The 6 Best Desk Lamps to Brighten Up Your Space
Revamp your setup with these stylish picks
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The best desk lamps are not only great for illuminating your home office, but they also make fantastic additions to practically any room in your home. They're perfect to place in a kid's room for extra reading light, to brighten a dim entryway, or even to create a soft, warm glow in your living room.
“A desk lamp can totally elevate the space and make it look more complete and styled,” says interior designer Ashley Clark. “I love it when no other lights are on and just the warm light of the desk lamp is on. This type of lighting is magical and changes any area.”
From modern, cordless picks to trendy, vintage-leaning options, there are plenty of stylish desk lamps to complement your existing setup. Below, we tapped Clark for her top recommendations and poured over customer reviews to find the six best desk lamps to accentuate your space.
Pros
- High-quality
- Two-shade design
Cons
- Heavy
Clark is a fan of this striking, contemporary style, which not only features elegant marbling detailing but a dual-shade design to provide extra illumination. Keep in mind that the bulbs are sold separately.
Dimensions: 10" W x 20" D x 22" H
A reviewer says: “Looking to jazz up your space with a touch of modern flair? Look no further than the Domes Black Marble Table Lamp. This lamp is all about blending chic design with functionality.”
Pros
- Under $40
- Built-in charging station
Cons
- Counterintuitive on/off switch
An Amazon top seller, this slim, affordable LED lamp has three light temperature settings, an adjustable brightness feature, and even doubles as a phone charger.
Dimensions: 4"D x 2"W x 16.65"H
Brightness: 500 lumens
Color temperature: 3000 K, 4000 K, or 5500 K
A reviewer says: “This Honeywell Lamp is extremely compact and produces an array of adjustable bright, warm, and cold light. Perfect for a small reading desk or table. And, it has USB-A and USB-C ports for charging cell phones, etc. Nicely made and very attractive. I was extremely pleased with this purchase!”
Pros
- Thoughtful detailing
- Vibrant colors
Cons
- Head can be difficult to adjust
"This lamp is so fun for a child's space," Clark says. Available in six vibrant shades with a handy twisting arm, adjustable shade, and unique twisted cord detail, this whimsical style is ideal for both kids and kids at heart.
Dimensions: 18"-31" H x 6.75"-19.25" W x 6.75"-19.25" D
A reviewer says: “This is so well-made. I love the adjustable arm. And the range of colors is superb. The little details like the hardware and the cord are the things I look for and appreciate.”
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Multiple colors
Cons
- No dimming effect
The best part about this classic task lamp is that it's supremely adjustable. Complete with tension spring technology, it offers a sleek industrial look and can be maneuvered to practically any angle.
Dimensions: 26" H 24" W 19" D
Brightness: 900 lumens
Color temperature: 2700 K
A reviewer says: “It's a bit smaller than my 45-year-old original Luxor but I like it better, and the white I chose is very attractive in a matte finish. I like that the LED bulb can be changed and doesn't glare. Very well balanced.”
Pros
- Portable
- Dimmer function
Cons
- Not adjustable
For a cordless option, Clark likes this pretty lantern-inspired style. It emanates warm light and has a dimmable rotary function for creating an even softer vibe when desired. What's more, it works well both in and outdoors.
Dimensions: 5.25" W x 5" D x 13.25" H
Brightness: 400 lumens
Color temperature: 2000 K to 2800 K
Found Rental Co. Sigmond Lamp #7
Pros
- Heirloom quality
- Expert-recommended
Cons
- Hardwiring required
In the market for a truly one-of-a-kind find? Clark recommends this antique, industrial-style lamp from the vintage curators at Found Rental Co. It'll be somewhat of a project to install—you'll need to hardwire it yourself and there's no bulb included—but you can rest assured no else will own anything like it.
Dimensions: 16" H X 6.5" W X 27.5" D
What to consider when shopping for a desk lamp
- Brightness and color temperature. Brightness, or light output, is measured in lumens. The higher the number, the brighter the lamp will be. Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (shown as the letter “K”), and generally ranges from 2200 K (candlelight) to 4000 K and above (bright white) for most desk lamps. When looking at these specs and deciding between options, consider how you plan to use the lamp and the ambiance you want it to create in a room.
- Cordless vs. corded options. “If you're placing a lamp in the center of a room and don’t have a floor outlet, you may not like to have cords hanging down and across the floor,” says Clark. In that case, go for a cordless option. These styles are also ideal if you want the flexibility to move your lamp from room to room (or in some instances, outside, too).
- Style. Desk lamps come in all shapes and styles to match your existing aesthetic or create a fresh accent in your space. "For example, I love an articulating light for a desk area," Clark says. "It feels so smart and productive."
- Bonus features. If you want something multipurpose, consider styles with a convenient charging port.
Which bulbs are good for desk lamps?
“I like a warm light—nothing blue or too bright,” Clark says. “Soft and warm feels so much better.”
To match Clark’s recommendation, look for bulbs with a color temperature around 2700 K. LED versions will also help save energy. Before purchasing any bulb, though, make sure to check which styles are compatible with your specific desk lamp.
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in home by working with the world’s leading authorities in interior and architectural design, textiles, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Blake Bakkila has been writing about everything from pop culture to lifestyle products for more than eight years. Her work has appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com, WhattoExpect.com, Health.com, and in the print and digital versions of Real Simple and People.
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