Brighten Up Your Workspace: The Best Desk Lamps In 2022
The best desk lamps can do so much more than just illuminate your desk and reduce eye strain – some can literally transform your workspace and set the mood for maximum productivity, whether for studying and writing or for answering emails and reading important documents.
But with so many desk lamps on the market – from basic and pragmatic to sleek and modern with wireless charging – finding the right one for your needs and budget can be tricky. To help you get the absolute best desk lamp for money, we’ve evaluated dozens of different models, looking at their brightness level, design, and extra features.
- Editor’s Choice: ECOLOR Smart Moon-Shaped Lamp
- Perfect for e-Reading: BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp
- Best Minimalist Design: Dott Arts LED Desk Lamp
- Retro Lover’s Desk Lamp: Globe Electric Heavy Base Desk Lamp
- Versatile & Minimalist Design: Lampat Dimmable LED Desk Lamp
- Flicker-Free & Reliable Lighting: TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
- Antique Style With a Modern Twist: Simple Designs Industrial Iron Lantern Desk Lamp
- Best Statement Piece: Calyx Cognac Glass Industrial Bronze Desk Lamp
- Best with Touch Control: OminiLight LED Desk Lamp with Touch Control
The Best Desk Lamp
1ECOLOR Smart Moon-Shaped Lamp
The ECOLOR Smart Moon-Shaped Lamp is a beautiful, versatile and easy-to-use lamp. My favorite feature is the easy control via Bluetooth to change the color scheme. Setup took only a few minutes and for the first few weeks, I set the lamp to respond to its environment. This setting is usually meant for music but I found it to be a fun soundtrack to my life, but with light instead of music. The app allows you to set the lamp to any one of 16 million colors or preset color schemes which is usually what I opt for now.
This lamp is available in both corded and cordless options. I would often set timers or schedules for the light to change when my energy level tends to drop and warm colors in the evenings. This product also offers dimming, making it a great nightlight. This is a wonderful option for kids and nurseries but I found it to be a wonderful lamp for adults too. Read the in-depth review here.
App or touch-operated
Bluetooth connectivity
Set timers and schedules
Dimmable, warm white light
Beautiful moon shape
- BrandEcolor
- ModelE0707
- Weight1.52 pounds
A gentle glow is friendly to the eyes
16 million color choices
The app allows you to DIY your own color combinations
The app may need a little tweaking
2BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp
The BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp has an impressive 50,000-hour lifespan, nearly eliminating the need for constant light bulb replacement. This one also delivers glare-free illumination that is easy on the eyes and with the adjustable brightness settings and color temperature you can customize the light to your individual preferences.
This is one of the best desk lamps for those who need versatility. It won’t take up much desk space making it perfect for task lighting. The torsion spring and ball joint design provides easy adjustability with wide light coverage. In terms of swing arm lamps, this one gives you direct light where you need it. The auto-dimming mode makes this a good desk lamp but you can also use it as a bedside table lamp for those who enjoy reading in bed. The space-saving design ensures you have more desk space to work on without compromising on lighting and the sturdy base keeps the lamp in place for safety and convenience. If you love having extra lighting, be sure to check out our list of the best candles for men for more great items like this.
Delivers clean LED light to a wide area
Adjustable lighting technology
Switch from warm to cool light with the turn of a button
50,000-hour lifespan per bulb
Fully adjustable arm and head
Automatically adjusts to ambient light
- BrandBenQ
- ModelAR15_D Silver
- Weight10.4 Pounds
No glare or flickering
Ideal for e-reading and other tasks
Space-saving design
The touch on/off is sensitive
3 Dott Arts LED Desk Lamp
Sleek and stylish, Dott Arts LED Desk Lamp is the perfect addition to a modern home or corporate office. The portable, flexible design makes this lamp ideal for working, studying or reading, and thanks to the space-saving base, it won’t take up much space on your home office desk, leaving you more room to work. The neck of this minimalist desk lamp is flexible to 230° with a base axis of 90° which means you can shine the light to where it’s needed.
Powering this bad boy is easy. You can use the AC adapter that is included with the lamp or you can plug it in via a USB port. Enjoy 50,000 hours of lighting with no glare or flickering so this one is also friendly to your eyes. The touch control makes turning this lamp on or off simple and you can choose from 3 brightness levels and also use the dimming function when you need to.
