Best 10 Night Lights

Is it almost sleep time? Are you looking to doze off in tranquillity? Preparing for your bedtime routine can be a personal sanctuary and one of the most important parts of your day. The right pillow, duvet and mattress can make or break your sleeping experience. But, how do you set the tone for a restful night's sleep with just the right amount of light in the background before your alarm clock starts buzzing? If you're someone who doesn't like sleeping in total darkness, then a night light is a must-have on your nightstand. 

If you're an adult who doesn't mind sleeping in the dark but may have children, a night light could also be important for your kids. Most babies enjoy the fade of a dimmable light as it helps them sleep faster and more peacefully. New parents will often add a white noise machine to their nursery room to create soothing sounds around the baby’s cot. But, some unique night lights in the market include white noise and other nature sounds, making them the perfect sleep trainer for your little one.

Are you interested in learning a bit more about these excellent products? With our buying guide, you'll be ready to purchase your own in no time! Keep reading to find out more! 

What is a night light? 

Night lights are small light fixtures that you can place in dark rooms to provide comfort and better visibility. There are many types available out there suitable for a wide range of rooms or home areas. Most people prefer placing them in their bedroom nightstand or in a baby's room to create the perfect setting for a relaxing sleep. Some are versatile to use as portable night lights, too, if you want to run to the kitchen for a glass of water. Some people prefer the outlet types for walls because you can place them close to staircases for better illumination or in hallways for families to share. 

Why should you purchase a night light? 

There are many benefits to owning a night light. Whether you're single, living with your partner, or family, a night light can be an excellent addition to your home with multiple advantages. Let's have a look at some of the reasons we recommend that you consider them. 

1. They offer better visibility in dark places. 

One of the most obvious advantages to owning a night light is that you can navigate through the darkness with more convenience. You've probably run into a situation where you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, only to trip or stub your toe at the corner of your bed frame. You can avoid that excruciating pain for a couple of seconds by picking a portable or a motion-sensing light that instantly illuminates when it detects footsteps. 

2. They help relieve stress for better bedtime relaxation. 

If you're a parent, you know that putting your kids to bed can be a lengthy nighttime routine. Some children struggle with parting from their mum or dad when it's time to sleep and need extra attention with bedtime stories, lullabies or even falling asleep in their parents’ arms. Night lights can take some of the pressure off of you and tackle the fear of the dark efficiently. But, they’re also handy in creating a comfortable adult zen space, too, after a long day’s work. 

3. They promote uninterrupted sleep. 

Do you prefer sleeping in the dark because it’s easy on the eyes? Don’t worry; many night lights are completely unobstructive and actually help you fall asleep naturally by gradually fading as they detect lower light conditions. Their soft white or warm white tones stimulate your brain to unwind and sleep through the night without waking up from annoying flickering lights.

4. They are money-saving.

Instead of turning on your ceiling spotlights, you can purchase a night light for a cost-effective solution. These use low wattage light bulbs that promise anywhere from 3,000-hour lifespans to more than 50,000 hours. If you add up the cost of your monthly electricity bills, keeping your ceiling light on for hours on end will be much pricier than these little light fixtures. 

What to look for in a night light? 

Are you looking to find out a bit more about the top things to consider before you purchase a night light? Stay with us as we show you the must-have features, so you make a pro choice for your home. 

1. Bulb Type 

One of the first things you have to decide on is what type of light bulb you want. The four most common bulb types you will find are incandescent, halogen, CFL and LED. If you’re tight on a budget, any of the three first will be a low-cost option. However, they are less efficient in brightness than their LED pricier counterparts. For the most safety and efficiency, opt for LEDs if your pocket can afford them.

2. Size 

Check the overall product dimensions, including the length, width, and height, to ensure that they fit your room size. The outlet night lights are usually compact and slim in size, no bigger than the outlet itself. The kids’ room night lights can vary in shape and weight as there are multiple options available in the market. Whichever you pick, first read through the manufacturer’s description to make sure that you can accommodate the size in your living space.

