A humble classic desk lamp can often go unnoticed and unappreciated.
Back in the early 1900s, it wasn’t easy to acquire light for desks and the task remained impossible to manage. However, it was in the year 1932 when a man named George Carwardine took the time to build a specialized lamp with a directional arm.
To learn more about the brilliant engineer George Carwardine and his famous invention called the Anglepoise® lamp, follow this link.
This is when the first “desk lamp” was born and it has slowly become a part of modern society.
Here’s a deeper look into what a desk lamp is, how it works, and interesting facts about the unassuming accessory.
What is a Desk Lamp?
A desk lamp refers to a type of task light, which is designed for a desk/working table. This light is directional and can be moved to beam down at the intended object (i.e. paper, model, figure).
Its initial creation was done to maximize the room or work environment as a localized light source.
The goal of this accessory is to provide the ideal amount of light based on what the task requires. The light beams straight down at the surface and is able to accurately highlight the desired object.
Task lights have grown in stature in recent years, which include the popular desk lamp.
Credit: anglepoise.com
This lamp is often seen being used for things such as writing, building, reading, working, using a computer, and even building crafts. Anything a person can do on a desk will need this light during the nighttime.
Of course, please note task lighting doesn’t only refer to desk lamps! This is an umbrella term that has been used for other accessories such as vanity lighting, pendants, downlights, and more. However, the desk lamp is the point of focus here!
If you love doing DIY projects then you can create your very own desk lamp by following our simple guide.
Fun Fact #1
The original purpose of a desk lamp was to act as a task light. This meant it would be used to complete tasks such as reading, writing, and even building crafts.
Imagine having to quickly write because the light is fading and it’s impossible to read! This used to happen all the time but that’s not the case any longer.
These lights are designed to provide accessible brightness, control, and quality that are needed in this day and age. A person can feel confident in what they’re doing without having to think about the light source.
What about individuals who would use traditional light sources (i.e. regular lighting fixtures on the ceiling)?
In this case, it’s important to note those light sources weren’t and aren’t as targeted as desk lamps. They do not provide adequate brightness and can make it harder to focus, especially while reading/writing. This is why task lighting has managed to gain such praise over time.
Features of a Desk Lamp
Let’s take a look at some of the key features of a desk lamp.
1) Lighting
It starts with the most important part of the accessory.
If the lighting isn’t targeted, it is going to be a waste. This is why a modern desk lamp is able to provide focused lighting, which is easy to manage, and delivers the kind of value people need for their desk. Any other type of lighting will not do and is going to do more harm than good.
2) Aesthetics
Yes, this is just as important as a lamp’s usability!
People will want to go with something that looks the part. It has to fit with the rest of the room or it’s going to become a source of embarrassment. This is why the aesthetics and build quality do hold merit. Modern desk lamps come in various shapes, sizes, and dimensions making it easier to find the right fit.
3) Height
No one wants a desk lamp that is going to be grazing the ceiling because of how large it is!
This is why the light source has to be well-directed and easy to manage. Plus, the height is going to play a role in the aesthetics, which once again are important.
4) Brightness
Another key feature would be the brightness. A desk lamp needs to project a certain amount of light for it to be useful.
This is why the light bulbs play a role and should be considered before the investment is made. It is the power of the light bulb that is going to offer the right amount of light for your desk.
For example, you may need a lot more if you’re sitting in a closet without any other light source! It is best to have this in mind as soon as the desk lamp is set up.
5) Safety
The final feature of a high-quality desk lamp is the safety mechanisms. This means the desk lamp should be able to handle long periods of use without burning, causing damage, or becoming noisy. Unstable solutions do this and that is not a good thing.
A good solution is going to be safe to use and will offer real value.
Fun Fact #2
Modern uses have shown desk lamps to be more than a task light. Many interior decorators use desk lamps without bulbs as a way to decorate their office space!
How Does a Desk Lamp Work?
To understand the nuances of a desk lamp, it’s best to focus on how it works.
This lamp is situated on a base and has two connecting arms (spring and lamp head). With this setup, the lamp is able to move around and direct light based on where the user is sitting. The springs keep the lamp head in place until it is moved.
You often see a similar setup with other modern devices such as copyholders.
The premise of a desk lamp is to have a forearm, upper arm, and base, which work in unison to create a well-directed light and controllable light source.
For those who want to know more about the actual mechanics, the idea is to use two coil springs around the pivoting arm. This helps balance the lamp so it doesn’t fall over.
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Author: Toni Segvic
Owner of the looneylumens.com website. A tech enthusiast and a marketer. Lover of lamps. Since I spend the better part of my days in front of the computer, I take my lamps very seriously. They impact my productivity and eyesight tremendously. My motto is: “Focus on the things that you can control. Leave the rest to God.”