Levenger began by selling reading lights, and over
the years we've learned a few things that may help you
light for long and comfortable reading sessions.
Light for the ages.
Ever notice how children seem
to read in the dark? It's not dark
for them. When we're young, we don't need as much light as when we're
30. At 60, we need twice the amount of light we did when
we were 30. (We just don't notice it since we get older a
day at a time.) Give yourself lots more light as you grow older.
Find the correct shoulder to light on.
Position your lamp behind your left shoulder if you're
right-handed, and behind your right shoulder if you're
left-handed. This way, your hand won't overshadow your words as you write or read.
Banish glare.
Set a small mirror on your page and see if any strong light reflects into your
eyes. If so, rearrange things so that the light bounces
away instead. This way, you'll avoid fatiguing glare.
Use a dimmer switch.
It gives you another way to control the light level, adjusting
it to what you're reading (a stock listing vs. a glossy coffee table book, for
example). A dimmer switch is especially helpful for older eyes, since they
need more light yet are more sensitive to glare.
Combine direct light with general light.
Except when reading in bed when someone else is sleeping, try to avoid strong contrasts
in light levels, which may cause your eyes to strain to adjust from darkness to light.
Normally you should light your room generally and then supplement your reading material
with direct light.