The best desk lamps properly illuminate your workspace without causing eyestrain or discomfort. A quality lamp not only looks great but can also help improve productivity.
However, not all lamps are made the same, which is why we’ve reviewed some of the best lamps on the market.
The buyer’s guide below takes a look at the key considerations to keep in mind so the work lamp you choose best meets your requirements.
Here are our picks for the best desk lamps in Australia:
1. TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp (Top Pick)
Our top pick for desk lamps is this impressive TaoTronics LED table lamp.
This is a contemporary, ambient light that offers 5 colour modes and 7 different brightness levels so you can adjust it to suit the situation.
This dimmable desk lamp is bright without harming your eyes so is a perfect choice for use when working, studying or reading.
The light can be tilted as needed and is operated with a simple to use touch panel.
A great feature is the USB charging port, this allows you to keep your phone topped up and within reach at all times.
This LED light is an energy-efficient lighting option that is versatile and stylish.
What We Like:
- Adjustable colour and brightness
- USB charging capabilities
- Touch controls
What We Don’t Like:
- Futuristic look might not suit everyone
2. Zander Lighting Onasilos Desk Lamp
This popular desk lamp is simple, stylish and functional. It’s perfect for a home office but would also be suitable for a bedside table.
The switch is located on the base, making it easy to access. Its construction is durable and sturdy, with a metal cone, stem, and base.
One of the unique features of this lamp is the USB port on the base.
This provides a handy option for charging devices, and works even when the lamp is switched off. This lamp also comes with a 12-month warranty.
What We Like:
- Simple, stylish design
- Switch located on base
- USB charging port
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than other options
3. BenQ WiT Eye Care LED Desk Lamp
The most technologically advanced and innovative lamp on this list, the BenQ Desk Lamp has been designed specifically for e-reading and other desk tasks.
The lamp distributes light evenly across a wide space, making it perfect for computer work, reading, studying, designing, drawing, and more.
It features smart lighting that automatically adjusts its brightness based on light levels in the room, and mood lighting settings that allow the user to easily switch from warm to cooler tones.
It has a patented lamp design that is bright at the sides and darker in the middle, which eliminates glare and allows you to stay focussed for longer.
What’s more, BenQ’s LED technology provides the bulbs in this lamp with an incredible 50k hour lifespan.
The price tag may come as a shock to some, but this is one of the best lamps available if you want to take your desk work to the next level.
What We Like:
- Wide light coverage
- Auto brightness adjustment
- Very long bulb life
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
4. Oriel Lighting Lift Desk Lamp
This adjustable Lift Desk Lamp gives an office a retro edge. It is a great option that brings stylish practicality to the room and this model is available in a range of colours to suit your space.
The weighted square base keeps the lamp stable while the pivoting head is adjustable so you can easily direct the light where it is needed.
The lamp is strong and sturdy as it is made from high-quality metal.
The power button is located on the cord to make it convenient and accessible. This unit can be used with LED light bulbs or CFL bulbs although the set does not include a bulb.
What We Like:
- Stylish and practical
- High-quality
- Adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulb not included
5. ZOESON LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port
If you’re looking for a lamp that is elegant, can charge your smartphone and can be folded away when not in use the Zoeson LED Desk Lamp is worth considering.
This table lamp is packed full of features while remaining stylish and incredibly modern.
The portable, flexible design of this model means you can shine the LED bulb wherever the light is needed and you can fold it away for storage when it is not in use.
There are multiple colour modes and brightness settings so you can adjust the light modes to suit the situation.
The colour and brightness settings are changed using simple touch buttons and for even more convenience there is a USB charger on the base as well as Qi wireless charging capabilities.
What We Like:
- Sleek and modern design
- Flexible and portable
- Includes USB and wireless phone charging capabilities
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires an output current of 2-2.5A in order to use the light and charge a phone at the same time
6. Mayfield Rayray Desk Lamp
The Mayfield Rayray is a contemporary option that will look smart and sophisticated in any office.
This model has attention to detail with olive, gold and grey finishes that help enhance the aesthetic of your work space.
This lamp is well-balanced and has a downward-facing shade to direct the light where it is needed. This is a great option for working at a desk or for use when reading.
As the frame is made from high-quality metal this is a sturdy, long-lasting option. For ease of use, the on/off switch is positioned on the power cord.
What We Like:
- Contemporary design
- Well-balanced
- Ideal for desk work
What We Don’t Like:
- Higher price
7. TaoTronics TT-DL16 Stylish Metal LED Desk Lamp
The TaoTronics TT-DL16 is a durable multi-angle adjustable lamp that looks great and offers a selection of features.
