“A desk lamp should provide a clear, bright light that makes a statement,” said Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance. “Any opportunity you have to enhance your space with joy, you should grab it.” To find the best desk lamps, we researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions, material, bulb and wattage, and cord length. In addition to Lee, we also consulted Jennifer Jenkins, IALD, director of lighting at WeWork, and Farah Merhi, an interior designer.  Overall, the best desk lamp is the Brightever Store Industrial Dimmable Desk Lamp. The LED lamp is easy to use and features touch sensor technology. Plus, there are two USB ports, an AC outlet, and a 360-degree adjustable head.  Here, the best desk lamps.  Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one color, which may not match every home office aesthetic. Unlike some other lamps, this style uses touch sensor technology that allows you to power the lamp on and off, as well as control the three brightness levels: low, medium, and high. There are two USB ports, making it easy to charge your phone and other electronic devices while you work. Plus, there’s a 2-prong AC outlet, so you plug in small devices, like a portable speaker or fan.  Just keep in mind that the industrial-style lamp has a minimal style, it’s only offered in black, which may not suit every home office aesthetic.  Price at time of publish: $40
Product Details: Dimensions: ‎5.91 x 5.91 x 16.14 inches | Material: Metal | Bulb: LED bulb | Maximum Wattage: 7 watts | Cord Length: Not listed Keep in Mind: It doesn’t feature any USB ports, which could be inconvenient for some. It also comes with a nonreplaceable bulb. The lamp is available in four colors: cream, gray, pink, and black. Unlike some other styles, this lamp comes with a built-in, nonreplaceable LED bulb, however it should have a longer lifespan than other bulb types. It also has touch sensor technology as well, so you’ll easily be able to control the three light settings: low, medium, and high. Just keep in mind that unlike other similar styles, this pick doesn’t feature any USB ports to charge other devices you may need while you work.  Price at time of publish: $15  Product Details: Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.75 x 14 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Bulb: LED Bulb | Maximum Wattage: 5 watts | Cord Length: 5 feet Keep in Mind: This desk lamp doesn’t have any adjustable brightness levels. The lamp is offered in either a nickel or brass finish, offering a stylish touch wherever it’s placed. It can be easily turned on and off thanks to a switch at the base. Although it doesn’t have a range of brightness levels, the lamp is adjustable so you can still set it up to your liking.  The 6-foot cord is a bit longer than some other styles and provides some leverage when you’re setting up your space. Just keep in mind that this style doesn’t come with a bulb, so you’ll have to purchase one separately to get started.  Price at time of publish: $70 Product Details: Dimensions: 12.75 x 7 x 20.75 inches | Material: Metal | Bulb: E26/medium (standard) | Maximum Wattage: 60 watts | Cord Length: 6 feet Keep in Mind: The lamp doesn’t have different lighting level options. Part of what makes this style one of the best desk lamps is its versatility. In addition to plugging it into a wall outlet, you can also use it by plugging it into your laptop’s USB port—whether you travel often or just want to sit in your bed, the lamp offers flexibility.  The lamp doesn’t have different brightness levels, so you won’t be able to change it throughout using it. However, the adjustable head moves up and down to provide just the right angle for whatever you need it for.  Price at time of publish: $20  Product Details:  Dimensions: ‎7 x 8 x 13 inches | Material: Aluminum, steel | Bulb: LED | Maximum Wattage: 3 watts | Cord Length: 6 feet 3 inches Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than some other options and doesn’t feature USB ports or adjustable lighting levels. The small lamp is a great option if you’re looking for a decorative pick. Although it’s more expensive than other styles and doesn’t feature any USB ports or adjustable lighting levels, the powder-coated shade and wired base make for a design-friendly touch to any space. Plus, you can choose between three lamp shade colors: white, gray, and green.  Price at time of publish: $79 Product Details: Dimensions: 6.5 x 8 x 14 inches | Material: Steel, plastic | Bulb: LED bulb | Maximum Wattage: Not listed | Cord Length: 7 feet Keep in Mind: The cord is a bit shorter than those of the other lamps, which you’ll want to keep in mind when positioning it on your desk. Made with touch technology, the lamp’s power and three brightness levels can be easily adjusted with just the touch of a finger. Plus, the set comes with two LED bulbs to get you started, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing them separately to get started. Just keep in mind that the 5.1-foot cord on each lamp is shorter than some other styles, so you’ll want to make sure you’re close enough to an outlet.  