Looking for the best desk lamps for artists & graphic designers? This article will have you sorted in no time.
Many millennia ago, someone pretty important decreed, “Let there be light” and we’ve been basking in its glow ever since.
While technology has certainly changed, the search for the best light to work by hasn’t. Whether you’re an artist, graphic designer or work in another creative field, we have all felt the pain first hand of a desk lamp that either isn’t strong enough or is too bulky to help efficiently.
To that end, we thought we’d “shine a light” on the problem and pick out the best desk lamps that are available today so you can stop searching and get back to work.
Before we start though, we should learn how to pick a desk lamp. It’s not as easy as you may believe.
9 Best Desk Lamps for Artists & Graphic Designers in 2022
There are a ton of lamps available for you to choose from and we get it, it can be hard to pick just one lamp to satisfy the needs you may have when it comes to a lamp. We think that our list below will be able to provide you with a source of light that you can use for years to come.
- Benq e-Reading Lamp (Editor’s Choice) —The best lamp for artists & designers overall
- BenQ Screenbar or Benq Screenbar Plus — The best space saving desk lamp
- Lampat LED Desk Lamp —The best desk lamp for small spaces
- LED Wholesalers Folding LED Desk Lamp — The best budget-friendly LED lamp
- Tenergy 11W Dimmable Desk Lamp — The best modern lamp for digital artists
- Ikea Forsa — A great lamp design at an affordable price
- Lepower Metal Desk Lamp — Classic appeal with a great price
- Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp — A unique design for filament style bulbs
- TaoTronics Dimmable LED Desk Lamp — The best foldable lamp
If you’re interested in more workplace comfort, check out our best laptop stands feature, the best under desk keyboard trays, the best ergonomic keyboards, the best office chairs and the best ergonomic mouse pads.
What is the best desk lamp for artists?
Our top pick for the best desk lamp for artists goes to Benq e-Reading Lamp because of its functionality, versatility and beautiful looks but check out comparison table below.
Top 8 Best Selling Desk Lamps on Amazon
These are the four most popular desk lamps on Amazon right now:
How to Pick the Best Desk Lamp
When you were in first grade or even high school, the lamp you had on your desk to do your homework didn’t matter that much. You could easily spend a couple of bucks on whatever the local store had. Now that you’re older, the same old lamp won’t do anymore, no matter how many fond memories you may have. Here’s a guide to picking your next lamp.
Brightness
The lights in a desk lamp can come in a variety of wattages and lux so that you can get a rough idea of how bright the light will be. Wattage measures the amount of power needed to operate the light while lux measures how bright the light can be. Reducing any eye strain is important and having a lamp with the right brightness can help. Generally speaking, the brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens and if you’re seeking to match the brightness of a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you’ll want to find a bulb that’s 800 lumens.
Color Temperature
Whether you like a warm or cool light while working comes down to personal preference. However, warm yellow light has a Kelvin rating of around 2,700 while white light is about 3,000K. In comparison, bright white light is between 3,500 and 4,100K, and bluish-white light comes in around 5,000 to 6,500K.
Lighting Type
Most new lamps come with LEDs as their light source. These tend to offer better energy efficiency and also last much longer than incandescent or fluorescent lights. The temperature color of LEDs is also able to be adjusted to reduce eye strain. If anything, a major benefit with LEDs is that they don’t heat up while they are on and do not need to be replaced.
Location
Everyone has a specific location where they feel a desk lamp will provide the best performance for the work that they are doing. Before you pick a desk lamp though, making sure it will fit in that spot is important. If you think you might move your lamp around, you might want to consider a wireless model that is battery-operated.
Style
When it comes to style, desk lamps have come a long way and many manufacturers will offer designs that might be a good fit in a certain type of decor. The different styles of desk lamps can run the gamut from traditional to sleek and even unique versions as designers are always looking to make something that stands out from everything else.
9 Best Desk Lamps for Artists & Graphic Designers
1. Benq e-Reading Lamp (Editor’s Choice)
The best lamp for artists & designers overall
Size: 23.22 x 8.66 x 24.61 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Voltage: 100 – 240 Volts | Wattage: 18 Watts
With its LED light design resembling a smile, the e-Reading lamp from BenQ is a beautifully-designed lamp containing 36 LEDs evenly spread out across the curved bar, it can easily light the far corners of your desk. With its bright, yet warm glow, the lamp can make working much easier without putting a strain on your eyes.
A touch-sensitive ring on the top of the lamp lets you control the amount and temperature of the light. Equipped with a light sensor, the automatic mode adjusts the lighting level based on the amount of ambient light in the room. While it is on the high end when it comes to price, the unique design, touch controls, and the crisp, beautiful light it produces can brighten your day and your workspace.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 35” WIDE DESK ILLUMINATION: featuring advanced lighting technology, curved cap, highly flexible swing arm and ball joints; the modern LED desk lamp lights up your entire desk 150% more, making it...
