Don’t regret it! How to choose a desk light

Choosing a desk lamp is directly related to the health of your eyes and work efficiency.

In this article, we will explain in detail the basics of choosing a desk lamp, such as the type, brightness (illuminance), color of light (color temperature), and color reproduction (color rendering index), in order to find the one that is best for you from among numerous products. We will also cover points to consider based on usage.

To avoid regretting your desk lamp choice

Choosing a desk lamp is an important factor that is directly linked to the health of your eyes and work efficiency.
Choosing carelessly can lead to eye fatigue and decreased concentration, and you may end up regretting it.

To avoid failure when choosing a desk lamp, it is important to first understand the importance of choosing a light that is gentle on your eyes, and then grasp the basic considerations for choosing a desk lamp, such as brightness, light quality, and color rendering.
By grasping these points, you will be helped to find the perfect one for you from among numerous products.

The importance of choosing a light that is gentle on your eyes

For modern people who spend long hours at their desks, it is very important to create a light environment that is gentle on the eyes.
An inappropriate lighting environment can unknowingly strain your eyes and can cause not only eye strain but also physical discomfort such as stiff shoulders and headaches.

Especially when working on a computer, a large difference between the brightness of the monitor screen and the surrounding brightness can cause the pupils to adjust frequently, leading to eye fatigue.
By using an appropriate desk lamp to reduce this brightness difference, you can reduce eye strain and potentially improve concentration and reduce the risk of long-term vision loss.

To make your daily desk work more comfortable and protect your precious eyes, it is recommended to be conscious of choosing a desk lamp that pays attention to the quality of light.

Basic considerations when choosing a desk lamp

To find a desk lamp that suits you, it is necessary to clarify what purpose you have and where you will use it and choose the quality of light and functions accordingly.
Don’t just choose based on design or price, but compare and consider multiple factors to avoid regret.

Specifically, it is important to check the basic specifications such as the type of light source (LED is mainstream), brightness (illuminance), color of light (color temperature), color rendering (color rendering index), range of light (irradiation range), installation method, range of motion of the arm, and method of power supply.

Item to Consider	Points to Note
Light Source Type	Energy-saving and long-lasting LED is mainstream
Brightness (Illuminance)	Adjust to work content (study/reading is 500-1000 lux recommended), brightness adjustment function (dimming) is convenient
Color of Light (Color Temperature)	Choose daylight white or daylight color for concentration, choose warm white for relaxation, color adjustment function (color temperature adjustment) is convenient
Color Rendering (Color Rendering Index)	Ra80 or higher is recommended, Ra90 or higher is desirable for design work
Irradiation Range	JIS standard AA type can illuminate a wide range evenly
Installation Method	Choose according to desk space and shape (stand type, clamp type, clip type)
Other Functions	Range of arm motion, power supply method (outlet, USB, rechargeable), timer, presence or absence of USB port

By considering these basic points, you can find the perfect one for you by comparing the balance of each element.

Types of desk lamps you should know

When choosing a desk lamp, the first thing to understand is the type of light source.
The characteristics of the light source greatly affect the brightness quality, power consumption, and price.

The main light sources are LED, fluorescent, and incandescent. Recently, new types such as organic EL have also appeared.
It is important to understand the characteristics of each and compare them.

Light Source Type	Main Features
LED	Long life, energy saving
Fluorescent	Uniform light, relatively inexpensive
Incandescent	Warm light, high color rendering
Organic EL	Surface emitting light, less shadows

Choose the optimal light source based on your usage and budget, considering the quality of light and functionality.

Features of LED desk lamps

Currently, the mainstream light source is LED (Light Emitting Diode).

The biggest feature is that it is long-lasting and energy-efficient. It is said to last about 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs and about 4 times longer than fluorescent bulbs.
It also consumes less power, which can save on electricity bills. Many products are equipped with a brightness adjustment function (“dimming”) and a color adjustment function (“color temperature adjustment”), which is also attractive.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Long life and energy saving Many functions such as dimming, color temperature adjustment, timer, and USB port Compact and lightweight design is possible	Initial cost is relatively high Some products may have multiple shadows Flicker may occur in some products Too bright light can strain the eyes

Although the initial cost is relatively high compared to other light sources, considering the running cost and functionality, it is the most balanced choice for many people.

