How to Choose a Wall Light for a Bedroom Reading Nook
By Spark & Bell - Handmade Lighting UK | Custom Pendants | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Pick the right wall light for your reading nook with practical rules on brightness, placement, and style, featuring handmade options like the Lyra and Florence.
Quick Answer
For a bedroom reading nook, choose a wall light that directs light downward or outward, has a dimmable bulb, and suits your nook's size. The Lyra double wall light is a strong choice for wider nooks, while the Florence or Fiann work well for compact corners.
Why Direction Matters
The direction of light is the most important factor for reading. A wall light that shines upward creates ambient glow but leaves your book in shadow. Look for a design that angles light downward or outward, such as a shade with an open bottom or a sconce that can be oriented toward your seating area.
The Fiann wall light is a good example: you can choose a left or right orientation, so you can point the light exactly where you need it. This flexibility is especially useful if your nook sits against a wall and you read from a chair or bed.
Brightness and Dimmability
Reading requires focused light, but you also want to soften it for winding down. Choose a wall light that works with a dimmer switch, and pick a bulb with a warm color temperature (2700K–3000K) to reduce eye strain. If the light has multiple bulbs, like the Lyra double wall light, you get more total brightness—but make sure it's dimmable to avoid harsh glare at night.
Note that the Lyra's opal globes diffuse light, which helps reduce glare directly from the bulb. This makes it comfortable for extended reading sessions.
Size and Placement
Measure your nook before choosing. A double wall light like the Lyra suits a wider area, such as above a window seat or beside a double bed. For a single armchair corner, a compact single light like the Florence or Fiann is more proportional.
Mount the light at eye level when seated—typically 60–66 inches from the floor—so the light falls on your book, not your face. If the light has an orientation option, adjust it to point toward your reading position.
Style and Material Trade-offs
Material affects both look and maintenance. The Florence is made from recycled plastic, which is eco-friendly and easy to clean—just wipe with a damp cloth. The Lyra and Fiann use solid brass, which feels premium but may require occasional polishing to maintain its finish.
Think about your existing decor: brass adds warmth and tradition, while the rippled texture of the Florence brings a modern, organic touch. Choose what complements your bedroom's palette.
Decision Rules for Your Reading Nook
- Measure your nook width: If your nook is wider than 36 inches, choose a double wall light like the Lyra. For narrower corners, a single light like the Florence or Fiann works better. Use a tape measure to confirm the width before browsing.
- Check orientation flexibility: If your seating is off-center, pick a light with adjustable orientation, like the Fiann (left/right). This lets you direct light exactly where you need it.
- Decide on material and care: Choose brass (Lyra, Fiann) for a warm, premium look that may need polishing. Choose recycled plastic (Florence) for easy care and eco-friendliness. Consider how much maintenance you're willing to do.
- Plan for dimming: Ensure your wall light is compatible with a dimmer switch and use a warm, dimmable LED bulb. This lets you adjust from bright reading light to soft evening glow. Check your existing switch; you may need an electrician to install a dimmer.
Product Considerations
- "Lyra" Double Wall Light - Opal Globe: The Lyra double wall light features two opal globes in solid brass, with a symmetry that reads well vertically or horizontally. Its dual globes provide more even light for a wider nook, and the opal glass diffuses brightness to reduce glare while reading.
"Lyra" Double Wall Light - Opal Globe - "Florence" Wall Light - Jewel Recycled Plastic: The Florence wall light is made from recycled plastic (obsolete CD cases) with a uniquely rippled shade, available in Onyx and other finishes. It's a lightweight, eco-conscious option that's easy to clean—ideal for a cozy nook where you want low maintenance.
"Florence" Wall Light - Jewel Recycled Plastic
Which Light Fits Your Nook?
Best For
- A wide reading nook or shared seating where even, diffused light is needed (Lyra double wall light)
- An eco-conscious reader who wants a lightweight, easy-to-clean fixture (Florence wall light)
- A compact corner where you need to direct light left or right (Fiann wall light)
Not For
- A very small nook where a double light would overwhelm the space—choose a single light instead
- A reader who prefers a pure, untextured shade—the Florence's rippled plastic may not suit minimal decor
