Tips You Can Use to Purchase the Perfect Reading Light

When you’re looking for the right reading light, you need to keep in mind both where and how it will be used. First, which types and sizes of book will your light be used with? If it needs only to light standard size mass market paperbacks, a smaller, single incandescent or LED design will likely be sufficient. If your reading light must light up a coffee table book, then you’ll need a light designed for significantly greater light output distributed over a significantly larger area. Another thing to consider is whether you like the warmer, slightly yellowish glow of an incandescent light or the whiter, more “sun like” output of modern LEDs.

Another important consideration is maintenance. While both incandescent and LED reading lights require 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 only slightly more expensive than incandescent designs, usually last between 5,000-50,000 hours of use. Obviously, LEDs will be significantly less expensive to maintain over the long haul if the reading light will be used constantly.

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

Finally, a reading light usually incorporates a clip that securely attaches to your book, book holder or book stand. The clip can also be used to attach your reading light to a podium, music stand or piano music rack, which exponentially increases the range of uses for your reading light. Some designs also offer an optional base or cradle which allows your clip on reading light to be mounted to any ferrous surface, such as an appliance, an automotive fender, hood or trunk lid, etc. The potential applications are truly unlimited.