Anyone who reads in an armchair in the evening knows the problem: the ceiling light casts their own head as a shadow on the book, the table lamp on the chest of drawers is too far away, and the floor lamp next to the armchair illuminates the floor but not the pages. The solution lies in the position of the light source. A floor lamp behind the armchair directs the light from above over the shoulder onto the reading surface, without the body getting in the way. This creates shadow-free illumination that allows for relaxed reading for hours.
Why the position behind the armchair is crucial
Light is most effective when it comes from a direction that matches the line of sight. If the lamp is positioned to the side of the armchair, a book page will have a brighter and a darker area. The contrast tires the eyes. If, on the other hand, the lamp is behind the backrest, the light is distributed evenly over both pages. The distance between the light source and the reading surface remains constant, and the brightness does not change when turning pages.
In addition, the lamp disappears from the peripheral field of vision. When reading, one concentrates on the text. A light source in the corner of the eye is distracting, even if it does not directly glare. Placed behind the armchair, the lamp remains out of sight and does not disturb.
What height and distance are necessary
The upper edge of the lampshade should be approximately 40 to 50 centimeters above the seat height. With a typical seat height of 45 centimeters, this results in a total height of 85 to 95 centimeters from the floor to the top edge of the shade. This corresponds to the height at which the light falls over the shoulder without the shade being in the way when getting up.
The distance between the backrest and the lamp base depends on the design of the lamp. Models with a straight shaft stand 15 to 25 centimeters behind the backrest. Arc lamps with an extended arm can be placed further away, with the shade then extending over the armchair. It is important that the shade is positioned centrally over the seat, not offset to the side. This way, the light falls symmetrically on both hands and the book.
| Measurement | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Armchair seat height | 42 to 48 cm |
| Lampshade height above seat | 40 to 50 cm |
| Total lamp height | 130 to 160 cm |
| Distance from base to backrest | 15 to 25 cm (straight), 40 to 60 cm (arc) |
| Light source (LED) | 400 to 600 lumens |
Which light sources are suitable
For reading light, light sources with a color temperature between 2700 and 3000 Kelvin are suitable. This warm white range corresponds to the light of an incandescent bulb and tires the eyes less than cool white light. The brightness should be between 400 and 600 lumens. Less is not enough for prolonged reading, more glares and creates harsh shadows.
A dimmable light source allows adjustment to the time of day and personal sensitivity. In the evening, less light is often sufficient than in the afternoon. LED light sources with good color rendering (CRI over 90) show print colors true to life, which is important for illustrated books or magazines.
Which shade shape directs the light
A conical shade that opens downwards bundles the light and directs it specifically onto the reading surface. A cylindrical shade scatters the light more broadly, also illuminating the surroundings and appearing less focused. For pure reading light, the conical shape is better, for a lamp that should also serve as ambient light, the cylindrical one.
The inside of the shade should be light, ideally white or cream-colored. Dark insides absorb light, so less reaches the page. A fabric shade scatters the light more softly than a metal one, which reflects it more harshly. For relaxed reading, the soft scattering is more pleasant.
How the lamp remains stable
A lamp behind an armchair often stands in a passageway or near the backrest. A heavy base made of marble, metal, or solid wood prevents the lamp from tipping over if someone walks past or the armchair is pushed back. The weight should be at least 3 to 5 kilograms, for tall models over 150 centimeters, rather 6 to 8 kilograms.
A wide base with a diameter of 25 to 35 centimeters distributes the weight and is more stable than a narrow one. Models with three legs instead of a round base are also stable, provided the legs are far enough apart.
What alternatives are available
If there is no space behind the armchair, an arc lamp can be used, which stands to the side of the armchair and swings the shade over the seat. The base then stands outside the passageway, and the arm extends over the armchair. However, this solution requires more floor space and only works if there is enough room next to the armchair.
Another option is a wall lamp with a swivel arm, which is mounted on the wall behind the armchair. It saves floor space but requires electrical installation and cannot be moved if the armchair is rearranged.
- Position the lamp centrally behind the backrest, not offset to the side
- Place the top edge of the shade 40 to 50 centimeters above the seat
- Choose a warm white light source with 2700 to 3000 Kelvin and 400 to 600 lumens
- Prefer a conical shade for focused reading light
- Use a base with at least 3 to 5 kilograms of weight for stability
- Use a dimming function to adjust to the time of day and personal preferences
You can find suitable pieces under Floor Lamps and Armchairs. Details on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Floor Lamps and Eichholtz Armchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the lamp also be placed in front of the armchair?
A position in front of the armchair is unfavorable because the lamp would then be in the way and the light would come from the front. This creates glare and illuminates the face rather than the book. Behind the armchair, the light falls over the shoulder and reaches the reading surface without obstruction.
How high should the lamp be if the armchair has a high backrest?
For high backrests over 80 centimeters, the lamp should be correspondingly higher so that the shade extends over the backrest. A total height of 150 to 170 centimeters is then appropriate. The shade must be at least 10 centimeters above the top edge of the backrest so that the light is not shaded.
Is one lamp sufficient for two armchairs standing next to each other?
A single lamp can illuminate two armchairs if it stands centrally between both and has a wide shade. The brightness should then be higher, about 600 to 800 lumens, so that both reading spots receive sufficient light. However, for optimal illumination, one lamp per armchair is better.
Which shade color is best for reading light?
The outside of the shade can be any color that matches the decor. The inside is crucial: it should be light, ideally white, cream, or light gray. Dark insides reduce light output and require stronger light sources to achieve the same brightness.