Features of fluorescent desk lamps

Fluorescent lamps were once the mainstream light source for desk lamps.

The mechanism is to generate ultraviolet light by discharge in a glass tube and emit light by illuminating it with a fluorescent coating. It is good at illuminating a wide range evenly.
Before the spread of LEDs, it was widely used in offices and study desks.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Illuminates a wide range evenly Relatively inexpensive Many people find it gentle on the eyes	Few products have dimming or color temperature adjustment functions Higher power consumption than LED Frequent on/off shortens its life Fluorescent lamp manufacturing and imports will be prohibited by the end of 2027

Compared to LED, it consumes more power and has a shorter lifespan.
Frequent on/off also shortens its lifespan.

Features of incandescent desk lamps

Incandescent bulbs are an old light source that emits light by heating a thin metal wire called a filament when electricity flows through it.

It has a warm, orange light and a very high color rendering, which is a merit. It is often used in stylish desk lamps with a high design aesthetic.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Warm, orange light High color rendering Many products with high design quality	Very high power consumption Generates a lot of heat and may cause burns Short lifespan (about 1,000-2,000 hours) Production is decreasing due to environmental concerns

On the other hand, it is energy inefficient and most of the power consumption is converted into heat, resulting in high electricity bills. The lifespan is also significantly shorter than LED or fluorescent lamps, about 1,000-2,000 hours. Due to environmental concerns, production and sales are decreasing worldwide.

Other types of desk lamps (organic EL, etc.)

Recently, in addition to LED, fluorescent, and incandescent, various new types of desk lamps using new technologies have appeared.
A representative one is organic EL (Organic Light Emitting Diode).

Organic EL uses a layer of organic compounds that emit light when voltage is applied, and its biggest feature is that the entire surface emits light evenly.
Therefore, multiple shadows are less likely to occur, and it is gentle on the eyes. It is also said to emit less blue light.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Surface emitting light with less shadows Ultra-thin and lightweight design is possible	Price is relatively high Few product lineups

Although there are still limited product lineups and the price is relatively high, due to its excellent characteristics, it is an expected next-generation light source.

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of each type

As we have seen so far, each light source has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most important thing is to choose the product that best suits your usage.

Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each light source.
Consider what is most important to you (initial cost, electricity cost, light quality, functionality, design, etc.) and compare and consider them.

Light Source Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
LED	Long life and energy saving Many functions such as dimming, color temperature adjustment, timer, and USB port Compact and lightweight design is possible	Initial cost is slightly high Some products may have multiple shadows
Fluorescent	Illuminates a wide range evenly Relatively inexpensive	Few products have dimming or color temperature adjustment functions Weak against flickering and short lifespan Production is decreasing
Incandescent	Warm, orange light High color rendering Many products with high design quality	Very high power consumption Generates a lot of heat and short lifespan Production is decreasing due to environmental concerns
Organic EL	Surface emitting light with less shadows Ultra-thin and lightweight	Price is relatively high Few product lineups

A desk lamp is not just about providing brightness, but also about creating a comfortable and productive environment. By carefully considering each element and making the best choice, you can enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling time.

Recommended desk lamps by usage

When choosing a desk lamp, the most important thing is to choose a product that is optimal for the “purpose”.
The quality of light required (brightness, color temperature, color rendering index) and the functions needed (dimming, color temperature adjustment, installation method, etc.) vary greatly depending on the specific purpose.

Here, we will explain the ideal desk lamp selection for typical usage scenarios such as study, remote work, reading, and other purposes.

By choosing a desk lamp that matches your usage, you can reduce eye strain and create a more comfortable environment.

