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The guide to the reading lamp: how to stage a pendant light correctly!
4 min Time to read
Simone Hammelstein
Praktikantin
Published on
Whether you're curled up with your favorite novel, quickly checking the evening news, or enjoying a cozy cup of tea, good lighting is essential. But traditional bedside lamps often look outdated, take up space, and don't provide the desired lighting effect. Today's modern interior design enthusiasts are turning to a stylish alternative: pendant lightsas reading lights. Especially above the bed, couch, or in a cozy reading corner, they not only provide functional light but also create a cozy atmosphere – and look fantastic at the same time.
In this guide, you will learn how to make the most of pendant lights as reading lights, what to look for in terms of light color, height, and position, and which lights are particularly well suited for your bedroom or living room. And, of course, we will show you the most beautiful models from s.luce .
How do I use pendant lights correctly as reading lamps?
Pendant lights create space – literally. They hang elegantly from the ceiling, leaving your bedside tables or side tables free for books, drinks, or decorations. But they can do 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
• A design statement instead of a functional compromise
And the best thing? Pendant lights 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 a classic among pendant reading lights. Its spherical shape provides harmonious, all-round diffused light – ideal if you are looking for cozy, even lighting at your bedside. The frosted glass version in particular creates a warm and calming effect.
Light by the bed: How to find the perfect position <
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Positioning is crucial: pendant lights used as reading lights should be positioned so that they illuminate your book pages optimally – without glare or shadows.
- Rule of thumb for height: The bottom edge of the pendant light should hang approx. 30 to 50 cm above the lying or sitting height. 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 from the wall: Approximately 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 look – and gives you enough freedom of movement.
- One side or both sides? For a double bed, we recommend a symmetrical solution with two pendant lights – this way, each side has its own light source. Practical: many models are also dimmable or even available witha touch function.
Pendant lights above the couch: for relaxing reading hours
Pendant lights are not only great in the bedroom, but also above the couch. Whether as a central design element or as targeted lighting for the reading corner – the orientation of the light cone is what matters here.
Pendant light to the side above the sofa:
Hang it slightly off-center so that it shines diagonally over your reading or relaxation area. A swiveling or focused light is ideal here.
Setting up a reading corner: effective lighting concepts
Your little quiet zone deserves the right lighting. Pendant lights used as reading lights create a cocoon of light – focused, soft, atmospheric.
Tip: Combine the pendant light with a thick-pile rug, a comfortable armchair, and a small side table. For even more flexibility, choose a height-adjustable or multi-light pendant light that adapts to your everyday life.
Product tip: s.luce Ring
The s.luce Ring is a real highlight for modern reading corners.
The minimalist LED light 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 impact 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 | Cool white, energizing | Not really suitable for the evening |
Our tip: Opt for dimmable LEDs with 2700 K for maximum comfort. Manys.luce models offer flexible control options—some even via app or smart home.
Pendant lights can be combined perfectly with other light sources. This allows you to create a harmonious lighting concept:
• Indirect LED strips on the headboard or wall for soft background lighting
• Accent lights such as small spotlights or table lamps for selective islands of light
• Dimmers & Smart Controls to adjust the light to suit the mood
Installation & Cable management: For a visually perfect finish
Neatly routed cables look stylish – especially with visible pendant lights. Use cable holders or cable rails to elegantly guide the cable along the wall or ceiling. Or deliberately choose colored textile cables that match your interior.
Ceiling connection not ideally located?
No problem: with a decentralization kit, you can install the pendant light in a different position – 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 output (direct/indirect)
• Dimmable LED light bulb with 2700–3000 K
• Ceiling hook & Decentralization kit, if necessary
• Textile cable or cord in a matching color
• Optional: Smart home control for app dimming
Pendant lights as reading lamps – style meets function
Pendant lights as reading lights are much more than just a trend. They combine design, function, and light quality in one and offer you the freedom to design your bedroom, couch, or reading corner according to your wishes. 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 lights as reading lights from skapetze®.
Get advice now
If you have any questions, our lighting consultants will be happy to assist you and create a professional lighting concept for your reading lamps, both at your bedside in the bedroom and in your reading corner.
Simone Hammelstein
Praktikantin
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