5000K cool white desk lamp
Multidirectional neck
USB Power or AC Adapter (included)
50,000 hours lifespan
Touch control
- BrandDott Arts
- ModelB08923SXXP
- Weight1.39 Pounds
Sleek, modern design
Gentle to minimize eye strain
230° flexible neck
No glare or flickering
May turn off intermittently
4Globe Electric Heavy Base Desk Lamp
Many industrial designers are working tirelessly to create new and exciting desk lamps to adhere to modern decor. However, if you just want a durable lamp that uses traditional bulbs, this Globe Electric Swing Arm Desk Lamp certainly ticks all the boxes. This one has a sturdy, heavy base with a swing arm that enables you to direct the light over your work area for improved visibility and maximum brightness. The retro style of the lamp’s head takes the old-style incandescent bulbs and the on/off switch is conveniently located at the top of the lamp shade.
At maximum extension, the lamp will tower 35” over your work surface providing a wide area of illumination. At the other end of the spectrum, you can bring it right down to desk level to focus on a specific item. The cord is long enough to allow total freedom of placement and the 60W A19 E26 bulb it uses will ensure you always have the light you need to get the job done. This lamp is also light and portable enough to bring with you if you want a break from the home office. Set it up on the island in the kitchen and enjoy a midnight snack while you burn the midnight oil preparing for the big presentation tomorrow. You can also use it as a night light and set it up on the nightstand. Swing it out over the bed to get in that last-minute reading before you call it a night. You may also be interested in some of these stylish salt lamps from our list. Be sure to browse them.
Rotates and swings to bring the light where you need it
Long reach keeps the base out of your way
Classic design works with any style of desk
Uses traditional 60W bulbs
- BrandGlobe Electric
- Model5698601
- Weight4.4 Pounds
Takes old-style light bulbs which are readily available
The swing arm allows you to cast light where it’s needed
The swing arm can become stiff over time
5Lampat Dimmable LED Desk Lamp
The LAMPAT Dimmable LED Desk Lamp is energy efficient and is ideal for a small desk. It redefines sleek with the lamp’s base being wafer-thin and a cantilever that’s virtually invisible as it reaches out over your work area.
The LAMPAT is one of the most versatile desk or table lamps out there with five different illumination levels and four lighting modes so you can always find just the right combination of temperature and brightness. There’s also a built-in USB charger for wireless phone charging making this a great night light as well. This lamp also turns itself off automatically after 60 minutes in case you forget or fall asleep. As with many desk lamps with an LED bulb, this one has an estimated lifespan of 50,000 hours and the touch-sensitive control panel makes this lamp easy to operate. This is one of the best desk lamps for students who need to study long into the night as the natural light minimize eye strain. This one is cool to put on your gaming desk as well.
Sleek, minimalist design
The perfect modern desk lamp
5 different light levels for different conditions
Built-in USB charging point for your phone or tablet
Shuts off automatically after 1 hour
- BrandLAMPAT
- Model900865
- Weight2.9 Pounds
Emits natural light that is gentle on the eyes
Built-in USB charger
1-hour automatic shut off
The touch panel may not always be responsive
6TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
If you’re looking for the best study lamp for a student, the TaoTronics LED desk lamp is a winner. This is a sleek and stylish-looking desk lamp that is energy efficient with LEDs using a tiny fraction of the energy consumed by traditional bulbs. They also produce virtually no heat making them safe for student dormitories and bedrooms.
The tower section of the lamp tilts in to bring the light closer and the arm rotates and tilts downward and upward as needed. The look of the lamp is clean and refreshing and a perfect fit for today’s contemporary office. Adjustments are as easy as sliding your finger along the touchpad and cleaning the lamp is an equally hassle-free experience because there is no shade to clean and no big hulking body that’s going to shatter if you knock it over. Throw in the fact that it comes with a one-year warranty on parts and craftsmanship and you have a pretty affordable lamp that won’t let you down. For clear, flicker-free light where and when you need it, the TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is a fantastic option.
