When so much of my day is spent staring at a screen, my nighttime reading feels not just like a sacred ritual, but a necessary moment of respite for my tired eyes and overstimulated brain. In fact, studies have shown that reading before bed not only helps you fall asleep faster, but it can actually help you stay asleep longer, too.
The only issue with this evening activity? It can be somewhat antisocial for those of us who share a bed with someone who isn't as quick to embrace a pre-sleep read. Because, despite how many carrots I desperately ate as a child, I still haven't quite figured out how to read in the dark, and keeping all the lights on while someone else is attempting to snooze right next to you seems like a sure-fire way to start a nightly argument.
Luckily, this bedroom lighting idea I've just discovered solves both my lack of super-powers and my desire for a peaceful night's sleep.
Enter: the recessed reading lamp. These clever little wall sconces provide just the right amount of light for my nightly flick through whatever memoir I happen to be reading at that moment, without disturbing the person lying next to me. And, even better yet, once I'm done reading, they discreetly push back into their body, disappearing into the wall. Sleek, discreet, and good for sleep? That's a win in my book.
My Top Picks
For the most discreet, practically undetectable design, it doesn't get much better than the tuck light from Pooky. It's perfect for small bedroom layouts, as it hardly takes up any space, even when in use, and the antiqued brass finish looks pretty sitting flush to your wall.
The only thing better than reading before bed? Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok for hours, of course. And this clever lamp accounts for both these sacred bedtime rituals, thanks to the handy built-in USB port. Plus, the brass finish makes it look far more expensive than it actually is.
Another lovely antiqued brass option, this elegant design is almost bell-like in structure and is completely adjustable, so you can ensure that your reading page (and only your page) is receiving ample illumination.
If you're a fan of space-age interiors, this one's for you. There's something almost sci-fi-like about this design, as if it's a spaceship rotating around a planet. And in a way, it is. The central dome can be rotated 350 degrees around the illuminated centre, changing the direction of the light with it.
This adjustable wall sconce comes in 5 different finishes for you to choose between, including a sleek silver option, in case you're still searching for your chrome decor fix. When you're not using it, it tucks into itself, sitting flush on your wall for a sleek look.
There's something pleasingly unique about the design of this adjustable reading lamp, poking out of the wall to help you through your nighttime reading. A dark bronze, sleek, and elegant, it's the perfect addition to a modern bedroom design.
For me, picking up a book and putting down my phone was the first step in mastering sleep hygiene, and it's only been going up from there. If you want to get started on the same journey, begin by investing in a few things people who sleep well have in their bedrooms.
