Best method of increasing bedroom lighting for reading...?

Question

I currently have an incandescent bulb and it does a poor job of lighting the room.

Answer 1

Use a CFL in the fixture for general lighting, but install some specific reading lights with snoots or other other shades to keep the lighting on the book.  I use a 40 watt right next to my head and it is more than bright enough so I dim it at times.  Mine happens to be a simple clamp light with a metal shade but other choices are a small desk-type reading lamp with a low voltage halogen lamp some versions of which have a hole in the bottom to mount on a s***w head on the wall while almost all sit flat if you have a flat top headboard.    If you have a sighted spouse or other bed partner, the more the light is on the book, the less disturbing reading will be when the other sleeps.

Answer 2

install a CFL in the fixture, use 25 watt or larger for more light.

Answer 3

Is it the lamp or the bulb?  Maybe the lamp isn't meant for task lighting, just mood lighting.  There are lamps that attach to the headboard for reading.  Or a floor lamp would also work better for reading in bed, because the bulb is higher.  Can your present lamp hold at least a 60watt bulb.  That is the minimum needed for reading without straining your eyes.  I would suggest getting a taller lamp with a light colored shade so you get more light where it is needed.