There’s something undeniably joyful about carving out a little reading corner at home – a favourite armchair, a stack of books, and a soft pool of light that makes you want to stay put for hours.
As an interiors editor, and someone who spends countless hours curled up with a good book, I’ve tested more lamps than I can count, from flexible clip-ons for late-night page-turners to elegant task lamps designed to illuminate every last page of an epic novel. It’s taught me what really makes a difference: steady, focused light that doesn’t tire your eyes, and a warm glow that makes evenings (especially autumn ones) feel extra cosy.
Some brands are brilliant at sleek, sculptural designs that earn their spot in any room, while others excel at practicality, offering diminutive, high-tech lamps you can pick up and move from sofa to nightstand without having to unplug – a godsend when you’re getting to chapter 30 but still need to go to bed.
Boasting practicality as well as style, I was most impressed with Astro's halo portable light. It’s dimmable, with a simple tap, and the cordless design is easy to move about. But there are plenty more options here, from budget-friendly designs to smart options.
Read on as I shine a light on more of my favourite designs.
How I tested
I set each lamp up in my home and used it in the same way you will be using it at home. I assessed them on the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ali Howard is an interiors editor and writer who has been reviewing homeware and furniture for IndyBest since 2019. Factoring in style, durability and functionality, she only highlights pieces that she believes are worth buying. In short, these reading lights have earned their place. Beyond her expertise, she’s a keen reader and enjoys hunkering down in the evening and devouring novels. All of this makes her the ideal candidate for this review.
The best reading lights for 2025 are:
Astro halo portable light in bronze
Best: Reading light overall
Dimensions: 264cm x 162cm x 162cm
Power source: 5V DC
Dimmable: Yes, in four stages
Why we love it
- Contemporary design
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Quick to charge
- No bulb needed
This reading light strikes the perfect balance between good looks and everyday practicality. It’s cordless, so you can move it around as you need. The four-step touch dimmer makes it easy to go from a soft glow to something brighter for reading.
You can lightly tap the lamp anywhere to control it – top, side, anywhere on the stem. It’s not the brightest lamp, especially on the lower settings, so it’s better for winding down than tackling fine print. Still, it gives off a warm, even glow that’s easy on the eyes, and the mix of portability and polished, contemporary design makes it a handy little all-rounder.
The light bronze finish has a warm, understated look that feels considered without the bling, and its compact size means it slots neatly onto smaller tables or shelves.
Buy now £139.96, Keslighting.co.uk
Value Lights Maeve brushed gold bobbin table lamp
Best: Budget reading lamp
Dimensions: 37.3cm x 25cm x 25cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- On trend bobble design
- Diffuses light softly
- Sturdy base
- Affordable
Take note
- Shade has a plasticky interior
I tried the white shade version of this lamp, which is currently out of stock, though the grey-pleated shade has the same build and design. The Maeve feels surprisingly solid for its modest price: its bobbin-style brushed-gold base gives a pleasing heft and robustness that’s designed to last.
The decorative pleated shade is well-shaped, though its material leans a little plasticky at close quarters, which can reduce that luxe finish in certain lights.
Light output is gentle rather than intense – so it’s best for winding down with a paperback rather than for detailed desk work or late-night study sessions – leave that to a bright task lamp. What it lacks in power it makes up for in character: it’s full of style, substance, and warmth – and your bank balance will thank you for it.
Buy now £39.99, Valuelights.co.uk
Atkin and Thyme Rhett table lamp
Best: Industrial style reading light
Dimensions: 58cm x 23cm x 40cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- Stylish mid-century design
- Directional lighting
- Sturdy base
Take note
- Bulb is exposed (so make sure you buy an aesthetic one)
Among the lamps I tested, this one stood out for balancing presence and purpose. It delivers an angular, mid-century inspired charm with clean lines – antique brass stem and simple black shade.
What makes it especially useful for reading is its adjustable head: you can tilt the shade to steer light precisely onto the page, reducing glare without sacrificing its ambient glow.
