Choosing a lamp for reading
How bright, how warm, and where to aim it, for books at a desk or in a chair.
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What a reading lamp needs to do
Put enough even light on the page, without glare, and keep the bright part of the lamp out of your eyes. An adjustable head makes all three easier.
How much light for reading print
Lighting standards from the Illuminating Engineering Society suggest about 500 lux on the page for reading print at a desk, for adults 25 to 65. About 300 lux is enough when you need to read at work speed, and around 200 lux can be enough for casual reading in a chair. Older eyes generally need more light. The simplest test: if print is easy to read without squinting, you are close.
About 500 lux.
Reading print at a desk.
About 300 lux.
Reading at work speed.
About 200 lux.
Casual reading in a chair.
Adults 25 to 65. Source: IES Lighting Handbook.
Warm or cool light for reading
Both work. Many people prefer warmer light (about 2,700 to 3,000 K) for relaxed evening reading and neutral light (about 3,500 to 4,100 K) for study. A lamp with adjustable color lets you switch.
Desk reading vs chair reading
- At a desk: an adjustable arm lamp aimed at the page.
- In a chair: a floor or table lamp with the light source beside or slightly behind your shoulder, shining onto the page.
At a desk.
An adjustable arm lamp aimed at the page.
In a chair.
A floor or table lamp beside or slightly behind your shoulder.
Placement
Aim at the page, not your eyes. Place the lamp opposite your writing hand if you take notes. Matte paper reflects less glare than glossy pages; adjust the angle if you see a bright spot.
Features worth checking
- Adjustable arm or head
- Dimming
- Shade or diffuser
- CRI of 80 or more (for illustrated books, 90 or more shows color more accurately)
FAQ
General information, not medical advice. See an eye care professional about eye strain or vision concerns.
Related guides
Lumens and lux by task | Bulbs and color temperature | Task lighting and placement
