Desk Lamps

When choosing a desk lamp for your office, consider your visual needs, the kind of work you do, and the aesthetic of your home office space. 

When it comes to lighting for your desk, the most important is being able to comfortably see the work you’re doing. Indirect lighting is easy on your eyes while still providing adequate illumination. This can be achieved with an adjustable lamp with a solid shade that can direct light downward.

LED desk lamps are a popular option because they provide bright, directed lighting with minimal power usage. Many desk lamps are also have adjustable stands to make it easy to point light right where you need it or to angle it away from your computer or tablet screens to avoid glare.

Though technically you can use a table lamp at your desk, or a desk lamp for some more directed light on your side table, there are a few differences. 

Table lamps are usually a bit larger, with a shade designed to diffuse light, rather than direct it. This is ideal for lighting up a whole area with only a single light source. They’re generally stationary, rather than adjustable, since the light isn’t meant to be directed.

Desk lamps, on the other hand, feature slimmer profiles to avoid taking up precious desk space. They usually have a sturdy base, sometimes incorporating desk accoutrements such as a pen cup or phone charger to save you even more space. Most desk lamps have an adjustable arm that allows you to direct the light wherever you need it most. 

Desk lamps can also be used on a side table for a nice reading light. Or as a bedside lamp to direct more light at your own space while your partner sleeps.

Choosing a desk lamp comes down to your personal needs and preferences. You know best what you need to work efficiently. However, there are some basic guidelines to think about.

First, choose a lamp that will produce a good amount of light. Something adjustable allows you to refocus the beam where you’re working at the moment, or direct it away from any screens.

Think about the size of lamp you might need, as well. A larger lamp will cover more space at once, meaning you won’t need to adjust it as much when working on projects that take up a lot of desk space. On the other hand, if you only need light on a single area, a smaller lamp will leave you more open desk space.

Consider the aesthetic of your office, as well. A modern minimalist space might work well with a simple, black, modern desk lamp with few frills. In a classic library-style study, on the other hand, an antique-style metallic lamp might look right at home. Choose whatever lamp speaks to you and will make you feel most comfortable.