Price at time of publish: $70 Product Details: Dimensions: ‎5.91 x 5.91 x 16.14 inches | Material: Metal | Bulb: LED | Maximum Wattage: 100 watts | Cord Length: 5.1 feet Keep in Mind: The lamp comes with an integrated non-removable LED bulb so you won’t be able to change it if it dies or breaks. The lamp comes with an integrated non-removable LED bulb, so you won’t be able to replace it once it burns out. However, the design is rated to last up to 40,000 hours, so you should be able to get plenty of use out of it.  The touch controls can be used to dim the light to the desired intensity, while its adjustable head moves up and down for ideal positioning. Plus, it can easily be turned on and off with the touch switch on the bottom of the base.  Price at time of publish: $70 Product Details: Dimensions: 9.84 x 6.1 x 14.4 inches | Material: Plastic | Bulb: LED Bulb | Maximum Wattage: 1 watt | Cord Length: 5 feet  Keep in Mind: The lamp has to be charged, so if you forget to charge it you run the risk of not being able to use it when you need it. Thanks to the lamp’s touch sensor technology, you’ll be able to adjust the lamp’s three brightness levels with the touch of a finger. Plus, the adjustable gooseneck allows you to choose your desired lighting angle for added comfort.  It’s worth noting that while the cordless style is easy to take on the go, the battery will need to be charged. All you have to do is use a USB cable and plug it into a computer or smart device for quick charging—just be mindful of the battery life so you always have it charged when you need it.  Price at time of publish: $16 Product Details: Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.5 x 14.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Bulb: LED Bulb | Maximum Wattage: 5 watts | Cord Length: 3.3 feet Keep in Mind: The lamp isn’t a decorative style, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for an accent piece for your home. The wide LED light bar provides a lot of coverage, so you’ll have plenty of light while you work. The gooseneck is flexible as well, so you’ll be able to adjust the height and angle of the light however you see fit. Just keep in mind that this pick is more practical than stylish, so it’s not ideal if you want a more decorative option.  Using touch control features, you’ll be able to choose from five settings as well as set an auto-off timer. In addition to a built-in sensor that will adjust the light based on your surroundings, there’s also a memory setting that’ll save your last lighting adjustment.  Price at time of publish: $60 Product Details: Dimensions: ‎4.65 x 4.96 x 38.27 inches | Material: Aluminum, metal | Bulb: LED bulb | Maximum Wattage: 24 watts | Cord Length: Not listed  Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other styles and doesn’t all you to adjust the brightness levels. Not only is it small and quaint, but the lamp also adds character to a room. Whether it’s on your desk or a nightstand, simply just tug the pull chain to illuminate your room. Just keep in mind that this pick is more expensive than others and it doesn’t allow you to adjust brightness levels, so it depends on your preferences.  Price at time of publish: $120 Product Details: Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 x 14 inches | Material: Metal, glass | Bulb: Standard medium base | Maximum Wattage: 60 watts | Cord Length: 6 feet Keep in Mind: The power switch is on the cord, which could be difficult to access.  While there are no adjustable lighting settings, you’ll be able to use the arm to move the head up and down to your ideal position. Keep in mind, however, that the lamp is ideal for ambient lighting, so it’s ideal for smaller setups.  The lamp comes with a standard 5-foot cord, so it’s easy to install it wherever you want it. Just know that the power switch is located on the cord instead of the base of the lamp, so you’ll need the cord to be fairly accessible.  Price at time of publish: $70 Product Details: Dimensions: 6.5 x 6 x 20 inches | Material: Metal | Bulb: E26/medium (standard) | Maximum Wattage: 60 watts | Cord Length: 5 feet Keep in Mind: It’s powered through a USB cord , so you’ll have to have one available when you’re using it. The lamp features a ring diffuser that’ll soften the light, which is ideal for those who may use the light for long periods of time. Plus, its 360-degree goosehead can be adjusted to reach your desired height and angle necessary. The best part? It’s flicker-free and lightweight for easy portability.  The clip-on style is less expensive than other options and won’t take up any desk space, which is ideal if you have a smaller setup. It’s worth noting that this pick is powered with a USB cord, so you’ll need one free each time you use it.  Price at time of publish: $12 Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 15 inches | Material: Metal | Bulb: LED bulb | Maximum Wattage: Not listed | Cord Length: Not listed For a less expensive option, the best desk lamp is Pillowfort Desk Lamp. The lamp, which is offered in four colors, features a touch sensor and an adjustable dome. 

