Just drop the preassembled arm and light head into the weighted desktop base, plug in the Nova, and its ready to use. We moved some of our previous picksthe Possini Euro Magnum, TaoTronics LED Lamp, and Franklin Iron Works Bronze Turnbuckle LED Lampto our Competition section. Though most spring-tension desk lamps feature exposed cords at each elbow of articulation, the 90 Mini Minis snap-in assembly ditches this norm, channeling power from the lamps base to the LED assembly sans any visible cord or cabling. Preset modes control the lighting and color temperature for different activities, including reading and working with a computer. Turning the lamp on and off is simple because it has a single tactile button, located on the top of the lamp shade. Best for: Bedrooms where you want to add ambient light rather than focused reading light. But we think its small size, quality build, and one-button control simplicity may appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics as much as functionality. Although shaded table lamps are often synonymous with bedside lamp, we didnt limit our search to this definition. Get this if: You need a desk lamp that can adapt to different tasks throughout the day. This great-quality, highly adjustable aluminum LED desk lamp is affordable, and it can reach high and far. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Best for: A bedroom with other sources of light, inviting the Matin to warmly fill in a bedside corner. Gregory Han is a writer at Design Milk. This space-saving lamp is easier to hang and comes in a wider variety of finishes than other swing-arm designs we tested. We researched hundreds of lamps and tested dozens to find the six best floor lamps, in various styles, under $300. Why its great: The Adesso Eden Table Lamp is physically and visually lighter than the heavier Alina lamp, making it a better choice for smaller spaces or a room where you want to preserve the flow of natural light from a window. The Franklin Iron Works Bronze Turnbuckle LED Desk Lamp was also a previous pick, but it kept going out of stock. He also reviewed the adjustability of each model, measured arm reach and swivel distance, and may have even lightly slapped the desk lamps around to test their stability. Flaws but not dealbreakers: This lamp is expensive, but that reflects the higher quality of materials and the lights made-to-order assembly. A great lamp can also be a design statement. Walmarts Mainstays 3.5 Watt LED Desk Lamp is one of the least expensive LED lamps we foundabout $15 at the time of writing. If and when this lamp becomes available in a standard-outlet version, well revisit it as a possible top pick. The adjustable height of the West Elm Telescoping Table Lamp is its best feature, but its marred by legs that wobble a little when you extend the lamp. But this is an issue with most long-arm task lamps and integrated LED bulbs. The term bedroom lighting is a meaningless and generic catchall for an assortment of lighting styles. The Nova also has a touch-bar control running along its top arm. But in comparison with some of our new picks, this lamps cheap plastic construction and limited height adjustability stood out as noticeably inferior in fit and finishespecially when it was compared with the similarly priced but superior build and intuitive core functions of the Uplift E7. Although the LED lights are rated for 25,000 hours (around 8 years, if kept on for eight hours a day),1 they will eventually burn out, rendering the lamp useless. And the optional wood-block bracket adds a touch of warmth, for an additional $10. After 33 hours of research, were confident the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus is the best light therapy lamp to treat seasonal affective disorder. The bulb you choose, the location you pick for the lamp, your wall color, and the shade you use can all affect the overall atmosphere of a room. Why its great: The IKEA Fors is one of the most physically adjustable lamps we tested (second to the Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini). We found four of the best desk lamps in various styles to brighten up any workspace and help you stay on task. Keeping in theme with its diminutive size, the Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini connects via Micro-USB, but we wish it used a more-robust USB-A or USB-C connection. Conversely, for lamps with built-in LEDs, even though the lifespan can be well over two decades, you may be left with an unusable lamp after that time if you cant change the bulb. by Kit Dillon, Anna Perling, and Nancy Redd. LED bulbs have extremely long lifespansthe lamps we looked at should last an estimated 50,000 hours, or about 24 years for the average 40-hours-per-week workday. The lamp arm is available in an assortment of finishes and materials, from natural brass to colored, powder-coated steel, so you can customize the lamp to complement a range of interiors. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. She has contributed to print and online publications such as The New York Times, Lifehacker, and PCWorld, specializing in tech, productivity, and lifestyle/family topics. Our writer also tested how easy bedside wall lamps were to install. Uplift also makes our top pick standing desk, so we know its a reliable company (and if you happen to be shopping for a desk, you can usually find discounts when bundling accessories). The Slimline Modern Swing Arm Desk Table Lamp is a simple LED lamp with two standout features: an AC outlet and a USB port in the large, heavy base, both of which are handy when you dont want to reach under your desk to plug something in. Why its great: The Andrew Neyer Goodnight Light is for anyone whos looking to add a minor statement piece in the bedroom, and its the best of our picks if you simply want to add an ambient glow. