Whether your workspace is feeling drab or you’re moving into a new space, there’s never a bad time to treat yourself to one of the best desk lamps. They add light to any table, of course, but they can also double as statement-making pieces of home decor (along with picks like platform bed frames and striking area rugs). Picking the right one is a matter of balancing your technical needs with your taste.
Desk lamps, first and foremost, should cast enough light for you to see what you’re working on clearly, without eye strain. “A great desk lamp will offer you the lighting you need while also contributing to the overall design,” says Lindsey Goddard, a Chicago-based interior designer and founder of her own design studio. If you’re after direct light, she recommends sticking mostly to true desk lamps; if aesthetics or soft lighting are more important, table lamps can be added to the mix.
“Lamps are such a great place to have a little fun and add lots of character to a room,” explains Alyssa Kapito, a New York-based interior designer and founder of her eponymous design studio. “I love lamps that have an interesting form that you don’t normally see.” With those criteria in mind, we curated the absolute best desk lamps for any kind of home. No matter if you’re in the market for a strictly functional workhorse or a statement piece, there’s something here for everyone (and every budget).
Our top picks:
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