In response to the increased popularity of reading lamps in the hospitality industry, the residential market is opening itself up to the variety of options generated by consumer interest.  Reading lamps typically utilize LED technology with the standard offering being 1 watt of power.  This standard level of power is usually adequate due to the small size of the lamp and its lack of heat production but beware of the fact that all light fixtures are not created equal regardless of whether or not they carry the same wattage.

There are few things worse than grabbing a metal shade and burning your fingers.  An occurrence that can result from using a typical “incandescent or low voltage” powered fixture.  Characteristics such as the size of light lens and the opacity of the glass used play a major role in determining how hot a fixture will become and should be taken into consideration when determining what fixture is right for you.

Below are a two fixtures that I feel take into account all of the necessities of good reading light design as well as one fixture that needs some improvement:
http://www.globallighting.com/product.htm?c=1&p=268

The Adriana Flex W by Global Lighting is a perfect solution when a space requires different levels of lighting as you have both the directive reading light and the ambiance of a traditional sconce.

The Hose light from Italamp offers a distinctively forward look and a clear glass lens versus an opaque one.  But keep in mind, as with most reading lamps, it is designed to direct light onto a page and not for use as an overall light source.

The 2141 from Baga is a great example of a beautiful light that just doesn’t offer enough light to read by. I purchased this fixture only to find out that the opacity of the glass lens diffused the light to the point where it lost its functionality. I’ve recommended to the manufacturer they rethink the fixture’s design for the American market so that people can actually use the light.

When considering reading lights, my overall recommendation to the consumer is to have realistic expectations regarding what the term “reading light” means.  If you want the look – and who wouldn’t – then incorporate recessed lighting into your design as a secondary light source.  With the inclusion of a dimmer for control of light intensity, the added recessed lighting will provide adequate light fill and have you successfully reading in bed at the end of a long day!