Review: This rechargeable reading lamp is functional and convenient

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As an avid bookworm, I’m always looking for ways to improve my reading experience at home. Whether that’s by testing out the latest e-readers or staying on top of the year’s most popular books, investing in one of my favourite hobbies is a common occurrence.?

This past holiday season, I added a fun little gift idea to my wishlist, hoping that this Clip On Reading Light ($22 at time of writing) from Amazon could elevate my nighttime routine when reading in bed. I’m happy to report that it’s actually lived up to my expectations and has become one of my most used everyday household items.?

Cuhioy Clip On Reading Light at a glance

• Cordless, rechargeable reading lamp
• Up to 32 hours of battery life per charge
• Adjustable LED lights
• Five colour settings and five brightness settings
• Flexible gooseneck to adjust lamp position
• Strong clamp attaches to bed frames, desks or side tables
• Available in black or white
• One year warranty
• Where to buy: Amazon

Review: Clip On Reading Light

I’ve always wanted to invest in wall sconces or more permanent reading lamps in my bedroom, but the thought of demoing and rewiring electrical has always put me off of the idea. Instead, I turned to Amazon to see what kinds of cordless and rechargeable alternatives I might be able to find. My search led me to this model by Cuhioy which is backed by a 4.2-star average rating from thousands of customer reviews.?

It comes packaged in a small box that includes the lamp itself and a USB charging cable. While it doesn’t come with a wall adapter (they can be purchased separately for under $20), the lamp can be charged by plugging it directly into a laptop or power bank in a pinch. The lamp came partially charged, but it only lasted for about a week’s worth of 30 minutes of daily use.?

Favourite feature: Colour and brightness settings

My household is a firm believer in warm lighting, so you won’t catch us using any cool-toned bulbs around here. This reading lamp offers the best of both worlds, letting users choose from five brightness settings and five lighting tones that range from cool to natural to warm.?

I tend to switch between the two warmest shades (the warmest helps when winding down before bed, as blue light can interrupt your circadian rhythm) and either the third or fourth brightness setting.?

Least favourite feature: Aesthetics

This reading lamp is minimalist and futuristic-looking – it wouldn’t appear out of place in a sci-fi movie. While that might work for some styles, it does stand out against my mid-century modern decor in a way that isn’t my favourite feature.?

Overall recommendations??

This little lamp has definitely made reading in bed more enjoyable. I clamped it onto my headboard for overhead lighting – a big improvement over the floor lamp that I was previously using. No more dealing with shifting shadows while turning pages and sitting in uncomfortable positions to get the best light when reading.

Looks aside, this lamp is well worth its price for a functional and convenient way to read in bed. I can also see it being helpful for crafters, writing in low light or as a nightlight. The clamp is sturdy and doesn’t move or droop once clamped into place. Speaking from experience, it’s a great gift idea that the readers in your life will surely appreciate.?

Available on Amazon for under $30.

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kmendonca@postmedia.com?

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