.
2. CeSunlight Rechargeable LED Book Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 10.24 x 5.51 x 1.38 inches
Weight: Not stated
Battery Life: 6 to 10 hours of use, 3 hours to charge
Price: From $12.99
This hands-free reading light comes with flexible arms made of steel alloy wrapped in soft silicone. Hang this around your neck and enjoy your reading without any damage to your book or any other surface. You can also easily charge the battery using a USB cable, making it easier than needing to keep a separate charger.
3. The Original Mighty Bright
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 1.20 x 3.00 x 5.00 inches
Weight: 1.03 ounces
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Price: $23.99
This book light offers adjustable brightness and a battery that can last up to 60 hours when used in the lowest setting. The good thing is that, despite the long battery life, you can get it fully charged within one hour.
4. LEPOWER Clip on Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 4.53 x 2.95 x 19.88 inches
Weight: 1.06 pounds
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $15.99
This clip-on light, which you can clip onto just about any surface, comes with a sturdy but adjustable stem, allowing you to direct the light where you need it. You can also adjust the brightness to suit your needs, and plug it into a power source so you don’t have to worry about battery life .
5. Ecologic Mart Book Light Enhanced for Bookworms
Light Source: LED
Light Color: Warm, Cool and Natural
Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.57 x 9.45 inches
Weight: 3.1 ounces
Battery Life: Up to 130 hours per charge
Price: $17.87
This small book light is efficient and boasts a very long battery life. In fact, you can even add a power bank for backup power. Plus, it comes with dual arms, making it possible to position each light on both sides of your book for optimal lighting.
6. Vekkia Bookmark Book Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 8.10 x 1.90 x 1.00 inches
Weight: Not stated
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours on the lowest setting
Price: $12.99
This ultra-thin book light is handy enough to take with you when you travel. Made of soft rubber, it’s bendable, and laying it flat can convert it into a bookmark! You can charge this light via USB. Its lithium battery that can last up to 20 hours in its lowest light setting.
7. Raniaco Reading Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 2.17 x 4.33 x 6.69 inches
Weight: 4.1 ounces
Battery Life: 24 hours per charge
Price: $13.98
This LED reading light boasts a battery that can last up to 24 hours. You can also recharge it via USB, which means you won’t need a separate charger. It can be used in three different lighting settings.
8. Lumiens L9
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 5 inches
Weight: 6.1 ounces
Battery Life: 20 hours
Price: $29.71
This adjustable light comes with optical-grade LED lights set in a horizontal orientation, giving you a wider light with no “hot spots,” which makes it perfect for piano playing or reading at night. You can adjust the neck to shine light just where you need it.
9. LightWedge Paperback Book Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $24.99
If you want to read at night without lighting up the whole room, try this Paperback Book Light: lay the acrylic lens flat on the page you’re on, and see the page light up for your reading convenience. This comes in a size just right for reading paperback books with.
10. AMIR Rechargeable 16-LED Book Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 0.98 x 2.76 x 2.05 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $16.99
Using 16 LED lights, this reading light does away with glare and the annoying flickering that other lamps have. You can adjust its long neck up to 360 degrees, and use the clip to attach it to almost any surface.
11. Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 4 x 1.75 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $14.39
Looking for a reading light that will last the longest time? This book light is set to stay with you for up to 100,000 hours! With two optical grade lenses, it gives you even light distribution, and you also have two brightness settings to choose from.
12. TopElek Rechargeable Book Light
Light Source: LED
Light Color: Warm / Cool
Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.89 x 4.72 inches
Weight: 3.2 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: $9.99
This reading light features silicone material so you don’t have to worry about damaging your book pages when you clamp it on. It also comes with three brightness settings you can choose from.
13. MoKo Flexible Neck LED Clip-On Reading Light Lamp
Light Source: LED
Light Color: White
Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.18 x 9.84 inches
Weight: 2.83 ounces
Battery Life: Not stated
Price: Currently unavailable
This compact and lightweight book light is a great match for non-lighted Kindles or other e-readers. The good thing is that it comes with a silicone padding so you can rest assured you won’t scratch your device, or damage any book pages if you choose to use it with a book.
Is LED Lighting Good for Reading?
Because LEDs emit light in a specific direction, they are also a great choice as a reading light. Also, LED bulbs tend to last longer than halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent bulbs, giving you a greater return for your money.
Using Reading Lights
If the room where you normally read does not have ample lighting, or if you like reading at night when your partner or roommate is already sleeping, a reading light is a great investment. That way, you can still curl up with your favorite book at the end of the day.
Remember, reading is one hobby that will help you grow more as a person, so always find time to read across different genres to expand your realm of knowledge and experience!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
