Desk lamp types, explained

Swing-arm and architect lamps

Jointed arms let you move the light head over the exact spot you are working on. Spring-balanced architect lamps hold their position anywhere along the arm. These are the most flexible choice for reading, drawing, and paperwork.

Gooseneck lamps

A flexible neck you bend into position. Compact and simple. Reach is shorter than a long arm, and very thin necks can droop over time.

LED bar and monitor lamps

A long, thin light head. Bar lamps sit on the desk; monitor lamps sit on top of a screen and aim light down onto the desk in front of it. Good for small desks and for lighting a keyboard without shining on the screen.

Clamp and wall-mount lamps

Clamp lamps fix to the desk edge and free up desk space. Wall-mount arms do the same from the wall. Check your desk edge thickness before buying a clamp lamp.

Banker and decorative table lamps

Banker lamps and shaded table lamps give a pleasant glow but cannot be aimed. They work better as ambient light than as a work light.

Features worth checking

• Reach and adjustability: can the head sit over the middle of your work area?
• Shade or diffuser: you should not see the bright bulb or LEDs from your seat.
• Dimming: lets you match brightness to the task and the time of day.
• Adjustable color temperature: useful if you work in both daylight and evening.
• Stable base or clamp: a long arm needs weight or a clamp to stay put.