Incandescent Bulbs  are the light bulbs from days of yore.  Electrons are excited by heat, prompting them to fly around and give off light, 10% of which is visible.  These give us the illumination we are accustomed to, which is important because some find the hue of the newer bulbs irritating.

• Simple, safe, familiar, reliable, cheap.
• Do not maximize electricity usage.
• Lasts 750-1,000 hours (not as long as other bulbs).

Fluorescent Lights  are popular in commercial buildings, but also come in small bulb sizes.  Light is produced by exciting mercury atoms which excite phosphor atoms. CFL bulbs  (compact fluorescent lamps) like the one above are 75% more efficient than traditional bulbs. However, they can take a minute to reach full brightness--this is the fluorescent cold start problem.

• Stay cool to the touch.
• 4-6 times more energy efficient than incandescent.
• Small bulbs can last up to 10,000 hours.
• Sometimes hum and flicker.

Halogen Lamps  are even more efficient and come as tiny little quartz envelopes instead of glass bulbs (incandescent) or tubes (fluorescent).

• Give much more light for the energy.
• Get very, very hot.
• Last 2,000-3,000 hours.
• Outlawed in many college dorms.

LEDs  are the newest technology.  These Light Emitting Diodes are tiny and run without a short-lived filament. LED bulbs  are becoming more available, and are getting mixed reviews.  Some complain the lights are not bright enough and emit a too-blue hue.

• Longest lasting.
• Don't get too hot.
• Most efficient.
• More expensive, initially.

Upright Necked Lamps  look a little more old fashioned and dignified.

• May be a sleek Art Deco style with a halogen bulb.
• May be the retro Banker's Lamp for burning the midnight oil, incandescent-style.
• Look for multiple brightness settings.
• Inflexible size. Make sure your desk has foot and vertical space for it.

Jointed Lamps  offer some options as to where you'd like to direct your light.

• Can pull it in different directions.
• Have a space-age feel.
• May keel over in improper positions.
• Might bring back dentist nightmare.

Goosenecked Lamps  let you express your light desires visually.

• Most flexible.
• Can point light up or down (even sideways!).
• Also comes in little clip-on varieties for bedposts, desks, or dogs.

Fancy lamps can be decked out in stained glass  to make your desk look old-world professional.

• Beautiful and classic.
• Breakable and heavy.
• Could be expensive heirloom pieces or discount Tiffany knockoffs.

Keyboard Lights  are the antithesis of the Tiffany Lamp, clipping or perching next to your keyboard for that much-needed typing light.

• Small and portable.
• Good for people with roommates.
• Hard for eyes.
• Not to be used with quill pens.

Catalina Halogen Desk Lamp 

This handsome, brushed steel lamp includes a full range dimmer that lets you adjust exactly how much light you want.

Staples Black Desk Lamp 

Simple and affordable, this lamp gets the job done.

Adesso Arc Desk Lamp 

Trusted by librarians and judges for years.  This is a modern take on the traditional desk lamp.

Pink Architect Desk Lamp 

This traditional architect lamp looks good in a college girl's dorm room.

Banker's Antique Desk Lamp 

This looks great in any home office, preferably with a big library of antique, leather-bound books.

Piano Lamp 

This is lamp is made for the writing desk or piano, and comes in polished or antique brass finish.

Meyda Tiffany Bungalow Lamp 

A versatile, two lamp desk light that can go anywhere.

Lite Source Select Table Lamp 

A traditional table lamp with rich accents of solid marble, adorned with a faux leather shade.

Multi-Necked Lamps 

• Can illuminate many spots at once.
• Good for shared spaces.
• Some have many settings for dramatic shading (or light-infused compromise).

Multi-Setting Lamps 

• Vary your brightness throughout the day.
• It's like you before and after your coffee, but brighter.
• May have multiple bulbs or may require a multi-setting bulb.

Floor/Desk Lamp Combination 

• What's better than a great desk lamp?
• A great desk lamp that comes with a matching floor lamp!
• Coordination and savings. Nothing's better than that.

Home Office Essentials

Computer Desks

Office Chairs

Office Furniture