If there's one thing you should know about me it's that I love to read. I am a bookworm through and through — have been for years. Growing up, I wanted to be just like my older brother, and he tore through every book he ever read as though he were on deadline. Eventually, his passion rubbed off on me, and I now spend most evenings reading a few pages before bed, and most weekend afternoons turning page after page of my favorite GoodReads-recommended picks.
So it should come as no surprise that when I think of the best table lamps, I think of table lamps for reading first and foremost. If I'm so invested in my book that I can't wait to read the next chapter after work, I want to be reading next to a stunning, relaxing, high-quality light that illuminates my pages but doesn't hurt my eyes.
Dimmable features are 'ideal' for reading at night, said Dara Greaney, founder and CEO of LEDLightExpert.com, an e-commerce lighting retailer. 'Pay attention to color temperature of the bulbs too,' he continued. You want something with warm or soft white light that 'creates a natural light feeling. Too bright of a bulb can lead to eye strain.'
It's all a delicate balance, of course, and one that is difficult to suss out while shopping online ... that said, however, I'm attempting to solve at least half of that equation with a special edit curated below. You're welcome in advance. You can repay me in book recs.
12 of the best table lamps for reading
Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.
Price: $60
The ribbed ceramic base plus cream color make this the perfect upgraded white table lamp for any room in need. I think this size would work great on an end table or a nightstand, and it would cast a gorgeous large glow, two pluses for a table lamp for reading.
Price: $150.95
I love the natural, light-directing rattan shade here, combined with the thin, curved metal stem. Perfect for a bedside table, and for illuminating book pages without hurting your eyes or head.
Price: $103
I think this would make a great table lamp for a living room, which is also why I think it would make a great table lamp for reading. A large frame, a bright light ... what's not to like? Great, functional decor.
Price: $119
The benefit of this slim, sage green lamp from Anthropologie is that it's portable, meaning you can move it wherever you please. That's reading made easy.
Price: $239
Was: $290
The slight bend in the neck here is the real showstopper — it looks like the shade is curving, sneaking, bending toward the object of illumination (a book, in this instance).
Price: $50
The clover shape gives this affordable lamp some unexpected charm, while its squat size makes it feel so cozy and warm. Ideal for reading.
Price: $97
Was: $125.05
The adjustable swingarm on this arched metal lamp means you can redirect light with a simple push. Perfect for sharing the wealth among a couple of bookworms.
Price: $169
I love how modern and bright this piece is — and since it's portable, you can share the light (and the extra touch of decor) anywhere you'd like to carry it.
Price: $250
Orb lights like the one at the center of this modern sculpture cast such a wide and hearty glow. I dream of reading in this lovely diffused light from the Anthropologie lighting department.
Price: $77.99
Was: $144.93
The best part of this metal task lamp? It's adjustable, meaning you can change the height of the arm to suit the space you're in or the book you're reading.
Price: $299
Simple and sleek, the minimalist table lamp is exactly what it looks like. A quality lamp, well-made, and well-designed, with no extra bells and whistles. Sometimes that's all you need.
Price: $495
While it's certainly a splurge, this vintage-inspired round glass lamp has my heart. I can only imagine how relaxed I'd feel sipping a tea, nose-deep in my book, nestled comfortably in this warm, nostalgic glow.
Craving more lamps? I understand that feeling. Don't worry — my edits of the best table lamps for a bedroom, blue and white table lamps, and mid-century table lamps.
How bright should a table lamp for reading be?
A reading lamp of the correct brightness should do two things: 'It should be bright enough to show the entirety of what you are reading without casting shadows and without eye strain,' Dara told me. 'Basically, the light should be bright enough to clearly reveal the text or images on the page.'
You might also find that you need a brighter lamp 'in dimly lit spaces or for reading small print. A softer light is fine in well-lit areas or for larger fonts.'
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