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when youre deciding what type of lamp to buy: How large is your bedroom? When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Its also backed by a lifetime warranty. But it looks much less attractive in real life than it does in promotional photoslike a tall, flimsy microphone standand it topples easily. But the Kelvin didnt make the cut as a top pick after we observed flickering during video calls (previously invisible to the naked eye). The Humanscale Nova lamp head rotates fully to the left and right, which is handy for bouncing light off walls when you need a little indirect illumination. In our 2022 update, we researched nine more lamps and tested six more, based on the following criteria: These nice-to-have features also informed our choices: For the original guide, 23 staff members evaluated the 10 test models based on photos of the lamps and a brief description of their features. Dimensions: 29 by 13 by 14 inches, with a 7-inch-diameter base. But thats not as helpful for task lamps as lux readings because a lumens measurement refers to the total amount of light emitted from the source, rather than how brightly a surface is illuminated. In addition to testing these lamps in our homes, we set them all up in our office bedroom to assess quality and style. A modernist lamp you can operate with one hand: The FLOS Kelvin is an elegantly designed architects lamp that weve owned for nearly a decade and that weve come to appreciate for its simple-to-operate tap-touch controls, smooth adjustability, and high-quality build (it wont be moved without intent). *At the time of publishing, the price was $100. Many people who work at their desks rely solely on overhead lighting. *At the time of publishing, the price was $36. Finally, to get real-world usability opinions from other people, Melanie asked four panelists to turn the lamps on and off, to change the brightness and color-temperature settings where available, and to adjust the lamp heights and angles as if they were shopping for a lamp in a store. The Anglepoise USB 90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp is a beautiful rendition of the archetypal desk lamp, but we dont think its best for most peoples bedrooms, since it runs on a USB port. We didnt include it as a pick because it toppled often during testing, and several panelists disliked the design. The Eden doesnt easily tip (unlike other tested tripod lamps with lighter-gauge legs that, when nudged, splay willy-nilly like the legs of a newborn giraffe). Get this if: You want a soft, glare-free, uniform light source that wont tire the eyes and can double as serviceable video-conference lighting. The power switch is made of cheap plastic. For more than a dozen years, Melanie Pinola has written about technology and home-office topics for sites such as Lifehacker, PCWorld, and Laptop Magazine. Keep in mind: This lamp demands a lot of real estate, not just because of its height but also because of the amount of horizontal space it requires. We favored built-in LEDs and LED bulbs, due to their long lifespan and, in some cases, adjustable color temperature. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. We like when power switches are on the lamp (not on the cord) because this makes them easier to turn on and off. Why its great: The Uplift LED Desk Lamp E7 with Clamp is a nearly perfect desk lamp in its practicality versus price: Its lightweight yet stable, affordable but not cheaply made, and slender but capable of stretching high and wide, to cast a glare-free and adjustable light wherever its needed. The luxurious golden finish of the Target Project 62 Dome LED Accent Lamp is only skin deep, and as soon as you pick it up, you realize why its so affordable. Also, its easy to adjust with only one handstability you rarely see with lamps this small. We also had difficulty adjusting the color and brightness of the lamp with the buttons at the top. We also looked at lamps that offer adjustable color temperature, like the Humanscale Nova, so you can choose between a warmer, golden light or a cooler, blue hue, depending on your preference. The cute, mushroom-shaped Lexon Mina M is marketed as a Medium LED lamp, but its smaller than many real-life mushrooms weve found while foraging. It can reduce eye fatigue and help you better see what youre working on, and it can set the right mood for getting work done. Also, it has a propensity to kick backward like a catapult when positioned too far back and upward. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. And we thought the shiny coat on the black version (no longer available as a desk lamp) made the Fors look more plasticky than it did in online photos. Its slim (only 3.4 inches wide), and it has four touch-controlled brightness levels. