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Bedroom reading lights are simple fixtures that can add so much to your bedroom, both in terms of looks and functionality. Night time reading and relaxation become easier and more comfortable, helping you to unwind and get ready for bed.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the perks of bedside reading lights as well as the bedroom lighting options that you have.
Why Should I Use LED Reading Lights in The Bedroom?
LED reading lights bring with them many benefits, especially when you compare them to their traditional counterparts.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT. Perhaps the main draw of LED lighting is the energy efficiency they are known to have. LED lights consume 80 percent less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs. This makes them a healthier choice for the environment as well as a better choice for your wallet. You will see a drop in your electricity bills over time with LED lights installed.
- LONG LIFESPAN. Opposed to the 1,000 hours of life or so that halogen and incandescent bulbs provide, LED bulbs last exponentially longer. LEDs are rated to outlast tens of thousands of hours of use, so you won’t have to change the bulbs for years, even decades, to come.
- DIMMABILITY. One of the most important reasons to have a reading lamp for bed is eye comfort. An LED light that can dim will reduce eye strain while providing a nice atmosphere and mood in the room.
- LOW HEAT. Unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights output minimal heat. You won’t have to worry about the discomfort of being near a hot bulb in your headboard reading light or the potential injury from touching one that has been on for a long time.
- COLOUR TEMPERATURE OPTIONS. LED lights come in a variety of colour temperatures, ranging from deep and warm to cool and crisp. This gives you control over the exact appearance of your illumination generated by LED reading lamps.
Can Bedroom Reading Lights be Dimmed?
As mentioned above, many LED reading lamps for bedrooms are able to be dimmed. Of course, it depends on the model and brand of bulbs, but their dimmable nature is usually indicated on the packaging.
Some lights, such as the 5 Watt Dimmable Recessed Bedside LED Reading Light, have a dimmer switch affixed right to the fixture itself, so you won’t even have to install a wall control for it. It is a good idea to consult with an electrician both before purchasing the lights and before installing them to ensure they are up to code and will work well in your space.
The customisable atmosphere you can create with a dimmable headboard lamp or wall reading light is hugely appealing to most users. You can easily dim the light according to your mood or the time of day and adjust the overall feel throughout.
A lower-lit room is also better for relaxation in general. The right lighting from your wall reading lamp can help you unwind for bed and may even improve sleep quality by limiting your exposure to bright lights before bed.
Do LED Reading Lights Reduce Eye Strain?Â
Wall mounted reading lights and headboard reading lights alike both reduce strain on the eyes when reading at night. This is due to a few key traits that this style of bulb provides:
- FLICKER-FREE LIGHTING. LED lights turn on instantly, whereas traditional bulbs often flicker to life. Flickering can cause general discomfort and eye strain. This is especially true when you are relying on that light for extended periods of reading. The consistent, stable lighting makes everything gentler for your eyes.
- EVEN LIGHTING. An LED reading light provides uniform illumination throughout the space you’re reading in. This reduces glaring hot spots and harsh contrasts, limiting eye strain by helping you focus more easily on the text.
- CONTROL OF COLOUR TEMPERATURE. The ability to choose lights with the appropriate colour temperature helps you limit eye strain. Warm, white lighting provides the perfect balance to make reading a more comfortable experience.
How Long do LED Bedroom Reading Lights Normally Last?
LED lights are long-lasting options. They are rated to last significantly longer than halogen bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them often. Our wall and headboard reading lamp fixtures provide 20,000 hours of runtime, so once you install them, you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements.
What Can You do to Maximise The Life of Your LED Reading Lights?
There are many things you can do to prolong the life of your bulbs. Before anything else, choose high quality lights. Better brands with well-made materials and components are naturally going to last longer than cheaper alternatives. By installing these lights according to the instructions or by having a qualified electrician do it for you, you can ensure they will outlast the years.
By avoiding too much heat exposure, the lives of the bedroom wall reading lights may also be extended. Avoid installing the reading lights for bedroom spaces in poorly ventilated areas or areas that are enclosed.
By reducing the heat buildup, you can prolong their degradation over time. You should also regularly check the fixture and the bulb, dusting it off and cleaning it with a soft, dry cloth as needed to remove any buildup and debris.
