Many millennia ago, someone pretty important decreed, “Let there be light” and we’ve been basking in its glow ever since.
While technology has certainly changed, the search for the best light to work by hasn’t. Whether you’re a graphic designer or work in another creative field, we have all felt the pain first hand of a desk lamp that either isn’t strong enough or is too bulky to help efficiently.
To that end, we thought we’d “shine a light” on the problem and pick out the best desk lamps that are available today so you can stop searching and get back to work. Before we start though, we should learn how to pick a desk lamp. It’s not as easy as you may believe.
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How to Pick a Desk Lamp
When you were in first grade or even high school, the lamp you had on your desk to do your homework didn’t matter that much. You could easily spend a couple of bucks on whatever the local store had. Now that you’re older, the same old lamp won’t do anymore, no matter how many fond memories you may have. Here’s a guide to picking your next lamp.
Brightness
The lights in a desk lamp can come in a variety of wattages and lux so that you can get a rough idea of how bright the light will be. Wattage measures the amount of power needed to operate the light while lux measures how bright the light can be. Reducing any eye strain is important and having a lamp with the right brightness can help. Generally speaking, the brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens and if you’re seeking to match the brightness of a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you’ll want to find a bulb that’s 800 lumens.
Color Temperature
Whether you like a warm or cool light while working comes down to personal preference. However, warm yellow light has a Kelvin rating of around 2,700 while white light is about 3,000K. In comparison, bright white light is between 3,500 and 4,100K, and bluish-white light comes in around 5,000 to 6,500K.
Lighting Type
Most new lamps come with LEDs as their light source. These tend to offer better energy efficiency and also last much longer than incandescent or fluorescent lights. The temperature color of LEDs is also able to be adjusted to reduce eye strain. If anything, a major benefit with LEDs is that they don’t heat up while they are on and do not need to be replaced.
Location
Everyone has a specific location where they feel a desk lamp will provide the best performance for the work that they are doing. Before you pick a desk lamp though, making sure it will fit in that spot is important. If you think you might move your lamp around, you might want to consider a wireless model that is battery-operated.
Style
When it comes to style, desk lamps have come a long way and many manufacturers will offer designs that might be a good fit in a certain type of decor. The different styles of desk lamps can run the gamut from traditional to sleek and even unique versions as designers are always looking to make something that stands out from everything else.
9 Best Desk Lamps for Designers & Creatives
There are a ton of lamps available for you to choose from and we get it, it can be hard to pick just one lamp to satisfy the needs you may have when it comes to a lamp. We think that our list below will be able to provide you with a source of light that you can use for years to come.
- BenQ Screenbar – $99
- Benq e-Reading Lamp – $229
- Lampat LED Desk Lamp – $23
- LED Wholesalers Folding LED Desk Lamp – $17
- TaoTronics TT-DL16 LED Desk Lamp – $75
- Ikea Forsa – $47
- Lepower Metal Desk Lamp – $19
- Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp – $36
- TaoTronics Dimmable LED Desk Lamp – $39
9 Best Desk Lamps to Keep the Lights On Compared
9 Best Desk Lamps to Keep the Lights On
BenQ Screenbar – $99
The best desk lamp overall
Size: 18 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.17 pounds | Voltage: 5 Volts | Wattage: 5 Watts
From its innovative design to its intuitive features, the Screenbar from BenQ is easily our top choice for the best desk lamp. With its unique design, the lamp sits on top of your monitor shining down to give you 500 lux of brightness without causing any screen glare like many other lamps. With an auto-adjustment feature, the light adjusts to keep it even and steady based on the ambient light in the room. This can be especially helpful if your working from home and its a dark and gloomy day outside. While it’s not the most affordable lamp, the versatility it offers certainly makes it worth the price.
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- Comply with standard light level comply with American National Standard practice for office lighting 500 lux recommendation (1000 lux in the center)
- Auto-dimming using a built-in ambient light sensor screen Bar adjusts the brightness level throughout the day for a eye-healthy workspace It can also be manually dimmed with the touch control
- Hue adjustment Adjustable color temperature to provide focus and comfort Warm light for relaxing cool light for work efficiency
- No screen glare Its asymmetrical Optical design only illuminates the desk and eliminates reflective glare off the screen found on most regular desk lamps
- Space saving breakthrough design mounts on top of the monitor saving valuable space on your desk
Benq e-Reading Lamp – $229
Beautiful light from above
Size: 23.22 x 8.66 x 24.61 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Voltage: 100 – 240 Volts | Wattage: 18 Watts
With its LED light design resembling a smile, the e-Reading lamp from BenQ is a beautifully-designed lamp containing 36 LEDs evenly spread out across the curved bar, it can easily light the far corners of your desk. With its bright, yet warm glow, the lamp can make working much easier without putting a strain on your eyes. A touch-sensitive ring on the top of the lamp lets you control the amount and temperature of the light. Equipped with a light sensor, the automatic mode adjusts the lighting level based on the amount of ambient light in the room. While it is on the high end when it comes to price, the unique design, touch controls, and the crisp, beautiful light it produces can brighten your day and your workspace.
