Nov 07, 2022

Lampshades for Reading Nooks: Cozy Up With Your Books This Winter

by Henry Burke

“Winter is coming!” No matter your favorite book genre, if you’re a book lover, you probably recognize this iconic quote from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Winter is indeed coming, along with the chance to plow through your TBR list as you cozy up in your reading nook. With the right reading nook lampshade, you can add an extra layer of warmth and atmosphere to your reading experience.

Lux Lampshades has gorgeous lampshades you’ll love to curl up with along with your books. It offers a variety of lampshade styles, materials, and colors to create a cozy and personalized atmosphere for reading. Here are some of our recommended lampshades and reading nook lighting ideas you should try.

Modern Lampshades

If you love experimenting like modernist literature authors Gertrude Stein, Virginia Woolf, and Ernest Hemingway, a modern lampshade may be up your alley. Lux Lampshades has a generous selection of modern lampshades designed with creative touches that harken back to classic shade designs while breathing new life into a time-honored decor piece.

This British Empire stick lampshade is available in seven sizes and 14 colors. Create a modernist moment in your reading space by experimenting with different lamp shade colors and sizes until you find the perfect match for your current modernist literature read.

Empire Lampshades

Evil empires and fantasy go hand in hand, but there’s nothing evil about using empire lampshades to brighten your library, bedroom, living room, or wherever else you love to read in the winter! Empire lampshades are noted for their straight slope extending from the top to bottom. It’s reminiscent of the anything-but-straightforward path The Chosen One must take to save the world.

If you’re reading fantasy works from J. R. R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Evan Winter, Ursula Le Guin, or any other fantasy writer, create a warm mood with this empire-woven paper lampshade. It’s another good reading nook lighting choice for fantasy lovers as it's unique. Its crisscrossing lines immediately bring to mind Tolkien’s elvish artistry and Winter’s smoldering dragon scales.

Silk Lampshades

When falling snow blankets everything outside in pristine white, you inject color into your winter with art and photography books bursting with vibrant style. As a pliable material easily shaped by an artist’s hands and creativity, silk lampshades are the perfect reading accompaniment for this genre.

With its beautiful dyed pattern, this gathered ikat silk empire lampshade will inspire your artistic sensibilities. Top a desk or table lamp with the shade and let its colors and light transform your reading space into a living work of art.

Scalloped Lampshades

One of the first things that comes to mind when seeing a scalloped lampshade is water waves. During winter, you may get the itch to visit a lovely, warm beach where the only chill you feel is from the iced tropical drink in your hand. Rather than go to the beach, bring the beach to your reading space with travel books and Lux’s scalloped lampshades.

This scalloped raffia hardback shade turns your reading space into a beachside resort. Before reading about far-flung destinations, turn on the lamp and let the shade’s natural materials and rippling design transport you to a distant shore with beautiful vistas and a welcome absence of snow.

Linen Lampshades

If you love reading about romance, be it in Danielle Steel or Jane Austen novels, our selection of linen lampshades will remind you that gentle yet powerful love is what truly brings comfort during cold winter months.

For example, this linen drum hardback lampshade exudes gentle, ambient light when lit. As you read by the golden light spilling from beneath this shade, you’ll be reminded that the greatest love of all is the love of reading!

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are a stylish and space-saving option for your reading nook. They hang from the ceiling and provide a focused beam of light right where you need it. Here's why pendant lights with the right lampshade are perfect for your nook:

Space-Saving Elegance: Pendant lights are ideal if you have limited floor or table space in your reading nook. They provide ample illumination without taking up precious room.

Customization: Choose a lampshade that matches your decor and personal style. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern pendant or a vintage-inspired look, there's a lampshade for you.
Adjustable Height: Pendant lights often come with adjustable cords, allowing you to position the light at the perfect height for your reading material.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are a fantastic choice for nooks with limited floor space. They are mounted on the wall and can be paired with beautiful lampshades to create an inviting reading atmosphere.

Aesthetic Appeal: Wall sconces with well-selected lampshades add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your nook's decor. They become decorative elements even when not in use.
Focused Lighting: Wall sconces are designed to direct light downward, providing a concentrated pool of illumination on your reading material while minimizing glare.
Versatility: Wall sconces are available in various styles, making it easy to find one that complements your reading nook's overall aesthetic.

Fairy Lights

For a whimsical and magical reading nook, consider using fairy lights with creative lampshades. Fairy lights provide a soft, enchanting glow that can enhance the cozy atmosphere of your reading corner.

Magical Ambiance: Fairy lights paired with whimsical lampshades create a dreamy, almost ethereal ambiance that's perfect for escaping into the pages of a book.
DIY Creativity: Get creative with your lampshades for fairy lights. You can craft your own or choose unique decorative options that reflect your personality and style.

Nautical Lamp

If you're a fan of coastal or nautical themes, a nautical lamp with an appropriate lampshade can be the perfect addition to your reading nook.

Seaside Charm: Nautical lamps, often designed like lanterns or buoy-inspired fixtures, add a touch of seaside charm to your reading space.
Complementing Decor: Pair your nautical lamp with a lampshade that features maritime motifs, such as shells, anchors, or seashells, to complete the coastal look.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reading Nook Lighting

1. How do you make a cozy reading nook for kids?

Creating a cozy reading nook for kids is a delightful project. Here are some steps to make one:

Select a Quiet Spot: Choose a quiet and comfortable location away from distractions.
Comfortable Seating: Invest in a comfy chair, bean bag, or soft cushions.
Book Storage: Add shelves or bins for easy access to books.
Soft Furnishings: Use cozy blankets and plush pillows for comfort.
Personalization: Let kids decorate their nooks with their favorite colors, posters, or artwork.
Good Lighting: Ensure ample, soft lighting for reading, like a reading lamp with a suitable lampshade.

2. What is a reading nook?

A reading nook is a small, dedicated space for reading and relaxation. It typically includes comfortable seating, good lighting, and a collection of books. Reading nooks can be created in various parts of a home, such as a corner of a bedroom, a window alcove, or a cozy corner in a living room.

3. How to position the reading nook lampshade?

Positioning the reading nook lampshade is crucial for creating a comfortable reading environment. Follow these guidelines:

Direct Light Downward: Ensure the lampshade directs light downward onto the reading material, minimizing glare.
Over the Shoulder: Position the lampshade over your shoulder and slightly to the side for optimal lighting while reading.
Adjustable Height: Use lamps with adjustable heights or flexible arms to position the light source at the right level.

4. What is the best color light for reading?

The best color light for reading is generally soft, neutral white, or warm white. This color temperature is around 2700K to 3500K on the Kelvin scale. It mimics natural daylight and reduces eye strain while providing good contrast for reading text. Avoid overly cool or harsh blue-toned lights, as they can be less comfortable for extended reading sessions.

Get Cozy This Winter With Reading Lampshades from Lux

This winter, curl up with a good book and lampshades from Lux. Our curated collection has something for everyone and every reading genre. With such a wide selection of quality lampshades, you’ll find the perfect one to set the mood for cozy evenings spent indoors with a warm blanket, hot cocoa, and your most anticipated winter read.