Desk lamps for study: Gentle light for children’s eyes

The most important thing when choosing a desk lamp for study is whether it has “light that is gentle on the eyes”.
It is especially important to have features that prevent eye fatigue even when used for long periods of time for children who are in a growing period.

To concentrate on studying, it is necessary to illuminate textbooks and notebooks evenly over a wide range.
Specifically, choosing a desk lamp with an illuminance of AA form or higher according to the JIS standard will allow you to illuminate the entire open page of a B5-sized textbook evenly.

Item	Recommended Specifications
Brightness	500 lux to 1000 lux
Irradiation Range	JIS standard AA form or higher
Color Temperature	Daylight white (approx. 5000K) or daylight color (approx. 6500K)
Color Rendering Index	Ra80 or higher
Other	Multiple shadow prevention, appropriate brightness (glare reduction)

Choosing a desk lamp with appropriate brightness, a wide irradiation range, and natural color reproduction will create a comfortable environment for your child to concentrate on their studies.

Desk lamps for remote work: Reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency

When working on a computer for long hours in remote work, the presence of a desk lamp that reduces eye fatigue and increases work efficiency is very important.

If there is a large difference between the brightness of the monitor screen and the surrounding brightness, your eyes will continue to work to adjust the brightness, causing fatigue. By using a desk lamp to properly illuminate your surroundings and reduce the difference in brightness with the monitor screen, you can reduce eye strain.
If you want to concentrate on your work, daylight white (approx. 5000K) or daylight color (approx. 6500K) is recommended, as it has the effect of awakening the brain.

Item	Recommended Specifications
Brightness	500 lux to 1000 lux
Color Temperature	Daylight white (approx. 5000K) or daylight color (approx. 6500K)
Color Rendering Index	Ra80 or higher
Functions	Dimming, color temperature adjustment, flicker prevention, USB port
Other	Design that minimizes glare on the monitor

By choosing a desk lamp that considers the balance with the screen brightness and allows you to maintain concentration, you can create a comfortable work environment.

Desk lamps for reading: Brightness and color that do not strain the eyes

When reading during bedtime or breaks, it is ideal to have a desk lamp with brightness and color that do not strain your eyes.

If you want to enjoy reading in a relaxed atmosphere, a warm, warm white light (approx. 3000K) will create a comfortable space.
On the other hand, if you need to read fine print such as reference books or specialized books for a long time, daylight white (approx. 5000K) is also a useful choice because it makes the letters easier to see.
The recommended brightness is around 500 lux, but it is best to adjust the brightness to avoid glare.

Item	Recommended Specifications
Brightness	Around 500 lux (convenient if dimmable)
Color Temperature	Warm white (relaxation) or daylight white (readability)
Color Rendering Index	Ra80 or higher
Other	Adjustable irradiation range, no flicker

By choosing the color temperature according to your reading style and adjusting the brightness to an appropriate level, you can enjoy a rich reading time while reducing eye strain.

Other uses: Bedside, clip lights, etc.

In addition to desk work and study, there are various types of desk lamps designed to suit specific locations and purposes.

For example, when reading a book briefly before bedtime or in a place where a desk lamp cannot be permanently installed, a small and easy-to-install clip light is useful.
When choosing a clip light, check if it is compatible with the thickness of the place you want to attach it and if it can be fixed firmly.
If you want to use it in a place where there is no outlet or carry it around the room, a cordless type that can be charged is convenient, but check the continuous usage time.

Type	Features
Clip type	Space-saving, can be installed in various places (limited clamping thickness), be careful of stability
Bedside	Small, warm color, recommended with dimming function
Cordless	Rechargeable, portable, no outlet needed, pay attention to continuous usage time
Other	Type with smartphone charging function, type with pen holder, etc. with added value

Consider the situation of the installation location and the specific usage, and choose the shape and function that best suits your needs, such as clip type, cordless type, or a light with convenient additional functions.

The importance of choosing by usage

As we have seen so far, choosing a desk lamp is not just about being able to secure brightness.