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- WIDE DESK ILLUMINATION: Features advanced lighting technology, curved head, fully adjustable arm structures and ball joints, the lamp lights up your entire desk (35 inch)
- ADJUSTABLE COLOR TEMPERATURE AND BRIGHTNESS: The lamp features an adjustment knob to enable you to adjust between cool and warm color temperatures and control your brightness levels
- AUTO-DIMMING MODE: The lamp will detect ambient brightness and dynamically adjust to the brightness level for a comfortable work environment all day and night
- NO GLARE OR FLICKER: Unique design avoids screen glare and delivers a smooth and soothing light without flickering
- EASILY ADAPTS TO YOUR SPACE: Use optional desk clamps or floor stands for enhanced placement flexibility in your room or workspace
Lampat LED Desk Lamp – $23
The best desk lamp for small spaces
Size: 18.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Voltage: 12 Volts | Wattage: 10 Watts
The wonderful thing about LED lamps is not only how they can affect energy consumption but also the freedom they provide designers to try new things and new designs. The LED Desk Lamp from Lampat is one such design with its sleek design that is perfect if you work in a cramped office or cubicle. With five different illumination settings and four lighting modes, the lamp always provides you with the best combination of temperature and brightness. The base also comes with a USB charging port and has an automatic timer of 60 minutes in case you forget to turn it off.
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- LAMPAT Dimmable LED Desk Lamp, Black
- 4 lighting modes, 5 level brightness
- USB charging port
- Natural light protects eyes
- 1 hour auto-off
LED Wholesalers Folding LED Desk Lamp – $17
The best budget-friendly LED lamp
Size: 13.9 x 7.2 x 16.8 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Voltage: 100-240 Volts | Wattage: 7 Watts
Made from LEDs that have a lifespan of 35,000 hours, the folding LED Desk Lamp from LED Wholesalers provides an ample amount of light without consuming a lot of space or energy. Made from aluminum with a plastic shield on top, the arm is easily adjustable so you can position it for the best lighting. At the head of the light, a frosted lens provides glare-free light. The space-saving design makes it a perfect choice for home offices and its budget-friendly price won’t hurt your wallet either.
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- Provides natural, non-flickering light for stress free productivity and enjoyment.
- 3-step touch dimming control system
- Flexible positioning suitable for use in office, bedroom, school, and reading.
- Anti-glare LED reading light
- No flickering, no flashing LED light source
TaoTronics TT-DL16 LED Desk Lamp – $75
The best lamp with a modern look
Size: 18.94 x 5.28 x 17.2 inches inches | Weight: 4.43 pounds | Voltage: 12 Volts | Wattage: 12 Watts
With six levels of brightness and five different light temperatures, the TT-DL16 from TaoTronics will quickly become your desk’s best friend. Able to reach up to 1200 lux, the lamp is the brightest that TaoTronics produces, making it a great choice if you happen to work in a dark office. With its Advance Memory setting, getting the perfect lighting for your needs is simple as the lamp can save your favorite temperature and brightness setting. With a classic, yet modern look, the base, head, and neck can rotate so you can adjust all angles to your desired setting. The base also has a USB port so you can charge your phone or other mobile devices.
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- Durable & Solid: Made of premium aluminum alloy, the LED desk lamp is thoughtfully designed, stylish and scratch-resistant to last longer
- More Colors, Much Brighter: 5 color modes and 6 brightness levels meet your needs for any occasion; up to 1200 Lux, the lighting is bright enough for reading, studying, working, relaxing, etc.
- Easy on Your Eyes: Light guide panel transmits light sideways for glare-free illumination to brighten your space without harming your eyes
- Personalize Your Light: Easily dim or brighten the light, or drastically change the color through a scale of warm yellow to cool white by sliding your finger on the glass touch pad
- More Features: Conveniently powers up your device via the 5V/2A smart USB port; shine a spotlight in any angle you want by swiveling the lamp via the 4-axis rotation up/down/left/right
Ikea Forsa – $47
A great lamp design at an affordable price
Size: 14 x 6 x 5 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Wattage: 40 Watts
If you didn’t already know, Ikea doesn’t only sell furniture and one of their best products is the Forsa lamp. Made of sleek steel, featuring a long, adjustable arm as well as an adjustable shade letting you put the lamp in the perfect position for your work. Unlike most lamps, Ikea includes a bulb with the lamp to make it easier for you to get set up right away. Available in many different colors, the Forsa lamp is a great choice if you’re looking for a lamp with a great design and a splash of color.
