10 Desk Lamps That are Perfect for Your Home Office (Or Reading Nook)
Who else got yelled at all the time as a kid for straining their eyes to read in the dark? If you’re anything like me, you grew up fearing permanent eye damage if you didn’t have adequate lighting. While that might not be the whole truth, it is important to have strong, direct lighting while you work to save your eyes strain and ward off headaches, especially when you’re putting in long days at your desk. So whether you’re working from home or need something small to illuminate a reading corner, do your eyes a favor and invest in one of these stylish, quality desk lamps.
1. Navarette Desk Lamp
If you’re looking for a cute yet contemporary upgrade to your home office’s current lighting sitch, this small but mighty lamp from AllModern might be for you. The thin metal profile gives it an understated look, but a dome shade and adjustable neck ensure maximum function all day long. It’s available in three colors, including this soft green.
Buy: Navarette Desk Lamp, $82 from AllModern
2. Mid Century USB Task Lamp
This lamp is as stylish and sophisticated as it is effective. Sleek lines combine with touches of glossy gold for a mid-century piece that really shines—and we mean that literally. From the long curved arm to the wide, angled shade, this task lamp provides bright, targeted light right where you need it and nowhere else. Oh, and don’t sleep on that handy USB port at the back of the base!
Buy: Mid Century USB Task Lamp, $159 from West Elm
3. Epperson Desk Lamp
Make a statement in your workspace with this tall gold desk lamp. A thick tripod base and long, tubular shade make it strong and sturdy—and because it’s compatible with a 60-watt LED bulb, the light it puts out is sure to be strong, too. At less than $50, it’s a snazzy steal.
Buy: Epperson Desk Lamp, $53 from Joss & Main
4. Simple Designs Reading/Desk Lamp
Looking for something a little less traditional for your desk? This semi-modern, semi-industrial lamp from Bed Bath & Beyond will add instant personality to your space. The wide U-shaped rod and vertical hanging light gives the lamp an eye-catching shape, while the transparent shade gives off a nice glow for nighttime work.
Buy: Simple Designs Reading/Desk Lamp, starts at $36.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond
5. Studio Desk Lamp
Good vibes only! That’s what you get with this playful, sunny yellow lamp handcrafted in Portland. The swiveling arm and adjustable shade let you position the light pretty much however you need, and the brass accents mixed with the vibrant color give you the contemporary-meets-vintage look that’s characteristic of Schoolhouse pieces.
Buy: Studio Desk Lamp, $249 from Schoolhouse
6. Jarrett LED Desk Lamp
Don’t let the minimal profile and small head of this lamp fool you—its 5-watt LEDs add some serious brightness to any space at energy-efficient levels. Add that to the sleek modern look of the satin nickel finish, straight arms, and round head, and you’ve got yourself a powerful piece.
Buy: Jarrett LED Desk Lamp, $99.99 from Lamps Plus
7. Penn Task Lamp
Pro tip: Don’t skip on the teen and kid sections of your favorite stores. You can often find some stellar products at affordable prices, like these iron task lamps from PBteen. Go for a playful color like baby blue or blush pink, or keep it neutral with gray or white. Either way, you get a cute, durable lamp for just $50.
Buy: Penn Task Lamp, $49 from PBteen
8. Hampton Bay LED Desk Lamp
Keep things nice and simple (and affordable!) with this basic but effective Home Depot lamp. There are no special bells and whistles to it—just a tall black lamp with an adjustable gooseneck to allow maximum flexibility. It includes an LED bulb for constant, efficient lighting.
Buy: Hampton Bay LED Desk Lamp, $29.97 from Home Depot
9. Cylinder Task Table Lamp
Is it weird to call a lamp classy? Maybe, but this one really is. The matte steel construction with shiny brass accents make this two-tone piece fit for a handsome library, but it works just as well on your desk—especially with the built-in USB port at the base.
Buy: Cylinder Task Table Lamp, $249 $199 from Rejuvenation
10. Bethany Task Lamp
For a modern upgrade to a vintage mainstay, check out this task lamp from Anthropologie. Made of brass with two color options for the neck and glass shade, it’s a totally gorgeous option that is sure to make a statement. It’s on the high end, but chances are good that you’ll get tired of it.
Buy: Bethany Task Lamp, $228 from Anthropologie