Flicker-free LED light where you need it
Eye-catching contemporary design
5 separate color modes, 7 intensity levels
USB charging port for phone or tablet
Durable construction, fully portable
- BrandTaoTronics
- ModelTT-DL13
- Weight1.8 Pounds
No need to replace light bulbs
Low energy consumption
USB charging port in the base
Eye friendly LED
May turn off without notice
7 Simple Designs Industrial Iron Lantern Desk Lamp
Some of the best desk lamps are those that combine modern technology with traditional design and that’s exactly what you get with the Simple Designs Industrial Iron Lantern Desk Lamp. This beautiful metal desk lamp features a matte black finish lamp post and base with a clear glass shade. This is a lamp that is going to look right at home in any loft-style office or space that espouses industrial-design overtones. It will also look great in your farmhouse, on the reception desk of your restaurant, or in the foyer of your home where it will provide a warm, welcoming feel.
This desk lamp is simple but beautiful and makes for a great table lamp. It shines just enough to give the room ambient light and will complement your existing home or office decor. It uses a standard 40W medium base light bulb, which is readily available and gives off a warm yellow glow that is subtle and soothing. For more quality options like this, check out our guide to the top architect lamps.
High-quality clear glass shade
Throwback design is perfect for home or office
Timeless matte black industrial finish
Uses one retro-style filament bulb
Durable, affordable and customizable
- BrandSimple Designs Home
- ModelLD1036-BLK
- Weight3 Pounds
Simple, minimalist design suits any decor
Light bulbs are readily available
The metal post is matte finished for durability
The light bulbs may need to be frequently replaced
8Calyx Cognac Glass Industrial Bronze Desk Lamp
The Calyx Cognac Glass Industrial Bronze Desk Lamp exhibits both old-school charm and contemporary-looking design that easily bridges the gap between traditional and modern. This makes it the perfect addition for your home, office or anywhere you want to add a little ambient lighting. It’s also ideal as a table lamp where you may want to set up a reading corner with just the right amount of overhead lighting.
The lamp is beautifully proportioned and quite steady. Verticals and horizontals balance each other out and the up-sweep of energy you feel in the tower is slowed by the angled arm and then turns back down where it’s absorbed by the cognac glass. There’s an inline switch on the cord for turning the lamp on or off. What gives this desk lamp its 5-star quality is the rich oxidized bronze finish, the sparkling polished brass accents, and both the compelling shape and tasteful coloring in the cognac glass. The little wheel up top makes it seem like the lamp arm can be retracted like a crane adding a nice, lighthearted touch of whimsy to the complete look. Sit back in your ergonomic office chair, put on this lamp and pull the all-nighter with no light lacking.
Eclectic design elements embrace both past and present styles
A classic feel with purely contemporary touches
Uses a single 60-watt standard base filament bulb
Antique brass touches throughout
Delicately fluted cognac glass with vintage coloring
- BrandFranklin Iron Works
- Model15-7612-20 HY14LP0156
- Weight19.89 Pounds
Ideal as a table lamp for home or office
The metal base construction is stable and durable
Makes for a beautiful statement piece in any room
The glass shade is fixed and can’t be adjusted
9OminiLight LED Desk Lamp with Touch Control
For a table lamp that is quite unique and stylish, the OminiLight LED Desk Lamp and its touch control is a definite head-turner. The design is not what you’d expect from a desk lamp with its elegant swan-like neck and conical pyramid-shaped base. This is the style of desk lamp that looks fantastic no matter where you put it. Use it to shine a little ambient light in the bedroom, the kitchen, or on a side table in the living room. It’s also perfect for the office due to its compact size.
What really sets the Ominilight Desk Lamp apart is the use of a dozen LED beads that offer a larger illumination area which is perfect for your workspace be it over your standing desk or the kitchen island. You simply can’t beat the versatility. It’s also great on a hallway table to give this space just enough light emitted to get around in the dark. Like most LED bulbs the ones that make up the array in this lamp have a lifespan of some 50,000 hours. That means you’ll have a dependable desk lamp for many, many years. The LED bulb configuration is also energy efficient which is always a bonus.
Flexible gooseneck design for adjusting height and angle
Larger illuminated area than most desk lamps
3 intensity levels for different tasks
Built-in USB charging port for phone and tablet
Elegant, swan-inspired shape
- BrandOminilight
- ModelDEL-1511
- Weight4.14 Pounds
Fully flexible and adjustable goose-neck
Direct the light to anywhere you need coverage
You can set your own lighting preferences
The touch panel doesn’t always respond well
Why Trust Us
We can't imagine not having a desk lamp, especially as many of us often work unpredictable hours, reading product reviews and researching the newest products. We've used many different desk lamps so over time, we've become quite selective with this piece of desk equipment. Apart from our own experiences with desk lamps, we've also read many customer reviews to see which lamps were favored by consumers and which were not.