This is an ideal option for an office or bedroom as it is very versatile and easy to use.
These TaoTronics LED lamps are available in 5 colour modes and have 6 brightness levels.
As well as lighting options, both the head and arm are easily adjusted too.
As the light transmits sideways it is easy on your eyes and provides glare-free illumination.
This lamp has multiple functions including a USB port, a 60-minute timer, a night lamp and a memory function so you can press a single button to active your favourite setting.
What We Like:
- Timer function
- Glare-free lighting
- User-friendly and versatile
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey option but that can be expected as this model has many features
8. ZeroPlusOne Swing Arm Desk Lamp
The ZeroPlusOne lamp is a flexible lamp that can be mounted just about anywhere with its desk base and C-clamp options.
This is one of the best products if you usually find it difficult to position your desk lamp to adequately cover the area needed.
The lamp arm of this model has three joints so it can be moved around without limitations to position the light exactly as needed.
The weighted base ensures the light always stands firmly and keeps its balance even when fully extended.
The lamp frame is made with qualified metal, it is strong and durable while remaining delicate and stylish.
The power switch is located on the cable so it is easy to turn the lamp on and off, this is particularly useful if the lamp is clamped onto a bookshelf or table.
What We Like:
- Position the lamp anywhere with multiple mount options
- Flexible frame
- Stylish
What We Don’t Like:
- No brightness adjustment options
9. Pinsoon LED Desk Lamp
The Pinsoon LED Desk Lamps have a simple design that is great for adding some subtle modern aesthetic to an office space.
The wooden base not only looks great but is very sturdy too. The lamp head is bendable so gives 180 degrees of flexibility to perfectly position the light for your work area.
The table lamp comes with two bulbs so you can use the lamp right away and you have a spare in case one burns out. This product also comes with a 3 year warranty and a lifetime maintenance plan.
What We Like:
- Wooden base is sturdy and stylish
- Comes with 2 bulbs
- Energy saving LED
What We Don’t Like:
- No additional features such as USB port or setting adjustments
Desk Lamp Buyer’s Guide
When choosing between desk lamps, consider the following factors:
Size
You will want the size of the desk lamp to be proportionate to the desk space so it can provide the amount of light needed without taking up too much space or being overbearing.
RELATED: Our guide to the Best Standing Desks in Australia.
Type
- Adjustable – these are lamps with jointed arms that allow you to move the lamp head around to a certain degree. They are stylish and popular.
- Gooseneck – this gives the arm a lot more flexibility as it is bendy so you can position it in almost any way. This tends to be a good option if there are kids around.
- Clip-on – this lamp has a clamp or a clip so you can attach it to the edge of a desk, bookshelf or other work surfaces. It is great if you don’t have much available space or you’re looking for a more portable option.
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Bulb Type
The best bulb type is LED as an LED lamp offers a range of benefits including energy efficiency and lower cost. The common bulb types seen in work lamps are:
- LED – LED light is bright, clear and energy-efficient to run. LED lights are some of the most popular for desk work.
- CFL – provides a high-contrasting light but are not usually able to dim and contain mercury.
- Incandescent – older lamps may have an incandescent bulb. These provide a warmer light with enhanced colour definition but they are not energy efficient and tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Colour Temperature
The colour temperature is how warm or cool the light is. The temperature of the light impacts the overall ambience, cooler colours tend to be best for workspaces as they help stimulate brain activity while warmer temperatures have a more soothing effect.
Control Options
- On/off button on power cable – this is seen less frequently now but can be a good option if the base of the light is going to be out of reach or awkward to get to. The switch on the cable keeps the controls close and convenient.
- Touch base – many modern lamps offer touch-sensitive buttons on the base. There are either individual buttons that control the settings or the base can be tapped to turn the light on and off.
- Switch on base – some lamps have the basic control switch on the base.
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Common Features
- Brightness adjustments – being able to dim the brightness level of the desktop lamp helps you find the best settings for the situation and reduce eye strain. Ensure the dimmer switch is easy to use and access.
- Colour options/ lighting modes – while some lamps can only provide one colour and that is it others can be adjusted to suit the situation. Having colour options allows you to set the light to suit whether you are working or relaxing.
- USB charger – a feature being seen more frequently in modern table lamps is the inclusion of USB ports. This is a really convenient feature that means you can charge your phone without having to unplug the lamp to plug in the phone charger. For even more versatility, some newer lamps also have wireless phone charging capabilities that are compatible with newer smartphones.