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Installing the PVC-laminated shade looks easy in the how-to video, but in person it took a few attempts to align and secure the Matin in place. The all-metal wall bracket is easy to install; you secure it in place with just a screwdriver or drill. A big reason we liked this lamp was its effortless, silent adjustability. We also found that when its time to call it a night, the shade is a convenient place to hang magazines, bookmarking where you left off. Positioning a lamp near the corner can make a room look brighter by bouncing light off the walls and ceiling to reduce eyestrain. The arm and shade adjust so you can angle the light perfectly for reading. Although the shade isnt adjustable, in our tests, reading near or under this lamp proved to be easy on the eyes. When you rotate the lamp head over its center stand tube, a sleeve slides up to lock satisfyingly into place and directs light down through its perforated stemeffectively transforming into a warm, ambient torchiere. But as a bedside lamp, its way too small, and the lights too dim for any task beyond finding glasses or phone in the dark. We wished the lamp head could also rotate to each side, but the two lamp arms make up for this drawback with gymnast-like flexibility: The first joint of articulation bends 110 degrees, and the second articulation point offers an even more limber 210 degreesallowing for seemingly endless angles for the lamp to shine its light. Here are the tools to create a quiet, dark sleep oasis. If you dont work on closeup tasks at your desk, if you dont feel eye fatigue with your current lighting scheme, and if you dont typically work in the evenings or in the dark (when an adjustable light can help reduce eyestrain), you might not need a desk lamp. But at 9.5 inches tall when bent at 90 degrees, its tiny and probably best only for a students desk or a small workspace. The Edens fixed ash legs proved immune to teetering or wobbling under our simulated reaching for my glasses but missing horribly nudges, shifting only an inch or two when we hit the lamp directly. But its as basic as they come, sans any dimming or color-temperature options. This compact, adjustable lamp is powered via a wall outlet, USB-A port, or portable batteryfor an everywhere is my office convenience. When stretching the lamp to its highest reach (nearly 29 inches), we could illuminate the majority of our 70-inch-long desk with only a gentle tapering of light at the far edges. Learn more. It has a very high brightness setting with a warm color temperature. More importantly, the brightness level was almost blindingly high in our tests, and the lamp felt and looked cheaper than the other lamps we tested. Although its the smallest lamp we tested, it stands more solidly than others, thanks to the quality of its powder-coated steel column and the oak base hidden underneath; the light feels surprisingly heavy for its 4-by-1-inch dimensions. So shes particularly interested in task lighting that could reduce that fatigue. A small desk lamp that can double as a bedside lamp: Another option for laptop users trying to make the most of a small desk is the Louis Poulsen NJP Mini. A space-saving wall lamp: Onefortythree Wallace Lamp, A contemporary shaded lamp: Joss & Main Alina Table Lamp, A sturdy tripod lamp: Adesso Eden Table Lamp, A minimalist reading lamp: Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp, A tiny statement piece: Andrew Neyer Goodnight Light, A readers delight: EQ3 Oxford Table Lamp, How to pick the right lamp for your bedroom, Lighting It Right: How to Choose the Perfect Table Lamp, Everything You Need to Block Light and Noise From Your Bedroom. When the lamp is aimed at an angle toward a ceiling or wall, it outshines most other desk lampsand even many floor ones. His work can be found at Design Milk, Dwell, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and Airbnb. Designed to be topped with an exposed and oversize round bulb (included), this lamp resembles an inverted exclamation point, complemented by a delightful touch-sensor on/off switch. You cant rotate the head on this lamp, but you can adjust the angle and height, thanks to a pivoting hinge on the arm. The lamp cant tilt back at the base beyond a fixed angle, and the top arm can fling back with some velocity if positioned beyond 90 degrees. If you prefer voice control, you can even use the Mi Home app to connect the lamp with Google Assistant for voice-activated operation, eliminating the need to press or turn anything when you want the lights on, off, brighter, or dimmer. That said, it could be a great bedside or end table lamp, thanks to its added ports. The E7s controls are tasked to a single square button on the LED light bar, allowing for stepless dimming and brightness adjustments with a tap or long hold. Our writer unboxed and assembled lamps in Wirecutters Los Angeles office. Its large size makes it best for low surfaces with sufficient space all around. At 25 inches high and 15 inches in diameter, this is a pretty big lamp; it looks best on a larger bedside table or dresser top, where its dimensions complement the space. Why its great: Many table lamps tip over easily, but thats not a problem with the Alina Table Lamp. Melanie said as shes gotten older, she has noticed her eyes straining more when shes working on the computer. Articles Gira (now discontinued) table lamp offers a striking, contemporary design, but in our tests it wobbled. We also didnt care for its crimping iron on a stand silhouette. The Humanscale Novas ungainly dual power cord setupone powering the LED, the other for the charging basedetracts from the sleek minimalism of the lamp itself. