Correctly lighting the study or work table is a very important issue if we want to work without natural light in a comfortable and efficient way. However, sometimes we do not know what factors to consider when choosing the most suitable desk lamp. Here is a little guide that will help you.
Articulated lamps, table lamps with lampshades, spotlights … The market offers us a long repertoire of options to illuminate the work or study area. And among so much variety, it is sometimes difficult to decide which desk lamp is the best: which model is more practical, what type of light suits us, what intensity, etc.
So that you have clear guidelines and can choose the most suitable desk lamp for you, today we want to give you some recommendations that will facilitate the task.
What is the ideal desk lamp like?
The first advice that I can give you is that you decide on a desk lamp that has been specifically designed for this purpose. You may really like that desktop model that you have found surfing the Internet, but it may not provide the light you need to work.
Keep in mind that the same lighting is not required to watch TV as to read a book or work in front of a computer screen. At the desk you will need a light that allows you to read, write, work in front of a screen, do some work with your hands, etc. It should illuminate the work or study area without producing annoying shadows. That is why it is best to choose goosenecks or lamps with a focus that allow the beam of light to be directed towards a specific point.
Choose the model and size
Deciding on one or another desk lamp is not an easy task, far from it. The infinite variety of models, styles and types is such that it takes considerable work to figure out which one is right for us. However, we will try to give some practical keys to achieve this.
Regarding the style of the desk lamp, it is best to opt for a model that we like and that is consistent with the style of the rest of the furniture in the room, especially the desk . The models with simple and modern lines go well in contemporary spaces.
But you should not only look at aesthetics when you go to buy your desk lamp. There are other important factors to assess. Like the size, which must be proportional to that of your table. If it is very large, choose a gooseneck with a long, articulated arm so that the light reaches the entire work surface. In case the desk is very small, you can opt for a clip-on spotlight of the kind that are attached to the table, or for a wall light .
How much light will I need?
There are several factors that determine the amount of light we need in our work or study table, and it is important to know them before choosing the desk lamp. To begin with, the type of activity that we are going to carry out is important, since you do not need the same brightness to write or read as to work with the computer. In this case, the light has to be a little dimmer.
On the other hand, age is another relevant factor. A 50-year-old will need more light than a 25-year-old, and is also more sensitive to glare, so the screen or diffuser has to be more opaque and the light beam has to be more focused on the table. Be that as it may, having the appropriate light in each case is important, since it avoids problems such as visual fatigue, headaches and mental fatigue.
Another aspect that we do not usually pay attention to is the color temperature of the light. This value is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The warmest, yellowest light (around 2,700K) usually has a cozy and relaxing effect. The colder ones (around 5,000 K) are more stimulating for the brain and are believed to increase productivity. Although these effects are not too decisive, if you are going to choose a desk lamp for your home, it is best that it be between 2,700 and 3,000 K, while office lights are usually between 3,000 and 3,500 K.
The best position at the table
When placing the desk lamp, always do so so that the light is above your head and your eyes, and never in the line of sight. Place it if possible on the opposite side to the arm you are writing with, to avoid shadows. And position the screen at an angle of approximately 30º to avoid glare.
If you follow these recommendations, you are sure to find the perfect desk lamp for you. What are your favorites?