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The bed is perhaps the most important aspect of any bedroom. It is often the largest piece of furniture in the room and where the most time is spent. The headboard gives you ample opportunity to dress it up and make the room more comfortable. In this article, we will explore how a headboard with lighting can transform the furnishing in more ways than one.
What Is a Headboard Reading Light?
Headboard reading lights are typically LED reading lights recessed into the headboard or attached to its surface. They can also take the form of above headboard lighting, which is installed against or recessed into the wall itself.
Whether you choose over bed reading lights or recessed bedroom reading lights, they can play a huge role in the overall feel of the space. LED reading lamps also provide soft lighting for you to relax by at night while giving each person in the bed their own source of light.
These lights also have switches built into them that allow you to turn the lights on and off without having to get out of bed to do so. They are commonly used both in domestic and hospitality settings.
Advice on How to Combine Headboard Reading Lights with Other Lighting in the BedroomÂ
Seamlessly integrating your bedside reading light with the rest of your bedroom lighting design is simple when you layer the lights. Layered lighting consists of three layers: ambient, task and accent.
Ambient light refers to whatever ceiling lights you may have. They provide the general layer of illumination that can then be supplemented with other lights, such as task lights.
In the bedroom, the bedroom reading light is usually the main task light. Since the lights provide direct illumination for reading, they make it easier to engage in the activity.
Finally, there is accent lighting. This style of light is used to highlight different aspects of the room, like artwork, architectural elements or other decorative features. It can also set a mood.
When working these other lights in with your reading lights, be sure to choose finishes and styles that match one another. Doing so creates a more streamlined look that will allow for a cohesive aesthetic.
Similarly, ensure the colour temperature of each fixture is the same. Otherwise, you run the risk of abrasive clashes and glares that could cause strain upon the eyes.
Advice on Things to Consider When Buying Headboard Reading LightingÂ
Adding a recessed headboard light into your bedroom lighting scheme can make it more comfortable and stylish. When shopping for a new reading light, consider the following.
Functionality and Purpose
Consider what you want the light to be used for primarily. Of course, reading lights are most commonly used for reading. However, they can also be a source of indirect mood lighting. Determine which way you are most likely to use it when selecting a fixture.
Fixed or Adjustable?
These lights come in two main types: fixed and adjustable. Fixed lights do not move, and if they do, the movement is incredibly limited. Adjustable headboard reading light fixtures, on the other hand, have arms that bend or gimbals that twist and tilt allow you to choose precisely where the light points.
Mounting Style
Consider whether you want to mount the illumination on the headboard or the wall. You can choose recessed fixtures or surface mounted fixtures for both applications.
Brightness Levels
Depending on how you intend to use the fixture, your brightness needs may vary. Those who want brighter lights for reading will benefit from a slightly higher lumen count than those who want the light purely for accent or mood lighting.
Top Trends for Bedroom Headboard LightingÂ
Headboard lighting is becoming increasingly popular as time wears on. As such, many trends and bedroom headboard light ideas surface each year. Get inspired on ways to incorporate modern headboard reading lamps by learning about some trends below.
- CONTEMPORARY AND CLEAN. Marked by simple profiles and sleek silhouettes, modern lighting is in this year. Finishes such as brushed aluminium, matte black and crisp white are particularly popular.
- CONVENIENT CHARGING. A headboard light fixture that has an included USB port saves you space and doubles the functionality of the fixture. With a USB charging port included, you can charge your phone on the light itself without having to take up other wall outlets nearby.
- ADJUSTABLE AND FLEXIBLE. Headboard reading light fixtures with movable arms and dimmable bulbs work well in any room. These give you more control over where the light shines, and how. Swiveling heads and gooseneck arms are the most popular types of flexible bedside reading lights.
- WARM COLOUR TEMPERATURES. A reading lamp with warm lighting will always be relevant. Warm colour temperatures between 3000K and 3300K provide warm, gentle lighting that remains bright enough to easily see by.
Can They be Recessed Into the Headboard?
As mentioned, headboard lamps can either be used as an over the headboard lamp or as a recessed light. They can be recessed into headboards that are thick enough to accommodate them or can be custom made to receive them.
Recessed lights offer a clean, smooth and modern look to the room and are less likely to get broken or knocked into like an over headboard lamp or surface mounted lamp. Of course, you should keep in mind where you will feed the mains connection from and how it will attach to the backs of the lights if you choose to use a recessed headboard reading lamp.
Where To Position Headboard Lighting
LED headboard lights have a little versatility in where they can be placed, but not much, given the size of a typical headboard. Each bed headlamp should, at the very least, be placed in a way that allows even spacing between them to improve the symmetry of the furniture and lighting. The same can also be said for any above bed reading lamp.
