Best Lamp for Desk of 2023, According to Reviews

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Talk about a bright idea!

Whether you're burning the midnight oil or hoping to avoid harsh, overhead lights at all costs, grabbing the best lamp for your desk is essential. And as long as it physically fits on your tabletop and emits a nice glow, your search is over, right? Well, not quite.

If you ask us, finding the perfect desk lamp is a lot like shopping for a sofa. While it seems there's too much to choose from, it's the tiny details that will make a few stand out. We're here to help by answering a few of your biggest and brightest questions all while sharing a few of our top picks on the market right now. From seriously chic shades to high-tech treasures, consider this roundup your permission to shine bright.

What to Consider When Buying a Desk Lamp

Since simply searching "desk lamp" will yield thousands—if not, hundreds of thousands—of results, you'll want to narrow down your search. But, where to begin? First, think about the lamp's silhouette. Though task lamps are consistent crowd-pleasers, they can be tilted to shine a direct light on your work, You'll also want to consider a lamp's compatible wattage. After all, a desk lamp can only shine as bright as its bulb. As a general rule of thumb, look for lamps that can accommodate at least a 60-watt light allowing you to actually see your keyboard or notebook.

From there, it's all about personal preference. Does your lamp have a bevy of brightness levels? What about a USB port to charge your phone? Can it light up your entire desk without taking up too much precious square footage? And, of course, you'll want to make sure your lamp fits comfortably within your budget.

We've proven that we're able to assist you in narrowing down a lamp that works for you. To make that happen, we scanned all the most positive reviews while factoring in budget, silhouette, and of course, the special features of the lamp. Shop on and allow our recs to illuminate you.

When shopping for the ultimate desk lamp, you want to look for something that deftly bridges the gap between form and function. The good news? Yarra-Decor's option ticks off all of the boxes and then some.

This lamp may be ideal for nightstands and side tables, but its versatility makes it a must-have for your home office, too. Clocking in at under six inches wide, this pick can comfortably fit on most desks without getting in the way of your laptop, notebook, and other important supplies.

With three brightness levels to choose from, dimming the touch-control lamp is as easy as tapping on its base. (Meanwhile, the linen lampshade will soften the shine, protect your eyes, and give your home office a stylish spin.) There's also a designated USB port, so you can charge your phone, smartwatch, or earbuds during the nine-to-five grind. To sweeten an already enticing offer, it's currently available for under $30. Add it to your cart and let there be light!

On the hunt for the best bang for your buck? You can't go wrong with Simple Designs. Just like its brand name suggests, the frills-free desk lamp has an easy-to-use on-and-off switch, so you won't have to stress over finding the perfect brightness level.

Additionally, it's compatible with a 60-watt bulb and has a flexible hose neck you can adjust to your preference. And, if aesthetics are a concern, it's available in four colorways that'll blend in nicely with the rest of your home office.

Never underestimate the power of mood lighting. For those searching to get the vibe just right, Jukstg's LED desk lamp is the way to go. Not only does it have a number of settings to choose from—think five color modes and 10 brightness levels—but there's also a blue light filter so you don't have to worry about straining your eyes.

For anyone hoping to get a bit smarter about their energy usage, opt for a desk lamp with an efficient LED light from Dott Arts. Here, a slim illuminated arm can be adjusted to get your light's angle just right. Speaking of perfecting that glow, you can use its touch control to alternate through the lamp's three brightness levels. (Done for the day? Fold the arm all the way down to create much-needed empty space on your desk.)

For a desk lamp that's pretty and practical, AllModern's Girard Lamp has you covered. Decked out with a two-toned design and an asymmetrical lampshade that can be tilted to your desire, it doubles as a conversation starter. The Girard task lamp might seem like a shoo-in for contemporary spaces, but it can fit nicely in traditional or even cottagecore homes.

Nowadays, our go-to gadgets feel more like extensions of ourselves. Next up is a clever lamp from Lumi Charge that has designated charging ports for all of your favorite devices.

A wireless charging pad for your smartphone? It's got that, too. Designated areas to power up your earbuds and smartwatch? Check and check. There's even an extra USB port so you can plug in another device of your choosing. But, while you might buy this desk lamp for its surplus of charging spots, you'll also appreciate its other features such as its dimmable LED light and built-in alarm clock.

If desk space is at a premium, grab a desk lamp that can pull double (or even triple) duty. Enter this option from Sailstar. In addition to offering a great glow, it has a built-in pen holder and a wireless charging pad. (Translation? You can have a well-stocked workspace without sacrificing too much real estate.) The energy-efficient LED model also boasts three brightness levels and step-less dimming, which can be controlled by tapping on the lamp's base.

A clip-on desk lamp can be another great choice for anyone working with limited desk space or those attempting to keep clutter to a minimum. But, as this light from Dpower proves, a pared-back desk lamp doesn't have to skimp on the special features. With three color modes, 10 brightness levels, and a flexible hose, it ensures you'll get the perfect lighting—morning, noon, and night.

Though a desk lamp can quite literally brighten up your workspace, placing a teeny, tiny desk on a large surface can barely make a dent in your office. If you're working with multiple monitors—or a generous-sized desk—reach for this clamp lamp from Jostic. The double-head option will pack lots of light. Plus, the five color modes and 10 brightness levels will make sure you're never squinting while you stare at your screen.

Digital nomads will find a lot to love about One Fire's portable desk lamp. Simply slip this cute, collapsible find in your bag and you'll have a reliable glow wherever you go.

Another thing to love? It's battery-powered, so you won't have to sit around and wait for it to fully charge. After all, given that your life is go-go-go, you need a desk lamp that'll keep up with you.

Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.

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