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- Classic style work lamp in steel that will brighten up your day. The arm and shade are adjustable which makes it a great lamp for reading by the desk, bed or sofa.
- Dimensions: Height: 14 " , Base diameter: 6 " , Shade diameter: 5 " , Cord length: 5 ' 11 "
- Provides a directed light that is great for reading.
- You can easily direct the light where you want it because the lamp arm and head are adjustable.
- Light bulb sold separately. IKEA recommends LED bulb E12 400 lumen chandelier opal white.
Lepower Metal Desk Lamp – $19
Classic appeal with a great price
Size: 10.4 x 6.1 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Voltage: 120 Volts | Wattage: 40 Watts
Sometimes the best piece of hardware comes at an affordable price and that is the case with the Metal Desk Lamp from LePower. With its sleek design that is reminiscent of older desk lamps and its matte finish straddles the line between traditional and modern design and its flexible neck lets you put into just about any position you need. Although the lamp requires you to supply a bulb, this allows you to pick a bulb with a temperature that you prefer whether is an LED bulb, energy saver, or incandescent.
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- METAL MATERIAL: The lamp is integrated with high-quality metal lampshade and base, enduring, durable and aesthetic, brightens your living room, bedroom or study room.
- ON/OFF SWITCH: The switch is located on the base of the lamp for quick and easy use.
- BULB REQUIREMENTS: Bulb is not included in the package. With an E26 sized screw base, the bulb can be installed as desired. We suggest you using LED bulb 4W-6W, energy saving bulb 8W-16W, incandescent...
- ADJUSTABLE ANGLE: The flexible swing arm which makes it easy to find the perfect lighting angle. Simple and lightweight. Perfect for office, kids room, or college dorm.
- LEPOWER WARRANTY:12-month warranty for quality problem. Please feel free to buy!
Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp – $36
A unique design for filament style bulbs
Size: 9.8 x 5.8 x 18.8 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Voltage: 120 Volts | Wattage: 40 Watts
With changes in technology, designers have taken the traditional look of products and taken them in new and interesting directions. This is the case with the Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp from Simple Designs. The lamp prioritizes style with its industrial motif and glass shade. This results in a light source that isn’t pointed downward onto your desk like many other LED lamps. While it looks incredible, the amount of light it provides to the whole room is the biggest draw here. To give it a sense of nostalgia, try using the lamp with a filament or Edison-style bulb, and with its relatively affordable price, you can add a lot of light to even the largest offices.
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- Matte Black Finish
- Clear Glass Shade
- Convenient ON/OFF cord switch
- Product measures L: 9. 75 inch x w: 5. 75 x H: 18. 75 inch
- Uses 1 x 40W standard medium base bulb (not included). For full vintage look, Type T45 Edison bulb is recommended
TaoTronics Dimmable LED Desk Lamp – $39
The best foldable lamp
Size: 6.77 x 7.09 x 17.52 inches inches | Weight: 2.42 pounds | Voltage: 100V-240V Volts | Wattage: 5 Watts]
TaoTronics continues to impress with their creative designs that not only save space but don’t skimp on any of the features that consumers are looking for. This is most certainly the case with their Dimmable LED Desk Lamp that comes with four different lighting modes and five levels of brightness that are easily controlled. The lamp’s body is easy to adjust and can be rotated 180 degrees at the base. The second point of adjustment is further up the body that allows you to compactly close the lamp for easy storage. With anti-flickering technology to reduce eye strain and a 1-hour timer that can automatically turn the lamp off when you forget to, the Dimmable LED Desk Lamp is a great option for travelers who prefer to have a light source of their own on the road.
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- 4 Lights Match Your Purpose: Choose between 4 unique lights with 5 custom levels of brightness for work, study, reading, or relaxing
- Multi-Angle Adjustments for Optimized Lighting: Rotate the lamp arm up to 140° or swivel the base by 180° for a more direct illumination
- 1 Hour Auto-Off Timer: Turns the light off automatically to save on your electricity bill if you fall asleep under the lamp
- Touch Controls & Memory Function: Operates and responds with straight-forward touch controls; always remembers the brightness and mode last used for added convenience
- Convenient USB Charging: Recharge your devices via the built-in 5V/1A USB output; keep your smartphone or tablet within reach while charging
9 Best Desk Lamps to Keep the Lights On
Lamps truly are a wondrous piece of technology. Before January 1879, when Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, the only way to get work done in the dark was by a candle which could be a dangerous proposition. In the 141 years since then, the lamp has seen incredible changes and new advancements in design and technology to help us work in the dark. We hope that our list of the best desk lamps gives you a new appreciation for these lamps and the wonder they create.
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