What to Look for When Buying a Desk Lamp

You know you need a desk lamp when you've been straining to see your latest project and your contact prescription is current. Desk lamps offer extra light after long hours of working in front of a computer. They can also add the right decorative accent to your office at a low cost. The key to buying the right desk lamp is finding the balance between function and beauty. Before you buy the first lamp that strikes your fancy on the web, decide what the best lamp will be for your needs.

How to Pick your Desk Lamp

1. How much light do you need? - Choose a smaller banker lamp with a more concentrated beam if you only need light in a single specific area. A piano lamp is similar to the banker lamp, but usually adjusts to offer you more options as far as light placement. Adjustable lamps let you choose where you most need light if you move your projects around your work area frequently. Tiffany lamps cast a nice broad, muted light across your entire desk.
   
   
2. How high does your light need to be? - A desk lamp with a taller base will case light further, but will defuse the beam. A shorter base will concentrate the light so that the beam is very bright in a specific area. A smaller base might also be more difficult to work around if the shade ends up at hand level and you have to reach around it frequently.
   
   
3. How will your new lamp compliment your décor? - You can find a desk lamp to work with your office design, whether you have a rustic, classic, or sports themed work area. From lamps that highlight your favorite sports team to lamps that reflect the art deco styles of the 1920s, you can find just about any style you need.
   
   
4. What features do you need? - There are desk lamp features beyond the on/off switch. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the light output of your lamp and 3-way switches give you the option of using your wall switch to turn your light on and off. Battery operated desk lamps mean that you don't have to worry about unsightly cords and give you extra flexibility. Some desk lamps even come with data ports so that you can easily hook up your computer. You can also find energy efficient lamps that can cut down on your electricity bill and help the environment.
   
   
5. What color? - Typical base finishes include bronze, silver, ceramic, brass, and wood. Shades come in almost every color of the rainbow and can be made of cloth, plastic, metal, or glass.
   
   

Answering the questions above can help you narrow down your choices, but you'll still have to pick out the desk lamp that you like best. It's a hard decision, but with so many fabulous features and styles you'll be sure to find the perfect lamp for you and your office.