Tips You Can Use to Buy the Perfect Reading Light

When you’re searching for the perfect reading light, it is helpful to be mindful of both where and how it will be used. First, what size and type of book will it be used with? If it needs only to light standard size so called mass market paperback books, a smaller, single LED or incandescent design will likely be right. If it must light up a coffee table book, then you’ll need a light designed for considerably greater light output evenly distributed over a considerably larger area. Another consideration is whether you prefer the warmer, slightly yellowish glow of an incandescent light source or the whiter, more “sun like” output of modern LEDs.

Another significant consideration is the cost of maintenance. While both incandescent and LED reading lights use approximately the same amount of power, using up batteries with about equal speed, incandescent light sources have a life expectancy of approximately 15-25 hours of use. LEDs, while they are only slightly more expensive than incandescent designs, usually provide lifetimes between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will cost much less to maintain over the long haul if the reading light will be used for more than 15-25 hours.

Most modern reading light designs offer the flexibility of being powered by batteries or A/C operation. Obviously, battery power is convenient when the light will be used where an A/C outlet isn’t handy, but it can be expensive to replace batteries, as most fully charged alkaline batteries will last only for about 20-30 hours of use. A good alternative to consider would be a good recharger and set of rechargeable batteries.

Lastly, a reading light typically comes with a sturdy clip which makes for easy attachment to your book, book holder or book stand. The clip also makes it handy to attach your reading light to a podium, music stand or piano music rack, which exponentially increases the possible uses for your reading light. Some designs offer an optional base or cradle that allows your light to be secured to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, a car fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The possible applications are unlimited.