If you read in bed, start with a wall light that can direct light onto the book from your usual position. If you want to light the wall behind the headboard and add atmosphere, consider a wall light with indirect or decorative output. When you need both functions, check how each is provided and whether you can control them separately.
The difference is easier to judge from your pillow than from a front-facing photograph. An attractive design may leave the book in shadow, expose the light source when you recline or have a switch that is hard to reach. These checks help you choose before preparing the installation.
An adjustable head lets you change the direction of the light. This is useful if you alternate between sitting up and reclining, or do not always hold your book in the same position. Check that the available movement suits your bed: the word ‘adjustable’ does not guarantee every range of movement.
Aim to light both pages without having to adopt an uncomfortable position. Also check what happens when you turn pages and raise your knees. Your body, the edge of the headboard or your arm may block the path of the light.
A wall light that shines upwards and downwards creates a pattern on the wall. This distribution can complement the headboard, but it does not in itself confirm that the book will be adequately lit. The positions of the light openings, the bulb and nearby surfaces all matter.
Before choosing it, consider whether it will sit behind a tall headboard, near a shelf or beside a textured wall. These features change how it looks when switched on. A room photograph gives an idea of the design; it does not reproduce every condition in your bedroom.
| Your priority | What to look for | The decisive check |
|---|---|---|
| Regular reading | Adjustable light direction | The beam reaches the book from your actual reading position. |
| Highlighting the headboard | Light distribution on the wall | The headboard and furniture do not block the light openings. |
| Sharing a bed | Adjustable direction and an accessible switch | The light does not point directly at the other pillow. |
| Combining reading and ambient lighting | Documented functions and controls | You can use each light as needed. |
Carry out the check with the mattress, pillows and headboard in their final positions. If you later change their height, the relationship between your eyes and the light also changes. Mark your shoulders, the book and the electrical connection point on a sketch.
The Astro guide to positioning reading lights considers sitting or reclining posture and comfortable access to the switch. Its recommendations relate to its own fittings; they are a reference for assessing use, not installation measurements that automatically apply to another model.
After installation, check the lighting with an actual book. If there is a distracting reflection on glossy paper, change the light's direction or the book's position. If you share a bed, check both sides; directing the light reduces unnecessary illumination of other areas but does not guarantee complete darkness around it.
The 20000 reading wall light has an adjustable head and a toggle switch. Its LED is integrated and is not dimmable. It is an example of a light you can direct, although no specific rotation range is published: confirm this if the intended location requires a precise position.
The 20024 rattan wall light lets you consider a decorative shade beside the headboard. It takes an E14 bulb up to 15 W, not included, and has a cable with a plug and switch. The weave and your chosen bulb affect what you will see on the wall; it is not equivalent to an adjustable reading head. Check access to the socket and make sure the cable will not be stretched or trapped behind the bed.
If you share a bed, prepare a separate check for each side: usual posture, book position, access to the switch and direction towards the other pillow. One side may need an adjustable reading light while the other only needs ambient lighting. Choose according to that use before looking for two wall lights with a similar appearance.
An adjustable head for assessing the reading direction from the headboard.
Has an integrated LED and is not dimmable. Requires a fixed electrical connection; confirm the position and access to the control.
View details and options
A rattan shade for considering decorative light beside the headboard, without confusing it with an adjustable reading spotlight.
Requires an E14 bulb up to 15 W, not included. For dry indoor use; do not force the weave to access the lampholder.
View details and optionsBoth examples are intended for dry indoor use. The 20000 requires a fixed electrical connection by qualified personnel; the 20024 connects using its plug and needs suitable fixing. Do not choose wall fixings based only on the wall's appearance.
It helps concentrate the light, but reflected light may remain. Check both people's positions.
It does not, on its own, resolve a shadow or an exposed light source. Check position and direction first.
See the difference between beam angle and beam direction and what changes between integrated LEDs and replaceable bulbs. You will find more content in the lighting guides index.