3. Outlet or Battery 

Another critical question you should consider is whether you want an outlet or battery-run night light. The outlet kind runs on electricity by plugging it in and ups your electricity bill by a bit. The battery-operated ones run on AA batteries or AAA batteries and are rechargeable with a charger or a USB cable. If you want the light for your baby’s room, then a battery one may be less risky as it won’t have live wiring. But, for older children, your choice can be more open. 

4. Light Colour 

What kind of colour would you like your night light to illuminate in? There are many different options available, but the most common ones are either white or warm white. Some may have blue light or even a remote control so you can switch between multiple colours. 

5. Automatic or Manual 

Do you prefer a night light that works with a light sensor or one that you manually turn on? Some models work by having the light turn on automatically when they detect motion, while others require you to tap a button or flip a switch. Some automatic ones are handy because they have a dusk to dawn functionality that adjusts the brightness as the light conditions change. Others have a preset time frame after which they power off. Manual ones give you full control in the palm of your hand with a slider to match the brightness to your liking and power them off exactly when you want.

6. Durability

To keep your night light for years to come, check for indicators of a durable product. For example, the highest-quality ones use energy-efficient A+ to A+++ class LED light bulbs. A 50,000-hour bulb can last up to 5 years. Also, many manufacturers include warranties from 1 to 3 years that cover replacement costs. 

What types of night lights are available? 

The most popular types are outlet, portable and toy night lights. The choice is a matter of personal preference, but you will see that each has its pros and cons. Have a look below to weigh in on the different types to select the one that matches your needs. 

• Plug-In 

These devices plug into your wall’s electrical outlets to emit their light. They're excellent to light up dark areas, including hallways, staircases and common areas. Most of them come with light sensors and are affordable for any pocket. The one downside is that their outlet needs limit them in terms of portability. 

• Portable 

The portable night lights are suitable for children's rooms as they run on batteries and are more kid-friendly. They are hassle-free to recharge, and you can take them with you to other rooms or when you visit the bathroom at night. The one drawback is that they cost a bit more than the plug-in types. 

• Toy Lights

Some manufacturers have created stuffed animal toy lights that are comforting cuddle buddies for babies and toddlers. Younger children have these as they help them sleep peacefully at night, and parents love them for their little ones. The one con may be that their design is more so for babies, making them less suitable for when your kids outgrow them. 

Should you keep the night light on for the entire night? 

We recommend not keeping the night light on overnight as it could disrupt your sleep, or you can even get used to bright lights for extended periods. Your eyes might feel irritated after a while, so it’s best to find auto-dimming ones that turn off after 30 minutes. That span is the average time that an adult needs to drift off. But, if you can’t fall asleep without even just a bit of a glow, there are some excellent low-dimming night lights available. 

How much do night lights cost? 

You can find affordable options that will match your budget and provide you with a relaxing sleep experience.  Whether you want a simple outlet light switch or a plush toy for your children, there are inexpensive and high-end models fit for any pocket. 

Affordable 

The low-cost models start from under £5 and reach up to £20. These will usually plug into your wall yet still have above the Class A energy label. Their brightness will be adjustable with a switch or a built-in technology.

High-End

You will find premium prices for a bit over £20 to £60. These can be portable or toy shaped and may even project sound to soothe your children. Their lifespan will also be longer, and the material quality more robust to withstand wear and tear and accidental drops.  

Closure

Prepare for bedtime by creating a calming space with the best night lights. Set the tone for a restful night’s sleep for you or your kids with a soft glow in a small bedroom corner or right next to your nightstand. Take the time to review our recommended choices and select the one that fits your needs. 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand night lights. Now’s your turn to promote sleepiness and soundly fall asleep when you put your book down at the end of the day. Are you ready to catch some tranquil Z’s?