“Put the lamp on the side opposite your writing hand, aim it at the desk instead of the screen, and choose CRI 90+ with a dimmer.”
Designer tip
5 steps to a glare-free desk
- Add task light on top of the room light: a dim room with a bright screen tires your eyes.
- Place the lamp opposite your writing hand (rule of thumb).
- Aim the light at the desk surface, never at the screen.
- Pick CRI 90+ so colors look true.
- Choose a dimmable lamp so you can match it to the time of day.
12 desk lamps we love
Z-Bar Mini Gen 4 LED Desk Lamp by Koncept
CRI 90+, dims smoothly, 60,000 hr LEDs, 5-year warranty.
Z-Bar Gen 4 LED Desk Lamp by Koncept
Red Dot 2021 winner, CRI 90+, dims smoothly.
Yurei Co-Working Desk Lamp by Koncept
Best of NeoCon Gold 2023, CRI 90+, dims smoothly.
Yurei Table Lamp by Koncept
CRI 90+, dims, and it charges your phone.
Dude Marble Table Lamp by Koncept
CRI 90+, dims smoothly, up to 650 lumens.
Tolomeo Classic Table Lamp by Artemide
The Compasso d'Oro 1989 icon, made in Italy.
Tolomeo Micro Table Lamp by Artemide
The Tolomeo arm in a smaller size, dimmable LED option.
Tolomeo Mini Table Lamp by Artemide
Compact Tolomeo, dimmable, made in Italy.
Tolomeo Midi Table Lamp by Artemide
Mid-size Tolomeo by De Lucchi and Fassina, made in Italy.
Demetra Table Lamp by Artemide
Best for desks and reading, Red Dot award winner, by Naoto Fukasawa.
Tizio Table Lamp by Artemide
Richard Sapper's Compasso d'Oro 1979 classic, in the MoMA collection.
FAQ
What color temperature is best for a desk lamp?
Many people like a lamp they can dim so the light can feel brighter for focus and softer in the evening. Check the bulb or lamp spec for the Kelvin rating before you buy.
What CRI should a desk lamp have?
Look for CRI 90 or higher, which shows colors and skin tones more accurately. Several Koncept desk lamps in our shop list CRI 90+.
Which side should the lamp go on?
As a rule of thumb, put it on the side opposite your writing hand so your hand does not cast a shadow on the page.
How do I avoid glare on my screen?
Keep the lamp to the side and aim it at the desk surface, not at the monitor, and avoid placing it directly behind the screen.
Can a desk lamp charge my phone?
Some can. The Yurei Table Lamp by Koncept lists phone charging in its product details.
Not sure which one fits your desk? Ask our design team.