Desktop Lamps

1. The bulb used in your desk lamp determines the quality of light provided; determine the light that bests serves your tasks. Fluorescent lights provide wide, even lighting; incandescent bulbs offer even, concentrated light; and the light from halogen bulbs is concentrated and extra-bright.

2. When selecting a desk lamp, consider where the lamp will be positioned and if it is capable of delivering the light source where it is needed for the desired task. Desk lamps are a secondary source of lighting and they prevent eyestrain when used with incandescent or fluorescent ceiling lighting.

3. The timeless design of bankers' lamps dates back to the early 1900s. Whether positioned above a desk or piano, the stationary or tilting glass shade provides concentrated lighting from a lamp that requires minimal space.

4. Supplement ceiling lighting in children's rooms with carefully planned task or desk lighting. Shining desk lamps on electronic screens causes glare and eyestrain; position a shaded desk lamp with a 60-watt bulb on an even plane with the screen.

5. Stationary and adjustable lamps using incandescent bulbs are safe for children's rooms. Avoid desk lamps with halogen bulbs that create a very bright, hot light that could cause injuries to younger children, and be cautious when placing lamps (other than night lights) at the bedside of small children.

6. Gooseneck desk lamps provide abundant lighting even in the smallest workspaces; use them to angle lighting to highlight specific focal points. Gooseneck lamps can be manipulated to almost any angle on pianos for reading music, on desks for writing and homework, and on bedside tables for nighttime reading.

7. Adjustable desk lamps allow you to angle the light directly on your work or reading. Position the lamp below eye level to reduce eyestrain and glare, and make sure that the shade does not get so hot that there is a risk of burn injuries when making adjustments and repositioning the lamp.