What To Know About Desk Lamps Before Shopping 

Dimensions

Depending on the table and surface you’re working with, the dimensions of a lamp are important to take into consideration. If your desk is on the smaller side, or you just don’t want to give up any space, consider options that are flexible or have small bases, as well as clip-on styles. If you have more room to work with, however, there are larger, decorative styles that’ll work well. 

Material

The best desk lamps can be made from a variety of materials, like plastic, ceramic, brass, and other metals. Metal and ceramic options tend to have a more stylish look and can be as decorative as they are practical. Plastic options will likely be cheaper, however, so it depends on your needs and preferences. 

Bulb and Wattage

Wattage determines how powerful a bulb is. Each type of lamp will use a specific bulb depending on how it’s made, so you’ll want to read the user manual to be sure to grab the right one. Also, keep in mind some lamps come with built-in light bulbs that are unable to be removed, which is another aspect to consider.  LED bulbs tend to be more eco-friendly and efficient due to their low heat production. Incandescent bulbs emit all colors of light but have an incredibly low lifespan of roughly 1,000 hours. It’s recommended to use a 40 to 60-watt light bulb for tasks such as reading and writing, a 60-watt light bulb when using a computer, and a 60 to 80-watt light bulb for detail-oriented tasks.

Cord Length 

In general, standard desk lamp cords tend to be around five feet. While there are some that have even longer cords, be sure that you’re setting up your desk near an outlet to ensure you can plug it in safely. If cord length is potentially an issue for your setup, consider wireless options so you won’t have to worry. 

Questions for Your Questions, Answered

Can a desk lamp be used as a plant grow light?

Whether or not a desk lamp can be used as a plant grow light varies based on the plant you’re looking to grow.   “Plants have wildly different lighting requirements. If the plant species thrives in lower light levels, you can use your desk lamp to provide a little extra illumination on a darker day,” says Jenkins. “However, no desk lamp will be able to match the strength and spectrum of natural sunlight. 

How bright should a desk lamp be?

Light output is measured in lumens and can be used to determine how bright a desk lamp will shine.  “A desk lamp should be a minimum of 200 lumens,” Jenkins says. “I recommend going with a higher output lamp that is dimmable.”  Merhi, adds that if you’re working in close proximity to a desk lamp, it’s better to go with a softer, more muted light bulb to avoid bright light that might end up bothering you when working or reading.  In general, Merhi suggests looking for something with around 450 lumens (or around 40 watts). However, if you want stronger light, she recommends anywhere between 850 and 1100 lumens (or around 60-75 watts). 

What type of light bulb is closest to natural light?

If you’re inside all day, you may want your desk lamp to mimic natural light.   “I would say a Halogen bulb is closest to natural light. It’s a type of incandescent light that gives a close approximation of natural daylight, known as white light," Lee says. “One thing to note, they are more expensive and burn at a higher temperature.”

Who We Are

Casey Clark is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To makes this list, she researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, dimensions, bulb types, maximum wattages, and cord lengths. She also consulted Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance, Jennifer Jenkins, IALD, director of lighting at WeWork, and Farah Merhi, an interior designer.