8 Stylish Desk Lamps That Completely Transformed Our Workspace

Another lamp, perhaps more traditional, that McKenzie opted for? This one from Pooky. "This desk lamp feels like a sexier, grown-up version of the Pixar lamp. The hardware is just gorgeous. You can adjust the angle on the lamp however you need, and it’s perfectly counterweighted," she explains. That last part is important because the adjustability, often courtesy of the counterweights, is what distinguishes a desk lamp from a table lamp. "And the black hood with a golden inside casts this warm, directed glow. It’s great for anyone who burns the midnight oil regularly. The light is diffused enough to keep your eyes from hurting. If you’re like me, and your living room doubles as your office, it’s a desk lamp you don’t mind having on display. It’s even controlled by a simple flick switch that adds a bit of hotel room glamour."

Senior Visual Editor Stephanie Kim was on the hunt for a lamp to keep on her desk at the office, and after a few days of searching, she landed on this white option. "I was looking for a desk lamp to snuggly fit in the corner of my desk and provide a little brightness so the area isn’t always in shadow. The base is small, the design is simple and modern with the mixed materials, there's no assembly, and there's a USB port on the side," she says. "Very satisfied customer."

If you're willing to put in a little bit of work before flipping it on, this Pottery Barn task lamp is for you. Just ask tester Kelsey Stewart, who installed this on her sizable desk at home. "To be honest, the hardest part about setting this up was getting it out of the box, which took me a good five or so minutes just cutting through tape, she says. Yes, that may be a bit annoying, but keep in mind that table lamps are fragile, and Pottery Barn is not in the business of sending its customers broken merchandise. "But afterwards, all I needed to do was plop it on my desk and put in a lightbulb. Just turn on the switch near the bulb, and you're good to go." Like most of the lamps on this list, the bulb is not included, so you may want to order one at the same time as you order the lamp.

We'll admit that this is hardly one of the more affordable desk lamps on our list (or on the market in general), but if the phrase, "you get what you pay for is true," then you're in for a treat with this gorgeous lamp. Just ask tester Patrick Charuza, who says, "I’ve recently started building my work-from-home office, and this lamp is helping me expand from just the basic colors of white and gray. I love the tone of the brass because it looks and feels very luxurious, and helps add more depth and dimension to the space." His wife adds that it looks "very high end" and now wants another one for their bedroom. What's more, the best part of this lamp is an element you can't even see: "I especially like the dimmable switch, which helps me keep the office cozy on late nights," Charuza adds.

In the midst of a big move to a new apartment, Assistant Editor Meghan Shouse is on a mission to fill her new space with beautiful pieces she loves, which is how West Elm's Shilo lamp ended up there. "I'm very into midcentury design, and the polished nickel tone is just perfect to add a chrome touch to the guest room/office in my apartment," she explains. Shouse does admit, though, that it's not one of the most advanced desk lamps on our list, adding, "It's honestly a very simple lamp—there's no dimmability or anything like that—but the metal shade is easily movable. You do have to assemble it right out of the box, but it comes with a tiny Allen wrench to do so." A word of advice: Don't lose the teeny screws! "It takes a very small light bulb and didn't come with one, so just know that you won't be able to use it immediately unless you already have an E12 bulb lying around. However, once it's turned on, it adds a beautiful warmth to the room that's perfect for late nights writing or reading."

For anyone who wants a lamp small enough to tuck onto the corner of a desk (without taking up too much valuable surface space), meet the Orson lamp from Rejuvenation. Tester Karolina Kowalska bought it for that exact reason, saying, "It’s not so large or bulky that it stands out on the desk, but it adds a little flair to the workspace." What's more, the assembly, she says, was easy enough that it took a mere 10 minutes. "The lamp provides adequate light and comes with a cover to help dim it a little, which is nice because the light is then not too strong."