An LED headboard lamp should also be positioned high enough on the headboard that you won’t knock your head against them if they are surface mounted. That said, your headboard LED light should also be low enough to be easily reached to turn them on and off.
Furthermore, each LED headboard light should be positioned in such a way that the light will be bright enough for the task at hand, such as the book you are reading. This will ensure that the light does not create any sort of shadow on the book or get in the way of your laptop lighting.
How Bright Should Reading Lights Be?
If you plan to use your LED headboard lighting primarily for reading, you’ll need to consider that when choosing the fixtures. It is generally recommended that you use between 25 to 50 lumens of light. This will allow you to easily see without squinting or causing eye strain while covering the entire surface of the book with light.
This lumen level will provide adequate lighting for reading while still being comfortable for tired eyes at night, ensuring it that doesn’t disturb your partner. The highest recommended lumen level for reading in bed is between 250 and 300 lumens.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens are to LED bulbs what wattage is to halogen lights. That is to say, lumens represent the total amount of illumination that is shone from a bulb. This means it is just another way to indicate the brightness of a light, as brightness correlates to the number of lumens across a surface area measuring a square metre.
What LED Colour Temperature Is Best for Reading?
Colour temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of any given light and is indicated by Kelvin units. If a light has a higher Kelvin rating, you can expect the light it shines to be cool. Conversely, low Kelvin ratings indicate a warmer light.
Cool light is thought to be good for making you feel energised and focused, while warm light is better for relaxation. Since reading is a relaxing activity, warm lights are better. Choosing lights around 3000k in your lamp headboard fixture will usually be your best bet.
What Options Are There for Headboard Reading Lighting?
There are many headboard lighting ideas that you can consider when choosing your recessed or above bed lights. The best headboard lights or even the best bedside lamp will come down to personal preference among a number of variables. Ask yourself the following questions when selecting your headboard reading lights.
- RECESSED OR SURFACE MOUNTED? If you want something sleek and modern, recessed lights may be better for you. If your headboard lacks the depth to accommodate recessed lighting, surface mounted lights could be your only option.
- FLEXIBLE OR FIXED? Surface mounted reading lights come with either a flexible arm that you can twist and turn or a fixed arm that instead swivels from one direction to the other.
- USB CHARGING OR NONE? There are many reading lights that come equipped with a USB port built right in, making it convenient to charge your phone, e-reader or other electronics. This may not be a desired feature for some people.
- WHAT COLOUR FINISH? Reading lamps are like other types of lights in that they come in a number of different finishes. Consider the finishes of the rest of your lights as well as the aesthetic of the bedroom when deciding on the finish you prefer.
What Is the Lifespan of an LED Headboard Light?
The average lifespan of an LED bulb is a minimum of 20,000 hours. Considering that reading lights will only be used for short periods of time each day, you can expect an LED reading light to outlast years of use.
It is important to consider the quality of a light when selecting it if longevity is important to you. A lot of the time, retailers sell cheap lights that use cheap parts. While this means a smaller upfront cost, it could lead you to have to buy more lights over a shorter period of time as they burn out. These lights, in turn, will only last a fraction of the amount of time as a higher quality light.
Furthermore, it is important to purchase from a reputable company. Some of the cheaper lights do not come with the proper certifications, leaving them at risk of starting a fire.
Ideas for Headboard LED Reading Lights
The LWA322 3 Watt Recessed LED Reading Wall Light is a sleek and modern option for contemporary bedrooms. It makes a good choice for those who have space for recessed lighting on their headboards. The light feature a tube-shaped head that can be pushed in and out of the fitting to turn it on and off. In so doing, it also makes the light flat when not in use so that you don’t bump your head. It outputs 120 lumens of 3000k warm white light.
Modern headboards can also benefit from the Elegante Round Recessed LED Bedside Reading Light. The reading light is round in shape and can be turned on and off by pressing the head in and out of the fixture. The head tilts so that you can shine the 206 lumens of 3000k warm white light at the perfect angle.
Brighten up your bedroom lighting with the LWA315 3 Watt LED Beech Wood Wall Mounted Reading Light. This reading light has a circular base with a tube-shaped head that is fixed in place. It has a beech wood exterior and is tipped with your choice of either black or chrome. It shines 120 lumens of 3000k warm white light.
The LWA460 3 Watt White Recessed LED Bedside Reading Light provides convenience and style in equal measure. It features a swivel arm that outputs 120 lumens of warm 3000k white light at the push of a button. For convenience, beside the on and off switch is a single USB port to use for charging electronics by the bed.
For people who share a bed, the Seville Twin 3 Watt Black Wall Mounted LED Reading Light is perfect. This single light fixture has two heads that each shine 120 lumens of 3000k warm white light. They are pointed in opposite directions to shine light over both sides of the bed when mounted in the centre of the headboard. A sleek black finish makes them compatible with rooms of any decor colour.
