Shop Lighting
World Book Day is a celebration of stories, imagination, and
the joy that comes from getting lost in a good book. However, the experience of
reading is shaped not only by the words on the page but by the environment
around you. Cosy nooks and intimate sanctuaries can provide the perfect
environment to nestle up with a good book and lose yourself for hours at a time.
In honour of World Book Day, we’re exploring ways to create the perfect reading
space, and the most effective way to light it.
Correct lighting is essential in a reading nook. Reading in poor lighting can cause you to squint, leading to eye strain and headaches, while overly harsh lighting can disrupt the cosy atmosphere that makes reading so relaxing. Lighting improves our focus and affects our mood and comfort levels, making the difference between a clinical-feeling space, which can make reading feel like a chore, and a calm, relaxing environment to unwind in.
Types of Lighting
- Task Lighting
A dedicated task light is essential to avoid eye strain
while reading. Direct light onto the page to allow you to see text clearly
without squinting. Choose a dimmable lamp for adjustable brightness that will
suit any time of day. When positioning your light, ensure it doesn’t throw
shade or glare over your book, as this will cause your eyes to constantly need
to adjust.
- Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting provides a gentle base level of brightness
for a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Opt for warmer lighting (between 2700 and
3000 Kelvins) rather than cool tones to encourage relaxation.
- Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is perfect for creating an attractive feature
as well as adding to the room’s ambience. Consider any pieces you wish to
highlight, such as a bookshelf, a painting, or a prized ornament. Accent lighting is perfect for curating a space that reflects your
style, drawing the eye to valued pieces while giving the room a sense of depth.
Applications
Picking the perfect reading light can seem a little
daunting. With so many options and applications, it may be difficult to know
where to start. Think about the size of the space that you are looking to light,
as well as whether it offers any surfaces for a table lamp or portable. Explore some of the
different types of lighting below to get an idea of what may suit your space.
Wall Lights
Articulated or swing-arm wall lights are excellent for bedside or armchair reading. They allow you to direct light exactly where needed, keeping the beam focused on your book to provide enough light to read by.
The DCW Editions Lampe Gras 304 is an excellent example of
this. Its adjustable arm can be moved up and down by 86° while the lampshade
rotates 210°, giving you complete control of the stream of light.
For a space-saving solution, look for simple fixtures that sit flush against a wall, such as the HAY Apex Wall Light. The folded shade can rotate 360 degrees to adjust the direction of light for either task or ambient lighting.
Table Lamps
A beautifully crafted table lamp offers both functionality and visual impact. If you require a table lamp that provides task lighting, look for one with an adjustable head so you can direct the light precisely where needed.
Marset's Scantling Table Lamp features a highly functional and flexible system which rotates on ball joints for easily adjustable lighting. The combination of wood and metal elements creates a striking visual impact, giving the lamp a sculptural aesthetic.
Alternatively, a decorative lamp will add an ornamental element to the space while filling the room with a warm glow. Consider lamps with a translucent diffuser to
soften light into a glare-free glow. Le Klint’s pleated paper shades add a
touch of elegance to any space and create diffused lighting for a cosy ambience.
Floor Lamps
A floor lamp in a reading nook can add a striking design feature to combine presence with purposeful illumination. Arc floor lamps can be an effective choice as they extend over a chair for focused lighting.
With
its sleek profile and wide curved frame, the Fox Floor Lamp by Nemo Lighting is
an ideal reading light. The cylindrical shade casts a bright beam of light,
which can be directed as required. Its slim frame is free from any unnecessary details, giving the lamp a clean aesthetic that suits a wide range of interiors.
Portable Lamps
Portable lamps offer the versatility to create a reading spot wherever you go in the home. A lamp with an IP rating of 44 or higher can be taken outdoors to provide you with a soft glow of light during summer evenings.
Tala's Muse Portable Lamp is the perfect reading companion. Rated IP44, it’s
suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while its integrated dimmer allows
users to adjust light intensity to suit any time of day, reducing the chance of
eye strain.
Additional Elements to Consider
- Layered Lighting
Layering your light with a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting can create a welcoming environment while providing sufficient reading light. The blend of different lighting adds depth and a sense of balance to the space, while creating a cocooning effect.
- A Defined Space
Any space can be turned into a reading nook, regardless of
size. In fact, smaller spaces can add to the cocoon effect, making the space
feel cosy and intimate. If possible, create a space in an area that doesn’t get
a lot of foot traffic. This will ensure you have the peace to escape into a
book without interruption.
- Textiles
The interplay of light and tactile elements will enhance the
sense of warmth in the room. Elements such as velvet cushions, wool throws, or
a plush rug create attractive focal points while adding a sense of luxury to
the space.
More Reading Lights to Explore
We've compiled a selection of our most popular reading lights, but if you'd like to see more, explore our reading lights page to discover more lamps perfect for your reading nook.
Muuto Leaf LED Table Lamp
Lodes Hover LED Floor Lamp
Anglepoise Original 1227 Lamp With Wall Bracket
Tom Dixon Pose LED Portable Lamp
Muuto Tip LED Wall Light
Louis Poulsen AJ Floor Lamp
Fritz Hansen Kaiser Idell 6631 Luxus Table Lamp
HAY Apex Wall Light
Flos Arco Floor Lamp
Anglepoise Original 1227 Desk Lamp National Trust
Whether it’s in an alcove, a corner of a living room, a window
seat, or a bed, any space can be devoted to reading. The key is to find a quiet,
comfortable space that you can make your own with personal touches. This World
Book Day, immerse yourself in a good book in the comfort of your own private sanctuary.
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