Depending on the specific purpose of use, such as studying, working, or reading, the ideal quality of light (brightness, color temperature, color rendering index) and the necessary functions (dimming, color temperature adjustment, installation method, etc.) vary greatly.
For example, daylight white or daylight color is recommended for concentration during study or work, and warm white is recommended for relaxation during reading.
You also need to choose the installation method such as stand type, clamp type, or clip type according to the space on your desk.

Understanding your lifestyle, work content, and installation environment and choosing the optimal desk lamp is the most important step to protecting your eyes and improving the quality of your daily activities.

Find the perfect one for you

By comprehensively considering the elements explained so far, such as “light that is gentle on the eyes”, “multifunctionality”, “design”, and “cost performance”, you will find the perfect one for you.

The most important thing is to clarify your priorities according to your usage and environment.
For example, if you use it for long hours of study or work, prioritize “gentleness on the eyes”. If you want to keep your desk tidy, prioritize functions such as “USB port” or “clamp type”.

By checking these items on the list, carefully considering each element, and choosing the one that best suits you, you will be satisfied with your desk lamp and make your daily desk work more comfortable and fulfilling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between “lumens” and “lux” often mentioned when talking about the brightness of a desk lamp?

“Lumens (lm)” and “lux (lx)” are units that indicate brightness, but they have different meanings.
Lumens indicate the total amount of light emitted by the light source itself.
On the other hand, lux indicates the brightness of a surface illuminated by light, such as on a desk.
When choosing a desk lamp, it is important to focus on “lux”, which represents the brightness of the surface you are actually working on.
500 to 1000 lux is a recommended brightness for general desk work such as studying and reading.

If you want to concentrate on your work, what color of light (color temperature) should you choose for your desk lamp?

The color of light, called color temperature, affects your concentration.
Generally, white or bluish light such as daylight white (approx. 5700-7100 Kelvin) or daylight color (approx. 5000-6500 Kelvin) has the effect of awakening the brain and improving concentration.
If you want to concentrate on work or study, it is recommended to choose these color temperatures.
For reading, etc., where you want to relax, warm white is appropriate.

What is “JIS standard AA form” often mentioned when choosing a desk lamp?

JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standards) is a standard for illuminance, and AA form is one of the classifications that indicates the irradiation range of a desk lamp.
AA form has the performance to illuminate a wider range more evenly than A form.
If you are using it for a study desk where you spread out textbooks and notebooks, or if you want to illuminate the keyboard area when working on a computer, choosing a desk lamp that meets the AA form standard will reduce unevenness in brightness and reduce eye strain.
It is an important indicator for creating a light environment that is gentle on the eyes.

I’ve heard that LED desk lamps are bad for your eyes. Is that true?

It is not necessarily true that LEDs are bad for your eyes.
However, some inexpensive products may have flicker or multiple shadows.
These can cause eye fatigue.
When choosing a light that is gentle on your eyes, check if flicker prevention measures are in place and if it can illuminate a wide range evenly according to the JIS standard AA form.
There are also products with a blue light cut function, but it is important to prioritize the quality of light itself.

Between “clamp type” and “stand type” for installation methods, which one is recommended?

Whether clamp type or stand type is better depends on your desk environment and how you use it.
Clamp type has the advantage of effectively utilizing the desk space because it is fixed to the desk top.
It is recommended for those who want to keep the desk top tidy or want to secure a wider work space for telework.
However, there is a limit to the thickness of the desk top that can be installed.
On the other hand, stand type is easy to install and move because you just place it, but it requires space on the desk.
Choose according to whether you prioritize freedom of installation location or space-saving.

What specifically should I pay attention to when choosing a “desk lamp that is gentle on the eyes”?

A “desk lamp that is gentle on the eyes” has several elements.
First, it needs to have appropriate brightness (illuminance) and it is even better if it can be adjusted with a dimming function.
Next, it is important that there is little flicker and measures are taken to reduce glare.
It is also important to have a color rendering index (Ra) of 80 or higher to reproduce colors close to natural light.
By considering these points comprehensively, you can choose a product that is gentle on your eyes.

Thank you for reading this far!

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