Best Desk Lamp 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Anglepoise lamps are instantly recognisable thanks to the brand’s heritage and practicality, thrown in to simple yet substantial, classic designs.

The 1227 Original Mini is exactly what the name suggests. If you think of a traditional desk lamp design, this one matches that, but the design trumps anything else on the market. The new pyramid-shaped base is stable yet elegant, without looking too ground-breaking.

On the base is the integral switch, which is easy to press on and off and allows the lamp not to stand out. It also means there is no fumbling for the switch on a trailing lead. When combined with the recommended bulb types, the lamp gives out a great amount of light.

The angle is perfect for use at a desk, and you can choose between Dove, Linen and Black for the colours which are all neutral but still allow you a bit of expression.

It is an expensive lamp, but very much worth the price for durability and style. Because of the classic design, it isn’t going to go out of fashion or not go with any future decor so really is a purchase for life.

Something slightly different now, but if you prefer your light to be a bit more atmospheric or have a very particular favourite shade of white, then the adjustability is enormous with this one.

The Signe table lamp is slimline and minimalistic, yet gives out a fantastic amount of light which will allow you to get the job done when needed. You can choose from over 16 million colours and shades of white light, so all throughout the year, you can pick the best shade for the environment. Think crisp, bright light in Spring and warmer tones hues for the winter blues.

It also makes it a great choice if you also enjoy a bit of downtime when you’re at your desk, whether it is watching television, gaming, video production or even sewing. You can sync the colours with whatever you are doing or watching.

All of the light can be controlled using the dedicated app on your smartphone or tablet, and you can save your favourite shades there so they can be accessed at the touch of a button. If you have other smart products, you could even get them all to work alongside each other.

The bulb is a built-in LED, with a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours. LEDs use around 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, so it will definitely last for years even with frequent use.

Another which takes the look of a traditional desk lamp and puts a modern, classy twist on it.

It reflects mid-century style, with the large bulb and black/brass colour combo. The light it gives out is on the warmer side too, so it won’t strain your eyes and will make for an overall inviting, comfortable atmosphere.

Should your phone always be at your side, the handy wireless charging option will appeal to a lot of people who also like the clutter-free life. Place your compatible phone on top of the base, and it will begin to revitalise the battery.

If yours doesn’t have this functionality, then there is also a handy USB slot for any charging or power needs. Either way, you’re saving a plug space, which is great if it is already overloaded with computers/printers and all of your other equipment.

The modernity isn’t just in the style and functionality, though. You also get an LED bulb included, which uses around 80% less energy than a standard one. And unlike some other LED models, this bulb is replaceable, so the longevity of the lamp only increases.

It brings desk lamps right into the 21st century, so perfect for those of you who want something ahead of the curve and which won’t be dated in just a few years. We particularly like the brushed steel version.

Should you be looking for something a bit more budget friendly but still ahead of the curve, this TaoTronics is a good price, packed with effects to make it more comfortable and very modern.

The flicker-free lighting is great for your eyes during a long work session, and there are five colour choices as well as seven brightness settings with each. It is efficient when running, using up to 75% less energy than some rivals thanks to the LED bulb as well.

The colours range from natural light through to warm yellow, so your mood and the atmosphere can be matched. They can all be selected by sliding your finger across the touch controls on the base. No difficult button selections or adjustments of dials. To turn it off, just hold down the lowest brightness setting for four seconds – no switches needed.

You can choose from three finishes, either white, black or wood grain so that the lamp can match your decor or the rest of your desk. The head can be rotated 90 degrees left and right, or 135 degrees up and down, so the light targets the area you need illuminating.

Other reviewers have said that they use theirs for a range of tasks, such as nail technicians, beauty therapists and even dog groomers. The adjustability and brightness are perfect for more than just desk working and bedtime reading if necessary. You can even plug your phone into the USB socket to charge up without having to route around for a plug.

Our pick for the best antique, vintage-inspired table desk lamp around.

The smoky bulb colour combined with either the brass or steel look is a real winner, which wouldn’t look out of place in an old Agatha Christie-style library office. Yet it still remains contemporary and to-date.

