You should look for lights ranging from 40 to 60 watts for a nightstand or headboard lamp. It’s considered an ideal range for reading, looking at notes, or other end-of-day activities. This measurement translates to 450 to 800 lumens if you’re looking at LED lights. If you are age 60 or older, you may need closer to 100 watts (1,600 lumens) to see well at night.