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Bright Lights,
Better Work
The best desk lamps for
your home or office
Whether you’re outfitting your home office or trying to bring a little personal style to your desk at work, a proper lamp is an essential not to be overlooked. Sculptural and practical, it provides ample light for your work while adding a shot of style and architecture to your workspace. Some provide bright task light while others simply offer a little ambience. Either way, choices abound.
But one thing is clear: If you're ready to buy a real lamp—not unlike buying a real watch—you want to strike the right balance between price, build quality and a design that won't look out of date in a few years. From sleek modern classics like the futuristic Flos lamp (created by the British design team of Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby) to warmer interpretations in wood and brass, here are some smart options, in a range of styles, sizes and prices. Ready to flip the switch?
The Best
Desk Lamps in 2022
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Leap task lamp,
$99 by Article
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Forså nickel-plated work lamp,
$29.99 by IKEA
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York terracotta lamp,
$175 by Jayson Home
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Matte brass dual lamp
$89.99 by Globe Electric
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Pepin brass lamp,$409 / $286 by Rejuvenation
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Exposior gunmetal
$249 by CB2
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Milk glass and pewter lamp,$249 / $149.97 by Shinola
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AJ table lamp,
$1,278 by Arne Jacobsen
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Styling Tips
1
Position a desk lamp opposite your dominant (or writing) hand so you won't cast a shadow across your work.
2
Hanging art above your desk will help balance the height of a lamp while providing a visual (other than a screen) for your eyes to rest on.
3
Your lamp doesn't need to “match” the rest of your desk. In fact, it can work as a sculptural art piece in and of itself.