Reading & Swing Arm Wall Lights

Why We Love Reading & Swing Arm Wall Lights

Reading lights have a special significance in the modern home. These fixtures combine the beauty of an elegant light fixture with the functionality of concentrated task lighting. Modern reading lamps and swing arm fixtures are available in styles ranging from minimalist to ultramodern and these lights look great in most interior spaces.

Reading Made Easy with Adjustable Lighting

One of the best features of reading lights is their adaptability. With adjustable wall sconces, light is easily directed wherever you need it and many models feature three-way switches that make it easy to customize brightness. Since the light is so concentrated, you won’t have to worry about lighting up the entire room with a reading light, which is perfect for shared spaces like bedrooms, studio apartments and dorm rooms.

Where Does a Reading Light or Swing Arm Wall Lamp Work Best?

When contemplating the placement of a reading light in your home, you will need to evaluate places that could benefit from a bit of extra illumination. Reading lights are usually installed in bedrooms and look great when placed above bedside tables, window seats or reading nooks. The addition of a swinging arm makes them versatile for almost any location. Home offices are another popular place for wall mounted reading lights and swing arm wall lights because they provide a softer glow compared to bright overhead lighting from a pendant or recessed lighting. Reading lights also work well in children’s play areas, providing just the right amount of light for art projects or other activities.

Designers of Reading Lights You'll Love

Top lighting brands give you unmatched variety of reading lighting for all types of home decor, ranging from ultra-modern spaces to those filled with more transitional implements. For wall reading lamps with minimalist style, look to Pablo Designs. Designed with a noticeably modern style, Pablo's reading lamps offer a look you'll love with the versatility you want. Find a classic design piece with any of the swing arm lights in the Tolomeo collection from Artemide. Opt for energy efficiency with any of Koncept's LED reading and swing arm wall lamps. These sleek lamps provide you lighting that is best for your eyes while helping to conserve energy. Lastly, for traditional and transitional bedrooms, look to the lamps from George Kovacs or Visual Comfort.

How to Choose the Best Reading & Swing Arm Lights

Even though there are literally hundreds of available models, choosing the right wall-mounted swing arm lights for your home doesn’t have to be complicated. If you prefer a more traditional swing arm model, go for lights with larger backplates and multiple rigid arms. If a contemporary reading light is what you’re going for, flexible wall sconces are ideal and feature a compact and bendable single-arm design.

Hardwired vs. Plug-In Reading Lights

Determining what type of reading light is best is largely based on where you intend to use it. Some versions are portable, allowing them to be moved from room to room with ease, while others are designed for use in specific rooms or for specific projects. Decide if you prefer a hardwired reading light or one you can simply plug-in when you need it. Generally, there are two types of reading wall lights: plug-in and hardwired. Plug-in models are just what they sound like and allow you to set up your new reading light quickly and easily. Hardwired wall lights connect to existing wiring and usually require the assistance of an installation professional. Seek the advice of a qualified lighting specialist to ensure you choose the right reading lamp for your space, budget and installation preferences.

Which Light is Best for Reading?

Scientfically speaking, a reading light outfitted with an LED bulb or integrated LED light source is going to be your best bet. Most LED light sources are better for your eyes versus a standard incandescent light source, and you'll find it makes reading and other tasks easy. You'll also want consider placing your reading lighting on a dimmer switch to adjust its light output to your exact application. And be sure to take a look at our information on color temperature to understand which type of light is best for various tasks such as reading.

Other Considerations

If a wall sconce doesn't meet your needs, opt for a unique form of bedside lighting with mini pendants. A single-bulb mini pendant offers a noticeably minimal design statement while still providing functional illumination. You may also appreciate reading lighting as a portable floor lamp. Models of reading floor lamps offer multiple touches of light, can be adjusted and move easily from room to room. Finally, complement your choice of lighting with equally stylish pieces of modern furniture. Place your favorite book on a new coffee table, keep things organized with a new bookshelf and outfit the bedroom with a pair of nightstands.