Which LED Colour Temperature is Best For Bedroom Reading Lights?
Generally speaking, the best colour temperature for a reading light is between 2700k and 3300k. This warm, white light range is preferred in the bedroom for its relaxing glow that brings some cosiness and warmth to the room.
Beyond its appearance, this light range also enhances your comfort levels. Its softer, gentler tones reduce glare and are easier on the eyes. This way, you can read for long periods of time without straining your eyes.
In a similar vein, warmer light is more conducive for sleep. Bright, cool-toned lighting at night can disturb the natural sleep-wake cycle of the body by limiting melatonin production. On the other hand, warm white light has minimal impact on the cycle.
Do LED Bedside Reading Lights Produce Any Heat?
LED lights run significantly cooler than traditional bulbs. Lights such as halogen bulbs convert their energy to heat, and it is the heated filament that creates the illumination. LED bulbs are different. Their energy is immediately converted to light, bypassing the heat almost entirely.
That said, LED bulbs do generate a small amount of heat, but it is barely noticeable. This is due to the heat sinks included in them that move heat away from the bulb. The heat generated by LED lights is already so low that with the heat sink, it becomes practically indetectable. This means cooler operation and bulbs that remain safe to touch during operation, making them safe for children’s rooms.
Do Bedside Reading Lights Need to be IP Rated?
IP ratings help you know how safe a light is in moisture-heavy areas. The two digits in an IP rating indicate their protection against moisture and debris respectively. Typically, they only need an IP rating if they are somewhere damp, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Even so, you may consider IP20 rated reading wall lights for bedroom areas just for peace of mind. This is especially true if for some reason you have the light positioned high up near the ceiling. In this area, there is a greater risk for dust accumulation to occur.
CONCLUSION
Overall, bedroom reading wall lights and headboard lamps are an easy way to improve the overall atmosphere and functionality of your bedroom. They are particularly important if you want to maintain good sleep hygiene and reduce eye strain when reading before bed.
Bedside Lighting Ideas
With the 5 Watt Dimmable Recessed Bedside LED Reading Light, you can enjoy a flexible reading light that aligns with your needs. The light fixture comes with a movable arm that allows you to tilt and twist it into place. This will direct the 450 lumens of 3000k warm white light directly onto your book at a focused, 30 degree angle. Thanks to the dimmer switch on the front of the fixture, you can control the brightness level on a whim.
The fixture can be installed into walls with a thickness between five and 20mm with its backplate measuring 152mm by 70mm. This IP20 rated light is fashioned out of durable steel and aluminium and comes in your choice of nickel or black finishes.
Enjoy a more comfortable nighttime reading experience with the LWA539 3 Watt Bedside LED Reading Light with USB Port. This light functions as a reading light and charging station at once, thanks to the USB port built into the backplate. The USB port stays live all the time, even when the light is off.
The fixture generates 120 lumens of 3000k warm white light that shines at a 30 degree beam angle. Tilt and twist the light head to point the illumination exactly where you want it.
The light features a backplate measuring 180mm by 60mm with an arm measuring 110mm in length. It is built to last from hard-wearing aluminium and comes in a sleek white or black finish.
The Elegante Round Recessed LED Bedside Reading Light is a modern bedside reading light perfect for your contemporary space. It has a low-profile recessed design with a light head that tilts in and out of the round fixture to turn it on and off.
The lamp shines 206 lumens of 3000k warm white light from its 360 degree adjustable arm, giving you total control over where it directs the light. The durable product comes in white, black or silver and has an overall diameter of 110mm.
Give yourself multiple reading light options with the LWA298A 6+3 Watt LED Chrome Wall Mounted Bedside Reading Light. This two in one light features a larger, brighter lamp and a smaller, flexible reading light on the bottom. The main light generates 600 lumens, making it good for ambient lighting. The smaller reading light generates 120 lumens of light.
Both sources output 3200k warm white light that is gentle on the eyes. Control them both individually with the two switches located on the backplate. Overall, the light measures 482mm high, including the length of the flexible arm. It comes finished in polished chrome, while the flexible arm has a sleek black finish.
