Desk Lamps

Designer desk lamps – how to find the right one for your home

1. Desk lamps vs. table lamps
2. Bases
3. Additional functions and extras
4. Lumens and luminous intensity
5. Bulbs, light distribution and light colour
6. Summary

1. The key differences: desk lamps vs. table lamps

While desk lamps provide direct light and can be adjusted very flexibly using joints, classic table lamps usually light the room indirectly and can't be adjusted. That's exactly why desk lamps are particularly well suited to working at a desk. How flexible a lamp needs to be depends on the task. As a rule of thumb: the more detailed the work, the more flexibly the lamp needs to be adjustable.

2. Desk lamps and their types of base

The types of base for designer desk lamps – that is, the foot or the way they attach to the desk – are very varied. They range from a normal freestanding base (2) to desk clamps (1) or universal clamps (4), which can be attached not only to the desk but also, for example, to a shelf above it, right through to lamps that are screwed onto the desk (3).

"Good desk lighting is particularly important for schoolchildren. It not only helps them concentrate but is also easier on the eyes. A clip-on light is the best way to cope with children's boisterousness – and it's also space-saving and colourful." – Viktoria, interior expert

3. More than just a designer desk lamp thanks to extra functions

Many desk lamps don't just provide light – they also have other practical extras. Lamps with a charging function are particularly up to date. The classic version is a USB port that lets you charge various devices without an extra socket (1). Even more useful are models with wireless charging, which make it particularly easy to charge your phone while keeping it visible and within reach (2). A dimmable desk lamp (3), which lets you adapt the lighting to the task, is also very useful. A lamp with storage (4) is a very space-saving two-in-one option – again particularly useful on a children's desk.

4. Lumens and luminous intensity – what you need to know

Different tasks require different levels of luminous intensity and luminous flux, as not every job needs the same light intensity. Drawing or detailed work, for example, needs particularly high luminous intensity. You'll find the exact values in the table. You'll also find more information on desk lighting in our guide.

5. Bulbs, light distribution and light colour

Classic bulbs for desk lamps, which you can usually choose freely regardless of whether the lamp is dimmable, are LEDs, halogen or incandescent bulbs. In many LED desk lamps, the light source is already permanently integrated. These models are particularly practical, as LEDs have a service life of 15,000 to 50,000 hours. If they're on for three hours a day, they can last 14 to 45 years – so you won't need to give the right bulb a second thought during that time.

As a designer desk lamp is mainly there to provide direct light, this is its standard setting. But if you turn the swivelling lamp head towards the wall, it can also create indirect room lighting.

Unlike the living room or bedroom, where neutral and warm white light should create a cosy atmosphere, cool white light is recommended for desk lighting. It aids concentration because it's closest to daylight, and it's ideal for working from home or for homework at a children's desk. Desk lamps that are not only dimmable but also let you adjust the light colour to suit the task are also practical.

6. Summary – what to consider when buying a desk lamp

• The key difference from table lamps is that desk lamps always provide direct light and are flexibly adjustable.
• If you're looking for a design classic desk lamp, you'll find various bases: from screw fixings and desk or universal clamps to a normal freestanding base, there's everything.
• Many models have useful extra functions: integrated storage makes for a modern, practical desk lamp design. Dimmable lamps can easily be adapted to the lighting conditions. And many desk lamps now have an integrated charging function – either via a USB port or completely wireless.
• When choosing the luminous intensity, it's important to consider the exact type of task. The more detailed the work, the more intense the light needs to be.
• For desk lamps, cool white light, which is most similar to daylight, is recommended, as it aids concentration.

Buy designer desk lamps online at Connox – your benefits at a glance

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Shopping advice at Connox

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