I love to read. As well as having a good book and a cup of tea, good lightning is essential to help get the best out of reading. Proper illumination reduces eye strain, boosts concentration and transforms a simple page-turning session into a cosy, immersive experience. I’m not one who likes to have the overhead lights on, I do prefer lamps. A thoughtfully designed reading lamp elevates both function and mood, ensuring that every word is clear and every moment relaxing; whether you’re delving into a late-night thriller, a gruesome horror or just unwinding with a comforting cosy mystery before bed, good lighting can make all the difference. I have had several different lights and lamps over the years and I think that I have just found my favourite with the Paulmann Jerik Wall Light with USB Charger.
The Jerik Reading Light from Paulmann is a sleek wall light that blends style and minimalistic design with functionality and a touch of tech in one smart package. It features a swivel light for focused illumination, which has 3 adjustable brightness settings. It also features a handy shelf to place smartphones and eReaders and has a USB-C port (5V/2A) for fast charging them. With a warm white glow at 3000K, it creates a cosy ambiance that’s easy on the eyes for reading by or working away at the laptop. Equipped with a braided fabric 1.2m power cord for better durability and protection against damage (and I think looks better) and is fitted with a Euro plug rather than a UK 3-pin plug.
When unboxing the Jerik Wall Light, you immediately notice its solid build and minimalist aesthetics. The unit feels weighty and well-made, hinting at durability. Its clean lines and matte finish, available in black or white, blend seamlessly into modern interiors, from living rooms to bedrooms. It also comes with screws and rawl plugs for fixing it to the wall (although please note that depending on the materials of the wall; brick, plasterboard etc. you might need to change the ones supplied for something more suitable).
Measuring roughly 13cm (H) × 18cm (W) × 9cm (D), the Jerik is compact yet substantial enough to house its integrated features. A small shelf over the light head provides a neat perch for your phone or eReader while charging – no more balancing devices on precarious edges.
Best suited as a reading light next to the bed (although mine is in the living room as I do most of my reading on the sofa), it is very easy to fix the light to the wall. Unscrew the back plate, find the best place on the wall (with a power socket nearby) and mark the holes once the plate is level, drill your holes and pop in the wall plugs and screw the plate to the wall (there are already predrilled holes to do this).
Once the back plate is securely attached to the wall, screw the light unit back onto the plate. Once on the wall, it looks very aesthetically pleasing – I love the uncluttered minimalistic look and the adjustable swivelling light. The swivelling light head is perfect for being able to focus the light exactly where it’s needed, ideal for reading without disturbing a partner.
Operating the lamp is simple, there are no confusing controls – just one simple and discreet button. To power on/off, press and hold the button. To cycle through brightness modes, just tap the button until you get the one you want. No fuss – just power on, click, read and relax.
With a colour temperature of 3000K, the Jerik emits a warm white glow that’s easy on the eyes during long reads. It’s three-step dimming lets you cycle through brightness levels with a single button press:
- Level 1: Soft ambient light, perfect for winding down.
- Level 2: Balanced illumination for standard reading.
- Level 3: Bright task lighting for detailed work or highlighting text.
The swivelling head gives pinpoint control, so you can angle the beam exactly where you need it without disturbing a partner in the dark.
What sets the Jerik apart is its built-in USB-C port (5V/2A). With its 10w of power, it is ideal for fast-charging phones, tablets, or eReaders. Pop your device onto the integrated shelf, plug in, and easily charge those essential devices or use them without worrying about low battery warnings. This fusion of lighting and charging makes the Jerik a smart, space-saving solution for bedside or sofa-side setups.
Overall, I think that the Jerik is an excellent wall light. With its excellent focused light, adjustable brightness levels and charging function it makes it an ideal companion for avid readers, or other tasks. It blends functionality with refined elegance. I love the swivel light head that allows the focus of the light to be directed exactly where needed. The quality of the different light modes is excellent.
But things is are rarely perfect, and I do have some very small niggles with this light. For me, the cable length really needs to be a longer – it comes with a 1.2m cable but I feel it needs to be at least 1.5m, although that of course depends on where you are placing it and where your nearest wall socket is. I have it in the living room, next to sofa so it is higher up on the wall than next to the headboard of a bed for example, while the cable does reach the socket (just), if I had put next to the bed I might have struggled. It is fitted with a 2-pin Euro plug so you will need an adapter to use it (one is not supplied) – although I do think as this is not a cheap light an adapter should be included in the price (or better still have an option for a UK plug). And then there is the bulb, it isn’t changeable; if the light goes out, the bulb can’t be replaced for another, the whole unit needs replacing – that said, it is an LED bulb that has a lifetime of 30000 hours (about 3.5 years if left on 24/7), so it should last quite a few years (and it comes with a 5 year warranty).
With a price tag of £147 (white) / £133 (black), it is certainly a considered purchase, but I feel that overall it is worth the outlay, despite the small negatives that I mentioned. With its style, good quality light, reading comfort, USB charging facility and quality build it is a fantastic wall light, perfect for discerning book lovers – especially those who appreciate quality over gimmicks.
I think that is an excellent high-quality wall light. Aesthetically pleasing with good features and easy to use. For the price I would have liked to see a slightly longer power cord with a 3-pin UK plug fitted (or at least supplied with an adapter), but that doesn’t overshadow the quality and style of the light. Perfect for living rooms, reading nooks, bedside lamps or even home offices.
While I love this wall light, it is perfect for reading by, I couldn’t give it top marks due to short cable length and lack of UK plug (or adapter). It is isn’t a cheap light and these small adjustments would have make it perfect for me.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £147
For more information or to buy, visit uk.paulmann.com.