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the base is sufficiently heavy and stable, the attached power cord is way too thick and challenging to position smoothly behind the lamp. And he worked beside each model as a primary light source for a minimum of three hours each. Subscribe now for unlimited access. nine shade and hardware color combinations, 40-watt incandescent, 9-watt CFL, or LED bulb (not included), 30-day return policy, subject to a 20% restocking fee, gray with off-white linen shade, silver cord, E26/Medium (standard), 100 watts (maximum), ash wood, gray fabric shade, black-and-white fabric-covered cord, 6-watt integrated, non-replaceable LED array (25,000 hours), PVC-laminated cotton shade, steel wire frame with polished brass finish, integrated LED bulb, non-replaceable (25,000 hours), available in black aluminum, brass, or silver aluminum finishes (all with a dark gray marbled base), integrated LED bulb, non-replaceable (50,000 hours), a stable build free of wobbling and wiggling; not easily knocked over by an accidental nudge, cord length of at least 5 feet; for wall-mount options, no hardwiring required, easily accessible on/off controls located on the base or the cord, good light for reading or for providing a relaxing ambiance, luminance and a diffusion of light thats soft and inviting, rather than simply bright (if a shade is included), for adjustable lamps, easy-to-maneuver height and direction adjustments for reading. If you can find it, we still think its a great lamp. Compared with other task lamps we tested, this desk lamp is sturdier and sleeker, and provides better light. The E7 isnt going to win any style awards, but the lamps rangy, simple design is unobtrusive. In reality, you could use a floor lamp or a desk lamp to read in bed (and many people do). The dial control lets you customize the LED lights to a granular level of brightness. Get this if: You want a simple desk lamp with a replaceable bulb and an iconic design that suits most office decor. The lightweight base is just too easy to push or knock over. This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Erica Ogg. But once we positioned the Nova normally, that never occurred again. This minimalist desk lamp provides a soft, glare-free adjustable light, and when it senses no one is around, it shuts off automatically to save energy. We havent noticed this being a widespread problem, but were keeping an eye out for this issue and will update the guide if needed. We looked for highly rated lamps in different price ranges. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Its a tall, architect-style lamp with a chic brushed-metal finish and both wireless charging and a USB port. Instead we focused on four stylesshade, task, wall-mount, and small-space designsthat we believed would work for a range of bedrooms. Ive previously written about floor lamps for Wirecutter, and my obsession with lighting in the home realm hasnt dimmed since then. The striking shape, touch sensor, and heavy base elevate it to a tiny design statement. And the lamp head obstructed the monitor by about a half-inch, so we had to adapt to the lamp, rather than the other way around. The sum of its less-is-more design earned the Mi lamp both a Red Dot award and an iF World Design Guide award in 2017. And because everyone has different aesthetic preferences, we sought out desk lamps in a variety of style categories, from classic to modern. And once its assembled (PDF), its three-part adjustable aluminum arm can impressively reachlike an NBA centerup and outward, craning 34 inches up and 43 inches wide when fully outstretched (PDF). While reviewing thousands of lamps labeled as being for the bedroom, we pared our research down to 50 modelstaking into account aesthetics, price, user reviews, and the criteria listed belowbefore narrowing our initial testing list to 11. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Halfway between a night-light and a lamp, the Goodnight Light casts a softer glow than traditional reading lights. This bedside lamp is nearly impossible to knock over. The Nova is also available with a desk clamp, a wall mount, a cooler 4,000 K light, or with extended arms for even greater reach (expect delivery to take a bit longer with these customizations added). We considered dozens of options, ranging in price from $35 to $200, and we found seven that we recommend for a variety of bedroom styles and sizes. With the turn of a dial, you can precisely adjust the brightness and temperature of the light (it goes up to 300 lumens and spans a color temperature range of 2,700 to 6,500 Kelvin). The lamps slide gesture control is intuitive and responsive, and it can stop precisely at the brightness point desired. And, unlike most desk lamps, this lamp includes a two-part power cord instead of one continuous lengthwhich could create an unnecessary point of breakage (and also doesnt look as tidy). Best for: Average- to large-size rooms with one or more bedside tables. One tester said it looked clunky. We focused on shades and on lamps specific tasks, as well as on space-saving designs for setting a lamp on or near a nightstand. You also wont be able to charge a phone or adjust the color temperature, but you can manipulate the brightness at three levels. In a very small bedroom, the same single lamp could work over a bed and in a reading nook, since the lamps arm swings 180 degrees on the wall and the shade swivels 90 degrees vertically and 360 degrees side to side. The OTUS Architect Desk Lamp boasts a ton of features that sound useful12 brightness levels and three color settings, and you can wave your hand above the lamp to turn it on or off, like a Jedi. But it didnt get as bright as the other lamps we tested. We also appreciated the memory setting, which turns the Nova to its last-used brightness level, as well as a built-in energy-saving occupancy sensor, which turns the lamp off automatically when its left alone. Lamps with shades or a tripod-style base require more space, and they look best on bedside tables with enough surface area to keep them from inching toward the edge (a half-foot of space on each side should be sufficient for avoiding accidental knock-overs). Theres no app integration or smart programmable options, but in everyday use, the E7s simplicity proved to be a virtue, not a vice. Here are a few of our favorite small desks for cozy apartments and shared spaces. Why its great: The Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini Desk Lamp is the most adjustable lamp we tested, and its our top pick for anyone who has to make every bit of available surface space count. