If you read or work a lot in bed, opt for task lighting like pharmacy, gooseneck or swing-arm lamps, which adjust to illuminate only one side of the bed.
To avoid looking directly at lightbulbs, the bottom of lampshades for table lamps and wall-mount lights placed beside the bed should be between shoulder height and eye level (which will be relative to your position in bed). You should also consider the height of your headboard, if you have one; for instance, if you have a high headboard and prefer to read lying down, mount swing-arm lamps to the wall beside the headboard, with light focused on the page.
Opaque lampshades with a narrow top and wider base are ideal for reading because they focus light downward; shades for lamps not used for reading should have a wider top to disperse more light throughout the room.
Incandescent lighting sets a warm, relaxing mood; white halogen lighting suits reading but is best paired with an adjustable lampshade to reduce brightness; frosted lightbulbs filter harsh light.
Read more in Decorating & Design and Bedrooms
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