Best Bed Headboard Reading Light/Lamp

One of the best ways to wind down at the end of a long day is to curl up in bed with a good book. Unfortunately, it is hard to achieve complete comfort. The overhead lights in your room are too bright and who wants to get up to turn off the lights after you are already in bed. There is an easy solution though - a reading light that attaches to your headboard.

Reading lamps emit a soft light, making it easier on your eyes when you are reading at night, and they attach to your headboard, making them easily accessible. That being said, not all headboard book lights are created equal. Some are purely functional and others are more decorative. Let’s look at what makes a good reading lamp and which is the best one for your bedroom.

What to Look for in an Over the Headboard Reading Light

The Power Source

There are lamps that are battery operated and others that need to be plugged in. If you go for the kind that plugs in, then you can set it up once and only have to worry about it again when the bulb needs changing. If you do not have a plug near your bedside, you can opt for a reading light that runs on batteries, but you have to remember to charge them daily.

How They Attach

You have the choice between something that is permanently attached by being mounted on your headboard or wall, or one that clips on. The mounted lights are more secure, but installation can be complicated. If you rent an apartment or have an expensive bedroom suite, then you probably do not want to go with this option and should instead go with a clip on bedside reading lamp. You can move the clip on lamp to any position you like and it won’t leave a mark on the headboard or a hole in your wall.

The Bulbs

For this, you can choose among incandescent, compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs. When it comes to efficiency, LED is your best choice and the bulbs last forever. Incandescent bulbs are not as energy efficient, but the light you get from them is softer and is easier to read with. These types of bulbs are harder to find and can get hot, so they aren’t the safest option. Compact fluorescents are used in plenty of bedside lamps, are energy efficient, and last a long time, but the bulbs contain mercury so breaking or disposing of a light bulb can be dangerous.

Brightness and Color

Light bulbs can come in a variety of wattages and a general rule is the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. Reading lamps take smaller bulbs, typically between 25W to 60W. If you are sharing your room with a partner that is trying to sleep, then go with a smaller watt bulb. The light won’t carry across the room.

Lights also come in different colors and can affect everything from your mood to how you sleep. Red, yellow and orange lights are more soothing and less likely to cause insomnia. You want to stay away from blue lights as they can make it much harder to fall asleep.

Features You Need

A shade: Shades come in different shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that suits your decorating style. Some lamps are designed with a more modern style and don’t have any type of shade at all.

Can you adjust: If you want the most flexible option, then pick a lamp that you can adjust. Some are attached to arms that swing out and extend their range. You can also find lamps with a gooseneck style that allow you to bend and focus the beam of light onto your book.

Turning it off and on: When you are done reading and want to go to sleep, you want the easiest option for turning off the lamp. Some have a switch while others make you pull a cord. Choose the one that is easiest for you.

FAQs

1.What is the difference between a fixed lamp and gooseneck?

That is really just a matter of preference. Goose neck lamps are adjustable and you can aim the beam of light at your book. Fixed lamps are typically brighter, so they may be a better option.

2. What size of bulb should I get?

The physical size of your light bulb will be slightly smaller than a regular light bulb, but what you should be concerned about is how many watts it is. Reading bulbs can go from 25W to 60W, with 25 being much dimmer. If you have any problems with your eyesight then you may want a higher wattage to make things brighter and easier to read.

3. Should I look for a lampshade or without?

Again, this is a matter of personal preference, but a lampshade isn’t just there to match the décor. Shades focus the light and reduce the amount of glare the bulb gives off. A shade can help keep your eyes from becoming sore or fatigued while you read.

Our Picks

Best Battery Operated Headboard Light: LVJING 28 LED Reading Light

Specs:

· Weight: 9.6 ounces

· Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.7 x 3.3 inches

· Type of Lighting: LED

· Number of Settings: 9

This is a lightweight and versatile LED headboard reading light that you can use anywhere. It has 9 different settings so that you can adjust the brightness and color of the light. It has 28 LED lights to give you the perfect amount of light every time. It has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that gives you up to 28 hours of light and you can recharge in about 3 hours. This is a gooseneck lamp so you can position the light where you need it to go. It can clip on your headboard, nightstand or even onto a hardcover novel. This is the perfect choice if you sleep with a partner and do not want to keep them up at night.

Best Plug-in Headboard Lamp: TRM Double Headboard Lamp

Specs:

· Weight: 2.6 pounds

· Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.1 x 7.4 inches

· Type of Lighting: Uses 2 standard 40W bulbs

· No assembly required

If you do not have a nightstand, and floor lamps just don’t cut it, then you will find this headboard lamp with dimmer to be the perfect alternative. It hangs over the headboard with two flexible hooks that can be adjusted to fit any sized headboard and won’t scratch the finish. While this lamp does need to be plugged in, the power cord is 5 feet long, so it can reach any outlet. When you are done reading it turns off easily with the pull of a chain. This lamp is decorative and stylish, and will work with any furniture.

Most Vintage Looking Headboard Lamp: Rosslyn Rustic Swing Arm Wall Lamps

Specs:

· Weight: 8.8 pounds

· Dimensions: 20.2 x 13 x 11.2 inches

· Type of Lighting: Uses 2 standard 40W bulbs

· Needs to be mounted

These are fixed lamps, but they are adjustable so you can still get them into a position that allows you to read comfortably. Equipped with a dimmer switch, you can adjust the brightness as well as the position. They have a beautiful bronze finish and are inspired by the French country style. These antique looking bedside lamps will compliment any décor.

Conclusion

Any of these headboard reading light ideas should work for your bedroom. Even if you only read for a short time before going to sleep, they will provide sufficient light and not keep your partner awake.

Our Choices:

1. Best Battery Operated Headboard Light: LVJING 28 LED Reading Light
2. Best Plug-in Headboard Lamp: TRM Double Headboard Lamp
3. Most Vintage Looking Headboard Lamp: Rosslyn Rustic Swing Arm Wall Lamps

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