Bedside Reading Lamp

what is the best lamp for reading in bed?

The best lamp for reading in bed offers a warm white light (2700-3500 K) that is glare-free and adjustable toward the page. A bedside reading light with a flexible head or a wall sconce frees up the nightstand. A dimmer allows you to adjust the intensity at bedtime without waking your partner.

Directed light preserves sleep: it illuminates only the reading area, avoids reflections on the page and does not flood the room. The IP20 rating applies to any dry bedroom and covers all the models in this selection. For lamps designed for the bedroom, color temperature is the first criterion to check before design or size. LED technology, present on two of the three models, adds a long lifespan without sacrificing light quality.

Browse the grid below to choose your reading light based on your mounting type, style and base.

table lamp, wall sconce or flexible reading light: which type to choose?

Three formats coexist: the table lamp for the nightstand, the flexible wall sconce fixed to the wall and the reading light with an adjustable head. The table lamp illuminates the whole room, the wall sconce saves space and the flexible arm directs the beam precisely toward your book.

If your nightstand is small or non-existent, a wall sconce at the head of the bed is the most space-efficient solution. For small bedside formats, the table lamp remains versatile: it easily moves to the living room or office depending on your needs. The Natasja flexible sconce illustrates this logic well: articulated steel arm, compact shade (Ø 5 cm x 8 cm), built-in switch, it adapts just as well to the bedroom as to the office.

which base and bulb for a bedside reading light?

Our bedside reading lights accept three bases: E14 for small bulbs, E27 for more powerful models and GU10 for adjustable spotlights. Choose an LED bulb in warm white (2700-3500 K), which is soft in the evening and energy-efficient. The IP20 rating is suitable for a dry bedroom.

The Java (E14 base) accepts a discreet flame bulb, ideal for a bedroom with a boho spirit. The Natasja (GU10 base) already includes a ready-to-use warm white LED, between 9 W and 10 W depending on the chosen version. The Steinhauer (E27 base) accepts a standard bulb up to 40 W, useful if you want to choose your own lighting level. To go further, the LED models in our catalog offer several temperatures and power outputs, and the bedside lamp range covers all common bases.

do you need a bedside lamp with a dimmer?

A dimmer allows you to lower the intensity for soft lighting before sleeping, then increase it to read comfortably. In our selection, some models with built-in dimmers adjust the light with a simple gesture, without changing bulbs or installing a wall-mounted dimmer, which is ideal for reading in bed.

The Steinhauer dimmer model offers exactly this flexibility: cork shade, black metal and wood base, height 40 cm with a diameter of 20 cm, warm white light 2700-3500 K. Late in the evening, lowering the intensity naturally signals the brain to transition to sleep. For a bedroom that plays with contrasts, modern bedside lamps often integrate this type of control into clean lines.

how to connect multiple lamps to a single power outlet

To connect multiple lamps to a single power outlet, connect them in parallel: each luminaire receives the same voltage via common phase and neutral wires. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker, use a terminal block or a junction box and respect the cable gauge. If in doubt, hire an electrician.

This setup mainly concerns wall sconces placed at the head of the bed: two bedside wall lights on either side of the bed can share the same branch circuit if the installation allows it. The conductor cross-section must correspond to the total power of the connected luminaires. Never exceed the maximum load of the circuit breaker dedicated to the bedroom and check the condition of the installation before adding any lighting point, especially in older homes.

italian design, designer or original bedside lamp: which styles?

The Italian style relies on clean lines, metal and meticulous finishes. Our reading lights express Nordic, contemporary and boho spirits in wood, bamboo or cork. For a unique bedroom, an original model combines natural materials and an adjustable head, being both decorative and functional.

The bamboo-based Java is suitable for a bedroom with a boho or Nordic spirit. The metal and wood Steinhauer fits into a contemporary or Nordic interior with a discreet black base. For designer bedside lamps or more original models, combine natural materials with a striking shape. Wood finishes are the most versatile between a master bedroom and an office. If you prefer strong contrasts, the black color present on the Java and Steinhauer matches most contemporary interiors.

how to recognize a real salt lamp?

A real Himalayan salt lamp is heavy, carved from a block of raw pink salt with irregular shades, and slightly damp to the touch in humid weather. Its warm orange light remains soft. A model that is too light, too regular or very bright is often an imitation.

Some concrete benchmarks: an authentic block has color variations (pale pink, orange, sometimes brick red) and a rough surface. The base is heavy relative to the size, with a medium-sized block generally weighing several kilograms. The emitted light is very soft, almost orange, never white or bright. To recognize a real salt lamp, the touch test in humid weather remains the most reliable: the block becomes slightly damp, a sign that the salt is real. If you are primarily looking for a cozy atmosphere for reading in the evening, our reading lights reproduce this warmth with an LED calibrated between 2700 and 3500 K, without the maintenance constraints associated with salt. Vintage bedside lamps and rattan models also play with warm hues and natural materials for a similar result.

our flagship bedside reading lights and their materials

Our flagship bedside reading lights rely on natural materials: the Java bamboo reading light with an adjustable head, the Natasja flexible wall sconce in steel and cork, and the Steinhauer metal and wood model with a dimmer. All have a two-year warranty and are designed for the bedroom, living room or office.

• The Java bamboo reading light: adjustable head, E14 base, height 39 cm, black and natural beige colors. Boho and Nordic style, light and versatile, it moves from the nightstand to the office effortlessly.
• The Natasja flexible sconce: steel arm with a touch of cork, GU10 base, shade Ø 5 cm x 8 cm, warm white 2700-3500 K, built-in switch. Modern and contemporary style, silver and gray colors. Fixed to the wall, it completely frees up the nightstand.
• The Steinhauer dimmer model: cork shade, metal and wood base, E27 base, height 40 cm for a diameter of 20 cm, warm white 2700-3500 K, built-in dimmer. Nordic and contemporary style, black and brown colors.

All three models are IP20 certified, suitable for any dry bedroom. To go further in your choice, consult lamps for adult bedrooms, bedroom lamps in the broad sense or our entire lighting collection at Designix.

Find your ideal reading light directly in the grid or explore the complete range of bedside lamps to refine your selection by style, base or material.

frequently asked questions about the bedside reading lamp