SoftRead Flat Reading Light | Rechargeable, Dimmable Book Light with Timer

Darker evenings are here: make your reading corner a little cosier.

Want to read a little longer, without lighting up the whole room?

Ceiling lights are too much at bedtime. Your phone is not a book. And a normal lamp lights up the entire room when all you want is a bit of light on your page, especially when the person next to you is trying to sleep.

SoftRead Flat Reading Light rests directly on the page you are reading. It is a slim, transparent panel on a small base, so the light lands on your page instead of hanging above your head.

Why this works differently

With an ordinary reading lamp, the light comes from above or from the side, so your hand and head can cast shadows on the text. SoftRead lies on the page and lights it from the panel itself, so the text is lit evenly and very little light reaches the rest of the room.

The biggest difference: there is no clip and no arm. You simply rest it on the page and read through it.

SoftRead compared with a bedside lamp or a clip-on light

How it works

SoftRead is a flat, rechargeable reading light. Rest the panel on the open page and read through it. The buttons on the base switch it on, change the light colour between white, neutral and warm, and set the brightness. A small display lets you set a timer from 0 to 99 minutes, so the light turns itself off if you drift off. Stand it upright on its base and it works as a soft night light.

Why you'll love it

• Light where you need it: the glow stays on your page and barely spills into the room.
• No clip: nothing pulling at thin pages or hanging over your book.
• Dimmable: from a bright reading light down to a soft glow for late evenings.
• 3 light colours: white, neutral and warm, whichever feels best to you.
• Built-in timer: set it from 0 to 99 minutes and it switches itself off.
• Wireless: rechargeable by USB, with up to 35 hours on one charge.
• Slim: 2.2 cm thick, easy to slip into a bag for holidays and trips away.
• Your choice of finish: black, white or rose pink.

Not happy? We'll sort it out

If something isn't right, our customer service team is here to help. Email us and we'll think along with you to find a solution. And if it still isn't for you, you have 30 days to change your mind and send it back.

How to use it

Charge it with the USB cable in the box. Rest it on the page you are reading, switch it on with the button on the base and pick the light colour and brightness that feel right. To turn the page, lift the light, turn the page and rest it back down. Set the timer before you settle in if you like.

When you'll use it

In bed, next to a sleeping partner. The light stays on your page, so the rest of the room stays calm.

As a screen break. Put the phone down, pick up a book, and make a regular reading moment of your evening.

On holiday, in a caravan or a tent. It is rechargeable and wireless, so you do not need a socket.

On your bedside table. Stand it upright on its base for a soft, warm glow.

Who it's for, and who it's not

Great for you if you like to read printed books in bed, share a room with someone who goes to sleep earlier, or want a thoughtful gift for a reader anywhere in the UK. It makes a lovely Christmas present for the book lover in your life.

Less suitable if you mostly read on an e-reader or tablet with its own light, mainly read very small pocket books, or want a lamp that lights up a whole room.

Features and specifications

• Type: flat reading light that rests on the page (no clip)
• Light colours: 3 settings, from white to warm
• Brightness: stepless dimming
• Battery: 1200 mAh rechargeable, up to 35 hours on one charge
• Timer: 0 to 99 minutes
• Charging: USB charging cable included (mains plug adapter not included)
• Size: 18.5 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm (7.3 x 6.0 x 0.9 in)
• Material: PC/ABS plastic
• Colours: Black, White, Rose Pink
• In the box: reading light, USB charging cable, cleaning cloth, user guide

What users say

Users mention the soft light above all: pleasant to read by in the evening. We also hear that picking up a book feels easier than reaching for the phone.

Frequently asked questions

How does it work?
You rest the panel flat on the open page and read through it. The LEDs light the text evenly, and very little light spills into the rest of the room.

How is it different from a clip-on book light?
A clip-on light hangs over the top of your book and shines down at an angle, which can leave a bright patch and shadows. SoftRead sits on the page itself, so the whole page is lit evenly and there is no clip pulling at your book.

Will it fit my book?
The panel measures 18.5 x 15.2 cm (7.3 x 6.0 in) and is 2.2 cm (0.9 in) thick. It is roughly the size of a paperback page. It suits standard paperbacks and larger books; on very small pocket books it will overhang the page.

How do I turn the page?
Lift the light, turn the page and rest it back down on the new one.

How do I charge it, and is a plug included?
Charge it with the USB cable in the box, from any USB power source such as a phone charger, laptop or power bank. A mains plug adapter is not included. Once charged, it works wirelessly.

How long does the battery last?
The 1200 mAh battery gives up to 35 hours on one charge. The exact time depends on the brightness you choose.

Can I use it as a bedside light?
Yes. Stand it upright on its base and it gives a soft, warm glow.

Does it have a timer?
Yes. You can set it from 0 to 99 minutes, and the light switches itself off when the time is up.

Will it disturb the person next to me?
The light stays on your page and barely spills into the room, so it is far less likely to disturb them than a lamp that lights the whole bedroom.

Can I use it with an e-reader or tablet?
It is made for printed books and magazines. An e-reader or tablet with its own backlight does not need it.

How do I clean it?
Wipe it with the cleaning cloth supplied. Switch it off and unplug the cable first.

What's in the box?
1 reading light, 1 USB charging cable, 1 cleaning cloth and 1 user guide.

A calmer, cosier way to finish the day with a good book.

Choose your colour above and add it to your basket. Free UK delivery and 30 days to change your mind.