- ADJUSTABLE COLOR TEMPERATURE AND BRIGHTNESS: the control knob enables adjustments for 13 levels of color temperatures between 2700-5700K and provides 23 brightness levels from 1000-250lm that has a...
- AUTO-DIMMING MODE: The LED desk lamp automatically detects ambient brightness and dynamically adjust to suitable brightness levels for the eye, creating the most comfortable lighting environment for...
- NO GLARE OR FLICKER: The LED lamp is designed to avoid screen glare in order to deliver a smooth and soothing light without flickering on your table or desk, protecting your eyes from strain and...
- SPACE-SAVING AND STURDY BASE: Optional desk clamps or floor stands enhance placement flexibility in your room or home office, while a metal built pedestal base ensures sturdiness when adjusting angles
2. BenQ Screenbar or Screenbar Plus
The best space saving desk lamp
Size: 18 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.17 pounds | Voltage: 5 Volts | Wattage: 5 Watts
From its innovative design to its intuitive features, the Screenbar or the latest Screenbar Plus (with desktop dial) from BenQ is easily our top choice for the best space saving desk lamp. With its unique design, the lamp sits on top of your monitor shining down to give you 500 lux of brightness without causing any screen glare like many other lamps.
With an auto-adjustment feature, the light adjusts to keep it even and steady based on the ambient light in the room. This can be especially helpful if your working from home and its a dark and gloomy day outside. While it’s not the most affordable lamp, the versatility it offers certainly makes it worth the price.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Levels Up Your Desk Setup: BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light enhances immersion and focus, creates a comfortable lighting environment while gaming with lights off, reading, watching videos, office working,...
- Auto-Dimming: The built-in ambient light sensor promptly detects the surrounding brightness and then supplements it with just the right light you need for a eye-healthy workspace. It can also be...
- Hue Adjustment: Adjustable temperature to provide focus and comfort. Warm light for relaxing, cool light for work efficiency.
- No Screen Glare:The patented asymmetrical optical design only illuminates the desk and ensures zero reflective glare off the screen.
- Space Saving: No Base, More Space. The breakthrough clip design mounts on top of the monitor, saving valuable space on your desk.
3. Lampat LED Desk Lamp
The best desk lamp for small spaces
Size: 18.5 x 7 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Voltage: 12 Volts | Wattage: 10 Watts
The wonderful thing about LED lamps is not only how they can affect energy consumption but also the freedom they provide designers to try new things and new designs. The LED Desk Lamp from Lampat is one such design with its sleek design that is perfect if you work in a cramped office or cubicle. With five different illumination settings and four lighting modes, the lamp always provides you with the best combination of temperature and brightness. The base also comes with a USB charging port and has an automatic timer of 60 minutes in case you forget to turn it off.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- LAMPAT Dimmable LED Desk Lamp, Black
- 4 lighting modes, 5 level brightness
- USB charging port
- Natural light protects eyes
- 1 hour auto-off timer
4. LED Wholesalers Folding LED Desk Lamp
The best budget-friendly LED lamp
Size: 13.9 x 7.2 x 16.8 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Voltage: 100-240 Volts | Wattage: 7 Watts
Made from LEDs that have a lifespan of 35,000 hours, the folding LED Desk Lamp from LED Wholesalers provides an ample amount of light without consuming a lot of space or energy. Made from aluminum with a plastic shield on top, the arm is easily adjustable so you can position it for the best lighting. At the head of the light, a frosted lens provides glare-free light. The space-saving design makes it a perfect choice for home offices and its budget-friendly price won’t hurt your wallet either.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Provides natural, non-flickering light for stress free productivity and enjoyment.
- 3-step touch dimming control system
- Flexible positioning suitable for use in office, bedroom, school, and reading.
- Anti-glare LED reading light
- No flickering, no flashing LED light source
5. Tenergy 11W Dimmable Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port
The best modern lamp for digital artists
Size: 18.94 x 5.28 x 17.2 inches inches | Weight: 4.43 pounds | Voltage: 12 Volts | Wattage: 12 Watts
With six levels of brightness and five different light temperatures, the 11W Desk Lamp from Tenergy will quickly become your desk’s best friend. Able to reach up to 1200 lux, the lamp is the brightest that Tenergy produces, making it a great choice if you happen to work in a dark office. With its Advance Memory setting, getting the perfect lighting for your needs is simple as the lamp can save your favorite temperature and brightness setting. With a modern look, the base, head, and neck can rotate so you can adjust all angles to your desired setting. The base also has a USB port so you can charge your phone or other mobile devices.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Tenergy 11W Dimmable eye-care LED reading lamp offers a soothing non-flickering light that sets a comfortable atmosphere as you can enjoy a stress-free environment. At 530 lumens, you can have a...