Though its shade isn’t huge, the directed beam is enough for a good read without overwhelming a bedside or desk space. The steel construction feels sturdy, and the finishes – especially the contrast between the warm brass and dark shade – give it a sense of character that fits both modern and transitional interiors. If you want a lamp that’s stylish, functional, and importantly, modest in its footprint, this one more than earns its place.
Buy now £149.00, Atkinandthyme.co.uk
Industville knurled round table lamp
Best: Reading light for a diffused glow
Dimensions: 20cm x 25cm x 25cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- Diffused light easy on the eyes
- Top quality craftsmanship
- Lidded shade
Take note
- Light not directional
This lamp makes its case from the moment you flick the switch: knurled brass textures paired with a soft cotton drum shade that tames the glare without dimming the character. The lamp boasts a warm, diffused glow that feels anything but harsh – ideal when you want to create a cosy reading corner.
Size-wise, it’s the chunkiest of all the lamps in this roundup, but this one’s all about the natural cotton shade that gives a wonderfully warm, ambient glow. I loved that it comes complete with a matching hat – a thoughtful design detail that keeps the light consistently warm with no escape.
Though it’s not the brightest in the set, it excels in creating ambient light that flatters rather than fatigues the eyes. If you read nightly and prefer subtle illumination, Industville’s offering is a strong contender.
Buy now £129.00, Industville.co.uk
Dar Lighting Virgil rechargeable table lamp
Best: Reading light with a classic design
Dimensions: 37cm x 15cm x 15cm
Power source: USB-C
Dimmable: Yes, in three stages
Why we love it
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Traditional design
- Portable
- Integrated mini bulb
Take note
- Light not directional
Dar Lighting’s Virgil brings something different to the mix, blending a classic aesthetic with contemporary tech. The lamp is fully rechargeable, giving around seven hours of light from a single charge. It’s also cordless, making it ideal if you like to move your light source between rooms when you’re between chapters.
The antique-look brass base has an easy, understated elegance, while the patterned cotton-blend shade gives a maximalist look. A discreet touch control on the base allows you to dip between three subtle brightness settings, so it works as well for a focused reading session as it does for a soft evening glow.
It’s not the brightest lamp, but it earns its spot for sheer versatility – and for proving that portable design can still feel timeless.
Buy now £82.00, Darlighting.co.uk
B&Q GoodHome Northwich brushed satin pewter effect table lamp
Best: Glass shade reading lamp
Dimensions: 44cm x 25cm x 25cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- Directional light
- Affordable
- Weighty, thick glass shade
- Art deco inspired
Take note
- Bulb is exposed (so choose one to suit)
This lamp instantly feels more polished than its price tag suggests. It has a brushed satin pewter finish that gives off a soft sheen – enough to catch the eye without the cheap bling of some metallic pieces. It’s a nice height for a side table, adding a bit of presence next to a reading chair or sofa without feeling bulky or overwhelming.
The clear glass shade lets light spill freely, creating a gentle glow rather than a sharply focused beam. It’s great for evening reading when you want the space to feel warm, though you might want a brighter bulb if you’re tackling small print.
The inline switch is easy to reach, and it boasts a generous cable length too. For something simple, sturdy and effortlessly stylish, this lamp more than earns its spot.
Buy now £32.00, Diy.com
La Redoute copita metal table lamp
Best: Retro reading light
Dimensions: 42cm x 15cm x 29cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- Good range of contemporary colourways
- Retro aesthetic
- Slimline base
Take note
- Not adjustable (despite its task light looks)
At first glance, this one gives off the vibe of a proper task lamp – clean lines, compact base, shade that directs light well. But here’s the catch: it isn’t adjustable, which is a slight disappointment if you were hoping to angle the light over your page. Still, there’s plenty to love here.
The copita comes in a bunch of contemporary colours – blush pink, light purple, beige and black among them – and its matte metal finish feels solid rather than flimsy.
