The guide to the reading lamp: how to stage a pendant light correctly!

4 min Time to read

Simone Hammelstein

Praktikantin

Published on
May 9, 2025

Whether browsing through your favorite novel, quickly checking the evening news or enjoying a cozy cup of tea - good lighting is essential. However, classic bedside lamps often seem outdated, take up space and do not provide the desired lighting effect. Modern interior lovers are now opting for a stylish alternative: Pendant lights as reading lights. Especially above the bed, couch or in the cozy reading corner, they create not only functional but also atmospheric light - and look fantastic at the same time.

In this guide, you will find out how to use pendant lights as reading lights, what you should look out for in terms of light color, height and position and which lights are particularly suitable for your bedroom or living room. And, of course, we present the most beautiful models from s.luce .

How do I use pendant lights correctly as reading lamps?

Pendant luminaires create space - literally. Because they hang elegantly from the ceiling and leave your bedside tables or side tables free for books, drinks or decorations. But they can do so much more:

- Direct, glare-free light exactly where you need it

- Indirect lighting accents for a cozy atmosphere

- Flexible height and positioning for individual comfort

- Design statement instead of functional compromise

And the best thing? Pendant luminaires as reading lights can be wonderfully adapted to your personal style - from Scandinavian-clean to industrial to elegant.

Reading lamps Product tip: s.luce Crutch pendant light

The s.luce ball is the classic among the pendant reading lights. Its spherical shape provides harmonious, all-round diffused light - ideal if you are looking for cozy, even illumination by the bed. The frosted glass version in particular has a warm and calming effect.

Bedside light: how to find the perfect position

Positioning is crucial: pendant lights used as reading lights should be positioned in such a way that they illuminate your book pages optimally - without causing glare or casting shadows.

Rule of thumb for the height: The lower edge of the pendant light should hang approx. 30 to 50 cm above the height of the bed or seat. For a bed with a normal mattress height, this corresponds to approx. 110-130 cm from the floor. This will give you a comfortable reading height.
Distance to the wall:About 20 to 40 cm from the wall, depending on the width of your bed and the desired light cone. This creates an airy and modern effect - and gives you enough freedom of movement.
For a double bed, a symmetrical solution with two pendant lights is recommended - so each side has its own light source. Practical: many models are also dimmable or even with touch function available.

Pendant lights on the couch: for relaxed reading hours

Pendant lights look great not only in the bedroom, but also above the couch. Whether as a central design element or as targeted lighting for the reading corner - it all depends on the direction of the light beam.

Pendant light at the side above the sofa:

Hang it slightly off-center so that it shines at an angle over your reading or relaxation area. A pivoting or focused luminaire is ideal here.

Set up a reading corner: Lighting concepts with an effect

Your small quiet zone deserves the right light. Pendant luminaires as reading lights work like a cocoon of light here - focused, soft, atmospheric.

Tip: Combine the pendant light with a deep-pile carpet, a comfortable armchair and a small side table. For even more flexibility, a height-adjustable or multi-flame pendant light that adapts to your everyday life is ideal.

Product tip: s.luce Ring

The s.luce ring is a real highlight for modern reading corners.

The minimalist LED luminaire with its circular shape provides uniform light - glare-free, flat and with a smart dimming function. Ideal for purist interiors or as a stylish contrast in a cozy reading nook.

Light color & Brightness: making reading a pleasure

Not every light color is suitable for reading. The right color temperature has a significant influence on your well-being:

Color temperature	Effect	Recommendation
2700-3000 K	Warm white, relaxing	Perfect for bed & couch
3000-3500 K	Neutral white	Good for concentrated reading
4000+ K	Cold white, activating	Rather unsuitable for the evening

Our tip: Use dimmable LEDs with 2700 K for maximum coziness. Many s.luce-models offer flexible control options here - some even via app or smart home.

Pendant lights can be perfectly combined with other light sources. This allows you to achieve a harmonious lighting concept:

- Indirect LED strips on the headboard or on the wall for soft background lighting

- Accent luminaires such as small spotlights or table lamps for pinpoint islands of light

- Dimmer & Smart controls to adjust the light to suit the mood

Mounting & Cable management: for a perfect look too

A neatly routed cable looks stylish - especially with visibly suspended pendant lights. Use cable holders or cable rails to run the cable elegantly along the wall or ceiling. Or deliberately use textile cables in a color that matches the interior.

Ceiling connection not ideally located?

No problem: with a decentralization kit, you can offset the pendant light - and still use existing connections.

Checklist: What you need for your reading lamp in the form of a pendant light

- Pendant light with suitable light emission (direct/indirect)

- Dimmable LED light source with 2700-3000 K

- Ceiling hook & Decentralization kit if necessary

- Textile cable or cable in matching color

- Optional: smart home control for app dimming

Pendant lights as reading lamps - style meets function

Pendant lights as reading lights are far more than just a trend. They combine design, function and quality of light in one and offer you the freedom to design your bedroom, couch or reading corner as you wish. With the stylish models from s.luce you can create a harmonious lighting ambience that is not only practical but also inspiring.

What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to the reading experience you deserve - with pendant luminaires as reading lights from skapetze®.

Get advice now

If you have any questions, our lighting consultants will be happy to help you and create a professional lighting concept for your reading lamps, both for your bed in the bedroom and for your reading corner.

Request a lighting consultation