- Built in USB charger - Our Tenergy LED Desk Lamp with USB charging port makes it convenient to charge smartphones or USB compatible devices.
- Touch control and flexible settings - Comes with 4 preset light colors to ensure the perfect light setting to suit your needs. A 60 minute timer button will automatically shut off the desk lamp light...
- A sleek black finish with a polished gloss, this modern desk lamp features a adjusted 140° and the base can swivel 180° to aim light in the direction you want.
- These power saving LEDs consume 85% less energy and last 20 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Register your Tenergy 11W LED Table Light to receive 2 years extended warranty and lifetime...
6. Ikea Forsa
A great lamp design at an affordable price
Size: 14 x 6 x 5 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Wattage: 40 Watts
If you didn’t already know, Ikea doesn’t only sell furniture and one of their best products is the Forsa lamp. Made of sleek steel, featuring a long, adjustable arm as well as an adjustable shade letting you put the lamp in the perfect position for your work. Unlike most lamps, Ikea includes a bulb with the lamp to make it easier for you to get set up right away. Available in many different colors, the Forsa lamp is a great choice if you’re looking for a lamp with a great design and a splash of color.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Perfect for office/computer desk
- Provides a directed light that is great for reading.
- Height: 14"; Base Diameter: 6"
- Light bulbs are sold separately
- This product requires assembly
7. Lepower Metal Desk Lamp
Classic appeal with a great price
Size: 10.4 x 6.1 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Voltage: 120 Volts | Wattage: 40 Watts
Sometimes the best piece of hardware comes at an affordable price and that is the case with the Metal Desk Lamp from LePower. With its sleek design that is reminiscent of older desk lamps and its matte finish straddles the line between traditional and modern design and its flexible neck lets you put into just about any position you need. Although the lamp requires you to supply a bulb, this allows you to pick a bulb with a temperature that you prefer whether is an LED bulb, energy saver, or incandescent.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Metal Material: The lamp is integrated with high-quality metal lampshade and base, enduring, durable and aesthetic, brightens your living room, bedroom or study room.
- On/Off Switch: The switch is located on the base of the lamp for quick and easy use.
- Bulb Requirements: Bulb is not included in the package. With an E26 sized screw base, the bulb can be installed as desired. We suggest you using LED bulb 4W-6W, energy saving bulb 8W-16W, incandescent...
- Adjustable Angle: The flexible swing arm which makes it easy to find the perfect lighting angle. Simple and lightweight. Perfect for office, kids room, or college dorm.
- Stylish Design: A nice, low-cost, and functional metal desk lamp to meet your basic lighting needs, perfect for reading, also elegant looking as a decoration.
8. Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp
A unique design for filament style bulbs
Size: 9.8 x 5.8 x 18.8 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Voltage: 120 Volts | Wattage: 40 Watts
With changes in technology, designers have taken the traditional look of products and taken them in new and interesting directions. This is the case with the Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp from Simple Designs. The lamp prioritizes style with its industrial motif and glass shade. This results in a light source that isn’t pointed downward onto your desk like many other LED lamps. While it looks incredible, the amount of light it provides to the whole room is the biggest draw here. To give it a sense of nostalgia, try using the lamp with a filament or Edison-style bulb, and with its relatively affordable price, you can add a lot of light to even the largest offices.
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Matte Black Finish
- Clear Glass Shade
- Convenient ON/OFF cord switch
- Lamp measures: L:9" x W:5.75" x H:19"
- Uses 1 x 40W standard medium base bulb (not included). For full vintage look, Type T45 Edison bulb is recommended
9. TaoTronics Dimmable LED Desk Lamp
The best foldable lamp
Size: 6.77 x 7.09 x 17.52 inches inches | Weight: 2.42 pounds | Voltage: 100V-240V Volts | Wattage: 5 Watts]
TaoTronics continues to impress with their creative designs that not only save space but don’t skimp on any of the features that consumers are looking for. This is most certainly the case with their Dimmable LED Desk Lamp that comes with four different lighting modes and five levels of brightness that are easily controlled. The lamp’s body is easy to adjust and can be rotated 180 degrees at the base. The second point of adjustment is further up the body that allows you to compactly close the lamp for easy storage. With anti-flickering technology to reduce eye strain and a 1-hour timer that can automatically turn the lamp off when you forget to, the Dimmable LED Desk Lamp is a great option for travelers who prefer to have a light source of their own on the road.
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10 Best Desk Lamps to Keep the Lights On
Lamps truly are a wondrous piece of technology. Before January 1879, when Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, the only way to get work done in the dark was by a candle which could be a dangerous proposition. In the 141 years since then, the lamp has seen incredible changes and new advancements in design and technology to help us work in the dark. We hope that our list of the best desk lamps gives you a new appreciation for these lamps and the wonder they create.
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