Who This Is For
We put this guide together for those who need a good-quality desk lamp but may be feeling overwhelmed with the seemingly unlimited choices available on the market. Whether you need a desk lamp for your office or a table lamp for the living room, we believe this guide will help narrow down your choices.
How We Picked
Putting together a shortlist of desk lamps for this guide was a challenge so we looked for the most important features. Brightness levels were at the top of the list as the main purpose of the lamp should be to illuminate the designated area of the desk or room. We also chose lamps that made it possible to adjust brightness levels to what is comfortable for each user. Home or office decor is also important so we looked at lamps that are stylish as well as functional. Some of the lamps in our guide are simple and traditional in design, while others are a little more high-tech and are compatible with smart technology, and feature a USB port for charging devices. Some lamps also have apps that allow for complete control via smartphones which is a must for gadget lovers.
How We Tested
The simplest way to test the best desk lamps is to put them on the desk and turn them on. This was easy with some of the simpler desk lamps but we also tried the more intricate ones that allowed for adjusting the brightness of the lamp and the color temperature. Obviously, we also wanted a lamp that could shine a bright light over our work areas so much of our testing involved using the lamp while we toiled at our desks.
Features To Look For In Desk Lamps
Size -When it comes to desk lamps, less is more. Anyone who has worked at a desk knows the dilemma of having a huge desk lamp with an enormous base taking up precious real estate on the desk. Even on a side or bedside table, the less space the lamp takes up, the more room for other things. Look for desk lamps that are slimline with a small base that you can neatly move to a corner of the desk so that you have more room to work. Of course, if you plan on having a simple table lamp as the only element on a small table, you can opt for larger lamps.
Light source - LED light bulbs have taken over the use of the old filament incandescent bulb for a number of reasons. First, LEDs are more energy-efficient and most offer around 50,000 hours or more of reliable lighting. Of course, if you are after a particular style of lamp that can only take an older style filament bulb, you still have that option.
Brightness - One of the best aspects of modern LED lamps is that you can adjust the brightness to what is comfortable for you. As an example, you may not need a bright light while working during the day, but you may need more light when working at night. The best desk lamps available on the market today can be adjusted so make sure you look at the specifications for this feature.
Design - The decor of your home is a reflection of you and your personal style, while office decor can speak volumes as to your business style. While you certainly want a desk lamp that is functional and offers enough light for you to work with, you also want something that is stylish and complements the other elements of the room such as furniture, color schemes, etc. Sleek, modern designs are favorable for the office while you can choose something more traditional or unique for the home.
Desk Lamp FAQ
Q: Should you have a lamp on your desk?
A: The simple answer is YES! Every desk should have a lamp. Some rooms or office spaces are adequately illuminated, while others may not be. Proper lighting is necessary for maximum productivity and to keep eye strain to a minimum. With office hours often running well into the night, those putting in overtime certainly need a little extra illumination when the sun goes down.
Q: What kind of lamp do you use for a desk?
A: LED lighting is considered best for a task lamp and keeps eye strain to a minimum. It's also a good idea to find a desk lamp with an adjustable neck so that you can position the light where you need it most.
Q: Is an LED desk lamp good for the eyes?
A: LED lights are generally considered safe for the eyes, especially if you choose warmer colored light over cooler ones. When it comes to lighting, a warmer color temperature is better for your overall eye health, especially if you spend many hours per day working at a desk.
But while both LED and incandescent lights produce some blue light which is linked to various eye problems (blurry vision, eye strain, etc.), it's important to note that LEDs do indeed produce more light in the blue spectrum. For this reason, LEDs are not recommended for overall room lighting but they're fine for desk lamps.
Q: What is the best lighting for working on a computer?
A: When working on a computer, many experts recommend indirect light that does not shine directly onto the computer screen. LED lamps with adjustable necks are a good choice for those working on computers as the light can be directed away from the computer display. By re-directing the light, you are less likely to experience eye strain from the desk lamp reflecting its light on the computer screen.
Sources:
- Lighting For Reading - Vision Aware
- Blue Light Has A Dark Side - Harvard Health
- Lighting Ergonomics And Setup - HealthyComputing