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because the clamp needs a 2-inch lip to attach to (adjustable up to 2-inch thickness), not all desks may be able to accommodate the desk attachment without having to be pulled away from a wall. The Alinas 9-pound base keeps the lamp from tipping easily. The 90 Mini Mini connects to power at the base via a Micro-USB power cord (a connection with a tendency to loosen and fail over time compared with more-robust USB-A or USB-C connections). A desk lampspecifically a task lamp that lets you control the light distribution on your deskoffers benefits that can affect not just your mood but your health as well. Turn it up all the way to read a book, or turn it down halfway or more when youre using a backlit device such as an iPad. For the previous version of this guide, Wirecutter staff writer Anna Perling did extensive research on LED lighting and consulted lighting and optometry experts to determine the features that make the best desk lamps. But if you like the style and dont plan on using the lamp angled at 90 degrees, it could be a great fit for your home office. (Youll likely see lumens mentioned in lamp specs. Too bright of a light, and your eyes will tire quickly; too little light, and youll strain your peepers from squinting. We added three new picks: the Uplift E7, Humanscale Nova, and Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini. The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp with Qi-Enabled Wireless Charger was a previously recommended model. A flexible-spring-arm desk lamp with classic design: The Anglepoise Type 75 Desk Lamp is a larger version of the Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini, switching in a replaceable E26 base bulb instead of an integrated LED. A desk lamp can illuminate the area behind or around your computer display, creating a more comfortable environment for your eyes. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Fully extended, the arms reach to only 20 inches in height. Dimensions: 34 by 13.6 by 7.9 inches (see PDF for details), Brightness levels: adjustable (touch button), Color temperature: 6,000 K (cool daylight). All three brightness levels are easily accessible using a touch-sensitive in-line dimmer that looks and feels superior to the rudimentary on/off switches included with most table lamps. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although this lamp can reach far forward, its two-piece arm cannot tilt backward beyond a subtle angled position. Lighting designer Linnaea Tillett explained, When you reduce contrast, its relaxing for your eye and keeps you from changing your focal perspective. Think of how harsh the bright light of a computer display is in the middle of the night; the strong contrast can make your eyes more fatigued. In October 2020, we tested six more lamps and added three new picks. For a relaxing hue, we recommend a soft white bulb rated within the range of 2,700 to 3,000 K (this number is usually written on the package); most of our picks would work nicely with a Cree 60 W Equivalent Soft White bulb, our favorite LED bulb. Because the long arm can fold down, the lamp is useful for tiny spaces, too. We added two new picks to this guide: HAYs Matin Table Lamp and EQ3s Oxford Table Lamp. We independently review everything we recommend. The newer, nickel-plated version we tested in 2022 is a nicer finish, but its also a fingerprint magnet. You can also choose a dimmer switch or international plugs as add-ons for this made-to-order light (each one takes three to four weeks to build, if it isnt already in stock). For the most soothing lighting, we recommend pairing nearly all of our picks with a soft white bulb, such as our favorite LED bulb, the Cree 60 W Equivalent Soft White. This portable and adjustable lamp has a compact base that can be powered using an outlet, rechargeable battery, or USB port. Because the lamp isnt height-adjustable (though it does swivel, as its name implies), we found it less versatile for most workspaces. Lux measures the intensity of light on a surface area, such as a desk or table. The metal lamp also has a heavy base, to prevent toppling. You can dim the lamp by holding down the power button, but execution is a bit clunky compared with the rest of the lamps straightforward simplicity. The Eden is just the right height for reading in bed, and it has a tasteful, well-constructed gray fabric shade. Dimensions: 21 by 6 by 6 inches, with a round base. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. So dimming from 100% down to 14% brightness requires only an intuitive sliding motion, which we easily became accustomed to using without even a glance. Dimensions: 20.5 by 4.7 by 4.7 inches, with a round base and 59-inch cord, Brightness levels: adjustable (470 lumens).
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