Standing 42cm tall, it gives enough height to light a desk or reading corner, and with its conical shade, light disperses broadly, giving a soft glow more suited to relaxed reading than precision work. For its price, this is a reading lamp that walks a fine line between decorative and functional. But you cannot deny that it is cute.
Buy now £49.99, Laredoute.co.uk
Dunelm Wolston adjustable clip-on task table lamp
Best: Reading light for students
Dimensions: 18cm x 12 cm x 17.8cm
Power source: Mains
Dimmable: No
Why we love it
- Versatile design
- Sturdy clip
- Retro aesthetic
- Directional
Take note
- Not suitable for chunkier shelves or tabletops
What immediately impresses about this lamp is how flexible it is. It can clip onto desk edges, shelves or bedside tables, making it easy to move around, depending on where you’re reading. It’s plug-in only – but a long cable helps compensate, so you don’t end up fighting for sockets.
The shade head is adjustable, allowing you to angle the beam where you need it most, while the clip feels reliably solid (if anything, it’s on the stiff side), and the build is surprisingly sturdy for the price. Light output is modest, ideally suited to cosy reading corners.
If you want something adaptable, fuss-free, and well-made without going high-end, this is one of the most practical lamps in this roundup. And at just £20, it’s practically a steal.
Buy now £20.00, Dunelm.com
Philips Hue go portable table lamp special edition
Best: Smart reading lamp
Dimensions: 35cm x 14.2cm x 14.2cm
Power source: Smart battery system
Dimmable: Yes, and in endless colours
Why we love it
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Bluetooth and Hue bridge compatible
- Easy touch control
The Philips hue go is all about flexibility. It’s fully portable and lightweight, so you can pick it up and move it around – from desk to bedside to garden, even – without a trailing cable in sight.
It charges via USB and lasts for hours, which makes it great if you like to shift your reading spot around. It can get surprisingly bright for its diminutive size, and you can switch between warm white or coloured light depending on your mood.
The silicone grip handle is a small touch, but it makes it easy to carry around. The lamp is easily controlled with a sensitive push button on top of the shade, though using the app makes things even simpler. And for something so techy, it still looks sleek and understated, fitting in with most interiors.
Buy now £83.99, Philips-hue.com
Dusk Charon LED rechargeable wireless lamp
Best: Value reading lamp
Dimensions: 30cm x 15cm x 15cm
Power source: USB-C
Dimmable: Yes, in three stages
Why we love it
- Diminutive
- Stylish
- Portable
- Gives a soft glow
Take note
- Shade is plastic, not real glass
Dusk’s wireless lamp is small, portable, stylish, and refreshingly easy to live with. It’s fully rechargeable, so there are no cables cluttering up your surface, and it charges via USB-C, which keeps things totally fuss-free and effortless.
It boasts three brightness settings to flick between, making it handy for everything from winding down with a book to adding a bit of glow to a dark corner.
The gold-tone base brings a touch of warmth, while the pleated-effect shade adds texture, though it is plastic, so it doesn’t quite have the luxe feel of fabric or real glass up close. At just 30cm tall, it slots neatly onto a nightstand or side table without taking up precious surface space. If you want something light and with a little nod to art deco elegance, it more than does the job.
Buy now £42.00, Dusk.com
What is the best reading lamp?
My top pick is the Astro halo portable light in bronze, which nails that sweet spot between style and substance. The light bronze finish and compact size mean it looks the part wherever you place it, while the four-step dimmer and cordless design make it effortlessly adaptable – ideal for shifting from a soft evening glow to something brighter for page-turning.
If you prefer something with directional light and a dash of mid-century character, Atkin & Thyme’s Rhett table lamp is a standout. Its adjustable head lets you focus light exactly where you need it, while the antique brass and black combo brings quiet sophistication to a desk or bedside.
For a simple yet polished option, B&Q’s Northwich brushed satin pewter effect table lamp is a worthy pick. The brushed pewter finish and thick glass shade feel far more premium than the price suggests, and it gives off a soft, even glow that’s perfect for evening reading.
For more interiors recommendations, read our review of the best sofas
