Bedside Reading Wall Lights: Position, Reach and Switching
Updated: Oct 4
A bedside reading light needs to put light on the page while keeping the source out of your eyes. Start with the bed in its final position, including the mattress, pillows and headboard. A mounting measurement copied from another bedroom may be uncomfortable in yours.
View Hotel Wall Light with LED Reading Light - Satin Silver Metal on Illuminations Direct. Select the photograph to see current product details, price and availability.
How high should bedside wall lights go?
Sit as you normally read and mark a trial position relative to your shoulder and book. Check whether the head or arm reaches the page without touching the headboard. Ask someone to help assess the beam and glare before committing to a fixing point. These are positioning checks, not wiring instructions; your electrician should confirm the installation.
Reading beam or shaded wall light?
A directional reading arm is useful when one person wants to read without lighting the whole bed. A shaded wall light gives softer surrounding light but may not put enough light on the page. A combined fitting can serve both purposes; check whether the two light sources are independently switched and what bulbs are included.
Switches matter as much as appearance
Check that the switch is reachable while seated and when lying down. Decide whether each side needs independent control and whether the main room light can also be switched from the bed. For dimming, confirm the fitting, bulb and control are compatible. An integrated LED reading arm may behave differently from the main lamp.
Common questions
Do both sides have to match? Matching fittings are useful for a balanced layout, but reach and mounting position should work for each reader. Can a rechargeable light replace a wired reading light? Sometimes, provided its useful output, runtime and charging routine suit regular reading. Bring the headboard width, mattress height, socket positions and a photograph of the room.
Choose with Illuminations of Camberley
Send a photograph and relevant measurements for help comparing suitable fittings. We are an independent lighting retailer at 66–68 High Street, Camberley GU15 3RS, open Monday–Saturday, 9am–5:30pm. Online orders are for collection. Display ranges vary: please check before travelling to see a specific fitting.
Related advice
Product information and sources
Reviewed 2 October 2026. The linked product page supplies the specification for the illustrated example. Always use the instructions for the exact fitting; product features and availability can change.
What bedside lights add to the bedroom
Wall-mounted reading lights can free space on small bedside tables and define each side of the bed. Coordinate their scale with the headboard rather than choosing them in isolation. A directional reading beam and a softer ambient source can serve different evening needs; consider separate controls so one person’s reading does not dictate the whole room’s lighting.
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