When you work at a desk, especially if you are writing or drawing, you need a lot of light. Normal desk lamps often don't cast enough light or can't be moved into the right area, so architect lights were created.
These lamps are perfect for casting long, bright light across much of a desk surface and can normally be moved in multiple ways. We spent some time looking at the different options and seeing which ones work best with different desk configurations. Have a look and see which is best for you.
Globe Electric Architect 32" Swing-Arm Clamp-On Lamp
Easily adjustable
One of the simplest and most popular, this lamp from Globe Electric has a multi-position 32-inch arm that allows you to angle the light in the exact position you need it. It also comes with a solid clamp to hold the lamp where you want, without taking up any space on your, likely, already packed desk.
TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
Lengthy light
The TaoTronics lamp has a few cool little tricks up its sleeve. Not does it give a powerful bright light when needed it can also be turned down to give a soft, warm light for reading.
My favorite thing about it though is the QI wireless charger built into the base. I already have a million cords around my desk, so having a lamp that doubles up as a phone charger is amazing. It's a little more pricey than some of the other choices but I think it's worth the price.
Joly Joy Swing Arm Lamp
Long and clampy
This excellent architect lamp has the benefits of both a long light source for maximum coverage and multiple points of articulation. Having this kind of customization makes the Joly Joy a lamp worth owning. It even comes with a clamp to minimize its footprint.
Architect 28" Swing Arm Desk Lamp
On the desk not the clamp
A slightly smaller version of our top pick, this 28-inch swing arm lamp sits comfortably on your desktop and can be moved into position easily. This lamp is perfect for smaller areas where a massive boom arm is a hindrance.
PHIVE LED Desk Lamp
Clamped with high coverage
Although the arm on the Phive LED lamp is fixed, the nearly 32 inches long light strip — coupled with the 20 watts of equivalent LEDs — allows it to cover your whole desk in bright light. Position the lamp in the center of your workspace and see your light troubles vanish like the shadows.
TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp with USB charging
Crisp and clean lighting
A slightly cheaper version of the awesome TaoTronics wireless charger, this desk lamp offers the same great lighting solution with a USB hub built into the base. This means you can your own cables to charge whichever device you want, without the need for another socket.
Illuminate the possibilities
When working with fine details at a desk a good light source is paramount. Not only does it help you create better work by lighting up the details, but it can also keep your eyesight from going wonky from trying to focus on the shadows.
We really like the simple swing lamp from Globe Electric as it is both cost-effective and effective at doing the job you need it to do. The length and points of articulation make it extremely helpful in almost all situations.
I also like the TaoTronics Qi charging lamp. In fact, I liked it so much I bought one. Having my phone charging while I work makes my whole day easier and anything does that is worth buying.
