Best Modern Reading Lamps
There’s nothing like curling up with a good book. Add ambiance and function to your space with a reading lamp. Here, we’ll share some of our favorite modern reading lamps. From flexible floor lamps to sculptural wall lamps, explore reading lamps that reduce eye strain while suiting your design preferences.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a reading lamp:
- Dimmability: control the brightness to find the optimal level of light for reading needs
- Adjustability: features like a swing-arm or a rotating shade make it easy to direct light exactly where you need it.
- Operational Features: consider if the switches and knobs can be reached with ease or will be inconvenient to operate
- Design: consider whether you want a statement-making design or something that seamlessly blends into the rest of your space.
- Placement: ideally, light for reading should come behind your shoulder and fall on the page. Based on your current furniture, that might mean picking between a mounted wall light, a table lamp, ot a floor lamp
- Timelessness: ideally, you want to find a modern reading lamp that outlasts trends and time, providing function for years to come.
- Materiality: different materials result in a different light––for example a fabric shade will have a different effect than a glass shade––and can also impact the lamp’s appearance and visibility. From brass and bronze and steel to wood and fabric details, there are a lot of different materials to consider.
- Authenticity: opting for a 100% authentic design from a reputable brand will ensure quality and longevity instead of a copycat design that looks nice but doesn't operate as smoothly.
With this in mind, let’s explore some of our favorite modern reading lamps that balance function and style. Whether you’re looking to light up a cozy corner reading nook in the living room or need functional lighting in your bedroom, there’s a modern reading lamp for you.
To start shopping right away, scroll to the bottom for links and a full product list.
Astep VV Cinquanta Floor Lamp
This refined floor lamp features a unique dual-stem design. The adjustable reflector can swivel and tilt, so you can use it for both focused task lighting for reading or for a soft upward illumination. This lamp is made of sleek black aluminum with an enameled spun aluminum shade in the signature color palette of its designer, Vittoriano Viganò. We love this elegant option, especially placed beside a sofa or in a reading nook.
Louis Poulsen NJP Wall Lamp Long
Designed by Oki Sato, NJP is a fresh interpretation of the classic anglepoise lamp. The ergonomic design of the chimney-shaped fixture head head helps you shape and direct the light exactly where you need it––a rare find for a wall lamp design––while also providing just the right amount of direct diffused light. Coming in multiple colors, each with a matching 6-foot cord, NJP features a convenient button to alternate between two levels of light intensity, turn the lamp on and off, and set a timer. Designer Oki Sato is the founder of nendo design studio, which translates to clay in Japanese, or more specifically, modeling clay.
Le Klint Sax Wall Lamp
Designed by Erik Hansen in 1952, the Sax Wall Lamp from Le Klint is considered a true Danish design icon. Sax is easy to position how you need it thanks to its retractable oak wood stand. The wood beautifully complements the shade, which comes in a striking folded paper option or classic PVC. This wall lamp is easy to operate, featuring a switch on the cord.
New Works Material Wall Lamp
Designed by Nørgaard & Kechayas in 2019, this wall lamp is part of a series of lighting that highlights the power of a simple form combined with the beauty of natural materials. Material features a pivoting head for direct lighting for reading. The sleek black stand perfectly complements the different shade material options, which include cork, concrete, marble, metal, and glass. Also available in table lamp form, the no-nonsense design of Material makes it truly the perfect reading lamp for any space.
Ferm Living Arum Swivel Wall Lamp
The Ferm Living Arum Swivel Wall Lamp features a nature-inspired shade that's reminiscent of a large leaf held up by a slender metal pole. The off-white matte look inside its shade casts a soft and evenly distributed light. Its beautiful off-center structure provides the perfect balance and aesthetic which works great next to your favorite lounge chair or sofa or even bedside table.
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MUUTO Post Floor Lamp
This unique floor lamp explores the flexibility of a magnetic joint, allowing each of the two lighting units to be positioned, turned, and dimmed up and down based on your needs. We love how the designers from Earnest Studio describe it:
“The Post Floor Lamp came from the idea of exploring the flexibility of the magnetic joint, giving the user the freedom to position and dim the lamp’s light units according to individual needs. Designed with a sculptural expression, simple lines and a refined finish, the Post Floor Lamp represents a new perspective through its graphic character and forward-thinking functionality.
Original BTC Hector Dome Wall Light with Switch
Crafted from translucent bone china, this Original BTC light is a British design icon. We love its adjustable shade for providing versatile ambient lighting. Each light is made according to traditional methods by a highly skilled team in Stoke-on-Trent. The multi-day process begins with a slip, a mix of clay and water, being poured into two molds. Once set, the molds are split. The shade is left overnight to dry before being sponged and tidied up to remove any imperfections.
WOUD Cono Wall Lamp
Designed by Benny Frandesen and characterized by the classic geometric silhouette, its shade, Cono features an adjustable shade to provide functional light for reading, reminiscent of a spotlight on a stage. The name Cono is inspired by the mathematical form Conoid, referencing how the light emits a conical-shaped spotlight.
Muuto Dedicate Wall Lamp
This modern take on the classic architect lamp offers the perfect reading lamp without taking up any floor or table space. Featuring dimming, an auto turn-off feature, flexible yet steady arms, and integrated cooling ribs, we love this lamp attached to a bookshelf or directly to a wall. It also comes in a table lamp option. Here are a few words from the lamp’s designer, Thomas Bentzen:
“From a design perspective, the Dedicate Lamp is a harmonious exploration of an iconic form, ingeniously enhancing its functionality while maintaining a strong connection to its original concept. This transformation pays homage to its predecessor, seamlessly melding tradition with innovation.”
