Different Styles of Desk Lamps

Desk lamps are the ultimate workspace task lighting. There are different styles of desk lamps for different tastes, but each has functionality as its main purpose. Desk lamps are generally small and designed to take up little space while bringing light to the work at hand. No matter which style you select, make sure it can be positioned to shed light where you need it. Does this Spark an idea?

Banker and Pharmacy Style Lamps

Banker and pharmacy lamps are traditionally styled.

Banker and pharmacy lamps have the same basic style. Each lamp sits low to the desk surface, has a rounded glass shade and is meant to illuminate specific work areas. Bankers' lamps help place direct light on ledger books with small writing, and pharmacy lamps help technicians see the ingredients to dispense the proper amount of drugs. These lamps are considered traditional-style desk lamps and are often used with vintage decor.

Contemporary Adjustable Lamps

Adjustable contemporary desk lamps swivel, swing and pivot.

Contemporary adjustable desk lamps swivel, swing and pivot to cover larger areas of desk and task space with direct lighting. This style of desk lamp is usually present at the work station of an artist, architect or jeweler. They can also be purchased with magnifying lenses built into the structure for viewing small print, artwork or objects. Contemporary adjustable lamps are also manufactured in clip-on styles to bring light to subjects beyond the desk.

Flexible Gooseneck Lamps

Flexible gooseneck lamps can be turned to shed light in any direction.

Flexible gooseneck lamps are popular student desk lamp styles. They are available for as little at $5 at local discount stores. Different styles sit stationery on a desktop, while others clip to the side of a desk or bedroom headboard for night reading. These lamps were sometimes referred to as "Aladdin lamps" because they can "magically" be turned in any direction with their flexible construction. Shades on gooseneck lamps can be metal, glass or heat-resistant plastic.

Table Lamps

Tiffany table lamps make beautiful task lighting.

Table lamps can also be used as another style of desk lamp--the prerequisite being that the lamp is tall enough to bring light to the desk surface. They also need to be smaller than ordinary table lamps--especially at the base so as not to take up valuable real estate on a worker's desk. Shades can be made of many different materials. Some of the most beautiful examples are made with stained glass.