Complete desk lamp buying guide

What we actually created is a complete desk lamp buying guide that we have broken down into 11 things to consider before buying a desk lamp.

1. Consider the desk lamp types
Based on the bulb types, there are 5 types of desk lamps.

Halogen Desk Lamp
These types of lamps are great if you do a lot of reading at your desk. They offer a bright natural light that makes it easy to focus on text. The bright white light of a halogen lamp decreases eye strain.

The halogen light bulb will last about 2 to 3 times longer than a regular bulb. The unique thing about halogen bulbs is they use 10% to 20% less energy than a standard light bulb.

Incandescent Desk Lamp
Incandescent desk lamps use a typical light bulb that produces light from the heat of the filament burning inside the bulb. This type of lamp gives off a warm slightly yellowish glow.

That makes it an excellent light source for the evening time! These desk lamps run a little cheaper than the others, but the bulb does not last as long.

Full-Spectrum Desk Lamp
If you’re a graphic designer, interior designer or you have a job where seeing color in detail is necessary. Then a Full-Spectrum desk lamp is ideal for you. These lamps make color look exceptional because the light actually covers the electromagnetic spectrum from infrared to near ultraviolet.

That is basically what our sun does when its light splashes across the earth. The full spectrum light is also known for having an increase in brightness as well as visual sharpness. It has been declared that it will increase workplace productivity.

Fluorescent Desk Lamp
This particular type of desk lamp comes in several shapes and styles; sometimes making it easier to find one that goes with your decor.

A Fluorescent desk lamp gives out a nice even coverage across your workspace with very natural looking light.

Fluorescent bulbs are also very efficient; they last almost 11 times longer than traditional bulbs. Another feature of the fluorescent bulb is it only gives off about 30% of its heat.

LED Desk Lamp
First off, LED lights produce remarkably less heat than all the other lights mentioned above. The LED Desk Lamp is the new era of desk lamps. They come in many unique designs to make for a sleeker looking desk top lamp.

An LED is a directional light meaning it creates a concentrated beam of light rather than sending light out in all directions.

So, what does this mean exactly? It will produce light down on your work area with no glare and no stray light shining back into your eyes.

The Lifespan of an LED light can last up to 50,000 hours. The LED desk lamps do come with a bit of a higher price tag but they also cost a fraction on your energy bill compared to all the other types of desk lamps.

2. Consider the features
Are you getting a lamp with the right type of light bulb for your projects? Always consider your lighting needs before making any purchase.

Many Lamps come with dimmer switches and other lighting features. If aesthetics are important to you then of course consider the decor of the lamp you choose.

Make sure you know what height you would like your desk lamp to be. Although many lamps come with adjustable or flexible arms to adjust height to your needs at the moment.

Then there is brightness, make sure you get a desk lamp that will offer the brightness that you desire. As mentioned before, brightness is usually dictated by the type of bulb that is used in your desk lamp.

3. Consider the material
Desk lamps are made from a few different kinds of materials. The most common being plastic mold, a flexible metal neck that is covered in plastic, ceramic, wood, etc…

The choice of what material you would like your desk lamp to be solely depends on if it is a practical fit to your already existing office.

4. Consider Bulb Type
The type of bulb you choose will determine many things about the output of light your desk lamp will allow. Knowing what the main objective will be at your work station should help you choose what type of bulb you need a little easier.

As mentioned above each type of desk lamp light bulb offers its own unique benefits.

5. Consider lighting adjustments
Many Desk Lamps come with many different types of lighting adjustments. These can be from having a dimmer control and a low/high power switch, to adjustment controls that let you adjust ambient, accent lighting, etc.

Make sure you understand what adjustment controls you might want to come with your desk lamp.

6. Consider Lamp Size
Of course, desk lamps come in many different sizes. How big is your desk or workspace? How big or small would you like a desk lamp to be? These are just some simple questions to ask yourself. I’m sure you can come up with others.

7. Consider Design
Do you want a desk lamp with a practical design? Or are you going for something snazzy looking to go with your already in place office decor?

I would suggest carefully looking at the design of the desk lamp you are considering to buy. For one thing, does the lamp’s base look sturdy enough?

Will the lamp fit in the space it will be designated to stand?

These are just a few things to consider when looking at the design of a desk lamp for your workspace.

8. Consider brightness and light Adjustability
As mentioned before, the brightness of your desk lamp is mostly due to the type of bulb that is being used. But some desk lamps, like the Full Spectrum, can adjust the brightness level to your desire.

The brightness level you want really lies with what type of activity you are performing at your desk, as well as, what you believe to be optimal brightness.

So, choose which type of desk lamp you want wisely, especially when it comes to the amount of brightness you want.

9. Consider Power Type
Do you want a desk lamp with a cord or not? You have many choices from lamps with cords that plug straight into a regular wall jack.

Maybe you want a cordless desk lamp? In today’s market, there are many new LED desk lamps that come with rechargeable USB ports.

There are also battery operated desk lamps. Choosing what type of power you want to run your desk lamp with is definitely a personal and practical decision you should consider.

10. Consider how much energy the desk lamp is consuming
Not every desk lamp is as energy efficient as the next one. The least efficient is the incandescent desk lamp with the most efficient being the LED desk lamp.

Definitely do your research into what energy output is being used by the desk lamp you decide to purchase.

11. Consider Price and Warranty
What kind of budget do you have?  This is usually a big factor to consider. Some lamps are very inexpensive but they may lack many functions like light adjustment.

While others can have a higher price tag, they generally come with all the bells and whistles to give you full control over your desk top lighting needs.

I suggest you always consider what type of warranty comes with the desk lamp you are interested in buying.

Final verdict
The research that went into our desk lamp buying guide helped us discover many things about what to look for in a good desk lamp.

If you’re considering getting a new desk lamp for your home office or for work. I hope these desks lamp buying tips gave you the understanding you needed to help you with choosing the right desk lamp.