Clever Ideas for Using Globe Wall Lights in a Small Reading Nook

Globe wall lights work beautifully in a small reading nook because their rounded glass shades spread a soft, even glow without taking up floor or table space. Mount one slightly above and to the side of your reading chair, choose opal or frosted glass to avoid glare, and fit a warm white bulb that is bright enough to read by. In a tight alcove, under a staircase or beside a window seat, a single globe can turn an awkward corner into the most inviting spot in the house.

Reading nooks are often carved out of the smallest spaces in a home: the alcove beside a chimney breast, the end of a landing, a deep bay window. Every centimetre matters, which is why wall mounted lighting makes so much sense. Our modern globe wall lights UK range includes compact designs that suit tight corners, and they sit naturally within our wider lighting UK sale collection if you want to coordinate finishes across the room.

Why Globes Suit Small Spaces

A globe shade has no hard edges and no single direction. It spreads light in all directions, which fills a small nook evenly and softens shadows on walls and shelves. In a larger room, that broad spread can feel unfocused, but in a compact corner it creates an enveloping glow.

Globes also look lighter than many shades. A sphere of opal glass reads as a soft point of light rather than a solid object, so it does not crowd a narrow space visually. Clear or tinted glass versions add a little sparkle and character.

Their shape pairs well with curved furniture, round cushions and arched alcoves, all of which tend to feel cosy in small rooms.

Clever Ideas for Different Nooks

The chimney breast alcove

Many period UK homes have alcoves either side of a chimney breast. Fill one with shelving and a slim armchair, then mount a globe wall light on the side wall of the alcove, angled towards the chair. The light washes across the books and falls gently on the page.

Under the stairs

A space under the stairs can become a snug reading corner with a cushion, a small chair and a globe light fixed to the underside wall. Choose a compact globe so it does not catch your head as you sit down.

The window seat

Window seats are wonderful in daylight but dark in the evening. A globe wall light mounted to one side of the window extends their use well into the night. A dimmable fitting lets you keep the glow low while still enjoying the view outside.

The landing corner

Wide landings often have a corner that goes unused. A small chair, a narrow bookcase and a globe light can make it a quiet spot away from the busier rooms downstairs.

A bedroom corner

In a bedroom, a reading nook gives you somewhere to read without disturbing a partner. A globe wall light with its own switch keeps the rest of the room dark.

Getting the Position Right

Position matters more than brightness. For reading, the light should fall across the page from slightly behind and to the side, not from directly in front or directly overhead.

• Height: mount the globe so its centre sits a little above your head when seated. This keeps the bulb out of your eyeline.
• Side: place it on the side opposite your writing hand, so turning pages or making notes does not cast shadows.
• Distance: keep it close enough to light the page well, but far enough that you do not knock it when standing up.

If two people share the nook, a globe either side of a small sofa or a pair of chairs gives each person their own light.

Choosing the Glass

The type of glass shapes the atmosphere.

Opal glass

Opal glass gives a milky, even glow with no visible bulb. It is the most comfortable choice for reading because it reduces glare.

Frosted glass

Frosted glass is similar to opal but slightly brighter and less dense. It suits nooks that need a little more light.

Clear glass

Clear globes show off a decorative filament bulb and add sparkle, but they can create glare at eye level. They work best when mounted slightly higher.

Smoked or amber glass

Tinted globes create a warm, moody glow. They are lovely for ambience but may be too dim for long reading sessions unless paired with another light.

Bulbs and Brightness

A warm white LED is usually the right choice for a reading nook. It feels relaxing while still providing enough light for comfortable reading. If the nook doubles as a work spot, a slightly cooler neutral white can help with concentration.

Dimmable bulbs are useful. You can turn the light up for reading and down for winding down with a cup of tea. Check that the fitting, bulb and switch are compatible.

For rented homes or spaces without wiring, plug in globe wall lights with a neat cable cover or rechargeable designs offer flexibility without electrical work.

Furnishing the Nook

A reading nook needs very little: a comfortable seat, somewhere to rest a cup and somewhere to keep books. In a small space, choose each piece carefully.

A tub chair is a natural fit. Its rounded back and compact footprint echo the globe light and tuck neatly into corners. Our modern tub chairs UK include designs in velvet, boucle and fabric that suit small reading spaces.

Shelving keeps books within reach. A narrow bookcase or a set of floating shelves turns a plain wall into a library. Our modern bookcases UK sale include slim designs that fit into alcoves without overwhelming them.

A small side table or a deep window ledge gives you somewhere to put a drink. If you are unsure which type of table suits your space, our guide to side tables, end tables and lamp tables in UK homes explains the differences.

Colour and Texture

Deep, cocooning colours suit reading nooks. Navy, forest green, aubergine and terracotta make a small space feel intentional and cosy, and globe lights glow especially warmly against them. Lighter walls work too, giving an airy, calm feel.

Layer textures for comfort: a wool throw, a linen cushion, a small rug underfoot. Soft materials absorb sound and make the nook feel quieter.

Match the metal of the globe’s bracket to other details in the room, such as picture frames, shelf brackets or cabinet handles. Brass adds warmth, black adds definition and chrome feels crisp.

Mistakes to Avoid

A globe that is too large for the nook can dominate it. In a narrow alcove, a smaller globe usually looks more balanced.

Mounting the light too low can mean knocking it every time you stand up. Mounting it too high can leave the page in shadow. Test the position with a temporary lamp before drilling.

Relying on the globe alone in a dark room can lead to eye strain. Keep some gentle background light elsewhere in the room so the contrast is not too sharp.

Switching and Control

A reading nook is at its most comfortable when you can control the light without getting up. If the globe is hardwired, ask your electrician about placing a switch within easy reach of the chair, or choose a fitting with its own switch on the backplate.

Plug in globes often have an inline switch on the cable, which can be clipped neatly to the side of a bookcase. Smart bulbs add another option, allowing you to dim the light from a phone or a small wireless remote kept on the side table.

Think about how the nook connects to the rest of the room. If the main ceiling light is on a separate switch by the door, you can turn it off as you settle in and rely on the globe alone, which instantly makes the corner feel more private.

Reading Nooks for Children and Families

Children often love a dedicated reading corner, and globe lights suit them well because they have no sharp edges and give a friendly, gentle glow. Mount the light high enough to stay out of reach, choose a fitting with a sturdy glass shade, and use a warm white bulb that will not feel too stimulating before bedtime.

A floor cushion, a beanbag or a low chair works better than a full size armchair for younger readers. Low, open shelving lets them choose books for themselves, and a soft rug underfoot makes the space comfortable for sitting on the floor.

In a family home, a nook on a landing or at the end of a hallway can be shared by everyone. A single globe light with a dimmer lets an adult read comfortably in the evening and a child enjoy a picture book during the day.

A Small Corner With Big Character

Globe wall lights prove that a reading nook does not need much space. A well placed globe, a comfortable chair and a few shelves can transform the smallest corner. At Furniture in Fashion, we offer lighting and compact furniture that help you create a reading spot you will return to again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are globe wall lights good for reading?

Yes, especially with opal or frosted glass. They give soft, even light that reduces glare on the page.

How high should a globe wall light be in a reading nook?

Mount it so the centre sits slightly above your head when seated, to keep the bulb out of your eyeline.

What size globe suits a small nook?

A smaller globe usually looks more balanced in a compact space and is less likely to be knocked.

Can I use a globe wall light without wiring?

Yes. Plug in and rechargeable designs work well where hardwiring is not possible.