It isn’t just the looks that have been thoughtfully designed, however. The glass shade which surrounds the bulb is blown to include a tiny hole, so the unit doesn’t overheat. You can wipe the whole thing clean with a soft, dry cloth so it always looks the part too.

The base is only small, so doesn’t take up too much room, which is ideal for cramped spaces. To turn it on and off, just use the rocker switch on the base – no fiddling for wire controls or pressing stiff buttons.

A few people have said that the bulb supplied is a bit too harsh white for their liking, so we suppose this is best for an office as opposed to a bedside table, but you can always change it as it is replaceable.

The price is at the higher end, but not bad for the sheer quality you get. John Lewis includes a five-year guarantee as standard too, so if there are any teething problems, you’re not going to be out of pocket.

Now for the kind of lamp you probably think of when you hear the words ‘desk light’. Under £10, a fully flexible neck and the on/off rocker switch on the base are all the key signs.

There are nice easy instructions, with good information regarding the correct type of bulb and care guide. The power cord is a nice length, so you have a good chance of putting it exactly where you need it, and it is available in black, white, red and silver.

It isn’t going to be the longest lasting, nor the best quality. The bulb is a standard type, so will cost a bit more to run and will need to be replaced a bit more.

But if you want something you can pop on for a few minutes of reading before bed or while you do an hour of work in the evening at home, it should be up to the task. For the price, it is worth a go – you may be pleasantly surprised.

If you want a lamp but can’t afford to lose any surface space from your desk, then a clip lamp is a fantastic solution.

The arm is fully adjustable, so the lamp can still be moved to shine just where you need it. Even if you want it as a reading lamp, it should fit to the bedside table or armchair if you’re not at a desk. Why not move it around to wherever you need it, as long as there is a plug about?

The LED bulb is incorporated, so while it isn’t replaceable, it should last for over 20,000 hours in total. It is more affordable than some of the non-clip options and gives you more freedom over the exact position point too.

It is a little top heavy, so if you want it pointing more upwards than down, it could be an issue, but overall the freedom is enough. The clamp works in a screw movement rather than a traditional clip, so be aware of this before you buy.

One of the more affordable clip lamps around, but still packed full of quality and sturdiness.

The Lorrie features an in-built LED bulb which gives out a great amount of brightness. The arm is fully adjustable, which helps when you need to direct the light to a certain place. As the clip is so sturdy, it is suitable for placing pretty much anywhere and should remain stable. It also has wide jaws, so it is great for thicker desks and bedside table.

We liked how the on/off button is on the lampshade which rids the need for any hunting for the switch on the lead or base, and the light it gives out is nice and bright.

Overall, it is a low-cost solution to any dark corners, work areas or reading stations.

This lamp is something a little different. While it can be powered by USB if by your desk, it is actually rechargeable, so once it is completely charged up, it can be taken anywhere. Perfect if you work from home and don’t have a desk setup, so need to move it around to wherever you are.

It will last for eight hours on one charge on the lowest brightness setting, which is plenty of time to get the job done. Thanks to the micro USB design, it can be powered by your laptop, computer, mains plug or a power bank/mobile phone charger if you’re away from home.

There are three brightness levels to select, as well as a warm mood lighting option.

To flick through the brightness levels, you just have to short press the touch-sensitive button, so there are no switches or rockers which could become damaged in certain conditions, such as if you’re outside.

The LED bulb can’t be replaced, but the makers claim it will be able to last for around 50,000 hours. If true, then it is excellent value for money.

A tiny USB light, which works well if you need to direct light onto your keyboard when working in darker conditions.

The light immediately turns on when plugged in, so all you have to do to turn it off is safely eject it. It is compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports on a laptop, as well as any mobile phone charger or power bank, so you have some flexibility over how you use it. You could even take it camping so you can read in the tent before sleeping.

The soft silicone neck is completely flexible, so can be bent in any way you wish. So even if you wish to make it a little shorter, you can twist it around. The 18 LED light bulbs give out a substantial amount of light for the size of the lamp, and it is relatively warm, so won’t hurt your eyes at any time of the year.

It is a lot taller than we imagined it to be, so if you want something to take around with you if you work on-the-go, just double check it is appropriate.