Why a Desk Lamp?
Proper task lighting is essential for the desk area or work environment. Task lighting is a higher intensity of lighting focused on an object to make the details more visible. It reduces eye strain and the potential for headaches.
It Adds style!
- A desk lamp is needed because ambient lighting (general lighting) alone – just isn’t enough. And, not to mention
- We usually think of a desk lamp as being only for an office. But today swing-arm desk lamps are used in the bedroom or living room to give a hip, industrial or rustic look.
- When deciding on what color metal desk lamp to choose, consider matching it to the other metals in the room, such as the desk handles.
- Use two matching desk lamps when you need extra lighting. They will give a unified design look. Or, add a recessed light above.
How Much Task Lighting Do You Need?
As we get into our middle years and beyond we need twice the light we needed when we were in our mid-twenties. We also become more glare sensitive. So, a desk lamp that provides task lighting with a controlled beam of light is a good choice. In contrast, most table lamps direct light out in all directions. At minimum – a good rule of thumb is:
- Children five to twelve years need 40 watts of incandescent, 20 watts of halogen, and 3 to 5 watts of LED
- Young people thirteen to twenty-four need 60 watts of incandescent, 50 watts of halogen and 5 watts of LED
- Adults 25-55 years need 60 watts of incandescent, 50 watts of halogen, and 5-10 watts of LED in a home office
- Adults 50-75 years need 100 watts of incandescent, 50 watts of halogen, and 5-10 watts of LED in a home office
STYLES
Traditional Nickel and Brass Desk Lamps
Brass is typically used for Traditional desk lamps. These beautiful lamps feature shades in fabric or metal.
Modern Brass and Nickel Desk Lamps
Although brass is used, most modern desk lamps feature nickel or chrome – and come in highly innovative designs.
Vintage Style Desk Lamp
Unique lamps that often work in both Traditional and Modern style interiors. They often have an industrial look and feature Edison style bulbs.
Bouillotte Desk Lamps
These are the lovely traditional brass desk lamps with the black metal shades, a few have white metal shades. They have two or three candlestick arms. This type of desk or table lamp originated in 18th century France.
Adjustable and Swing Arm Desk Lamps
The Swing Arm Lamp has the advantage of being the most flexible in terms of focusing the beam of light – up, down, and sideways. The Adjustable Desk Lamp typically has a shade that pivots up and down.
What Size Should Your Office Desk Lamp Be?
The size of the office desk lamp depends of the size of your desk and your activity. If your desk is large, you would do well to choose a desk lamp that has a long arm that will reach across the desk. If you are working on a desk top computer be certain the desk lamp will illuminate the entire work area.
Traditional and Modern Desk Lamps at Fine Home Lamps
Shop our stylish Uttermost, Wildwood Lamps, Chelsea House, Decorative Crafts, and Frederick Cooper for a superb selection.