Office Desk Lamps

Task vs Ambient Lighting: This is the big distinction between the lighting types you’re likely to come across whilst looking for an office desk lamp. Task lighting is a stronger, more directed, and usually brighter light. It’s purpose above all else is to help you see clearly and reduce eye strain.

Ambient lighting is more focused on setting the mood. Getting that golden glow bouncing around. Casting that moody hue over the room.  You get the picture. But, it’s not always strong enough to double as task lighting, which is why we always recommend layering your lighting for the best of both. Maybe a nice, cosy floor lamp?

-        Task requirements: Think about what you’re asking your new pal to do for you. If you need a little brightness for reading, writing, computer work or art… then the brighter the better, really. But if you’re just asking it to contribute to the general vibe of the office, then ambient lighting will do just that.

-        Lumen output: We’ve got a bulb guide that will give you all of the details on picking the perfect bulb, but in summary – the higher the lumen, the brighter the light.

-        Warm white, cool white and natural daylight. Those are your options.

-        Warm white is the warm glow you want from your ambient lighting. It’s the dimmest of the three, but that’s not a con. You won’t get good mood lighting without it, but it might not be the choice for task lighting.

-        Cool white is the brightest and so it’s a good choice for task lighting, but it’s worth noting that with light that bright – you might not see colours accurately.

-        Natural daylight, which site right in the middle of the lumen scale is going to let you see colours most accurately, so if you’re artistic and you need your task lighting to help you with design work, this is the choice.