Wall Lights for Reading Nooks: Placement and Style Tips
By Bert Frank | Bert Frank - Modern & Mid Century Designer Lighting | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to choose and place wall lights for a cozy reading nook. Get practical tips on height, brightness, and style to create the perfect reading corner.
Quick answer
For a reading nook, place wall lights 60–66 inches from the floor, angle them to avoid glare, and choose fixtures with a shade that directs light downward or sideways.
Why wall lights work best for reading nooks
Wall lights save floor space and let you position light exactly where you need it—without a lamp base taking up room beside your chair. They also reduce shadows and can be angled to illuminate a book without lighting up the whole room.
Choosing the right shade and finish
A shade that directs light downward or sideways is essential for focused reading. Opal glass diffuses light softly, reducing harsh shadows, while a metal or opaque shade creates a more concentrated beam. Smoked glass adds ambiance but may reduce brightness, so pair it with a higher lumen bulb.
How to place wall lights for a reading nook
- 1. Measure the height: Mount the wall light so the bottom of the shade is 60–66 inches from the floor. This positions the light above your shoulder when seated, preventing direct glare into your eyes. A common mistake is mounting too high—above 66 inches pushes light onto the ceiling, not your book.
- 2. Choose the right side: If you read with your right hand holding the book, mount the light on your left side to avoid casting a shadow across the page. For a chair centered in the nook, use two lights flanking the seat. One light on the wrong side creates a shadow that makes reading harder.
- 3. Select the shade type: Use an opaque or downward-facing shade for direct reading light. A translucent shade (like opal glass) works well if you also want ambient glow. Avoid fully open shades that shine light into your eyes. Smoked glass looks beautiful but reduces light output—pair it with a higher wattage bulb if you choose it.
- 4. Angle the light correctly: Tilt the shade so the beam hits the page, not your face. A 30–45 degree downward angle usually works. If the fixture is fixed, choose one with a built-in downward direction. Light that hits your eyes directly causes discomfort and reduces reading focus.
- 5. Test with your chair: Sit in your reading chair before finalizing placement. Hold a book and have someone hold the fixture at different heights and angles. Adjust until the page is evenly lit without glare. Skipping this test is the most common mistake—measurements alone can't account for your specific chair height and posture.
Recommended wall lights for reading nooks
- RINATO WALL LIGHT SINGLE: The RINATO WALL LIGHT SINGLE features a single light shade on a wall bracket, with brass fixtures and decorative strips of premium leather available in various colors. The adjustable leather detail lets you customize the look, and the focused shade directs light exactly where you need it for reading.
RINATO WALL LIGHT SINGLE - FAROL DOUBLE: The FAROL DOUBLE is crafted from brass with hand-blown glass shades in opal or smoked options, available in right-hand or left-hand configurations. The opal glass option provides a soft, even light ideal for reading, and the left/right orientation ensures you can mount it on the correct side of your nook.
FAROL DOUBLE
