I remember my grandmother telling us that reading in the dark would ruin our eyes. As it turns out, she had a point. Eye strain can severely limit our reading enjoyment, and may even impact how much we able to understand and retain. Besides, eye strain causes headaches. Who wants that? The best lamps for studying will help eliminate those issues.
As a glasses wearer, I find that having a good light source helps me to be more relaxed when reading. Nothing like having those words and illustrations jump off the page! Hopefully, they will stick in my mind. If only I could reformat my brain…
Is white or yellow light better for studying?
There are a great many thoughts about this question. Some people feel that the greater apparent brightness of cooler light is better. Others feel that the warmer color temperatures, such as emitted by older incandescent bulbs, creates a stronger intimacy with the material.
Look closely at a ‘bright white’ paint sample. It will actually have a discernable blue tint to it. The light output wattage can remain the same, yet a cooler, bluer, light looks brighter to some people than the warmer, yellow, light does.
I think there are valid reasons for both schools of thought. When reading something technical, maybe even difficult, I tend to lean towards the cooler light. When I’m kicking back and reading for fun, I prefer the warm glow of a yellowish lamp.
How I found the best lamps for studying?
- Variable brightness levels. During daytime, with diffuse window light coming in, I kick up the brightness a bit so that the lamp is my primary source. At night, I find a lower power level is often preferable. If I’m doing something really technical, like cleaning a camera sensor, I use higher power.
- Switchable color temperature. Since there are advantageous in my mind for both cool and warm light, I would like to be able to switch from one to the other.
- Style. If I just wanted a lamp, I could mount a gooseneck arm and light socket to my desk. One person will prefer the sleek contemporary styling, others enjoy the nostalgic look.
- Functionality. For many of us, desktop space is at a premium (just like our computer desktop). Some of the best lamps for studying have additional features. USB charging ports are even wireless charging pads are included on certain models.
- Price. It’s a lamp, not a Louis XIV chair. I’m willing to pay more for better features and higher quality, but let’s not go overboard. Disclaimer: Louis XVI stuff is nice, too. I’m old school.
Top 7 Best Lamps For College, School, University And Studying!
1. Lightblade 1500S by Lumiy (Series 2) LED Desk Lamp Review
First thing you might notice about this lamp is the sleek, contemporary style. I tend to stay out of any discussion of form over function, but I have to say, I like the looks of this lamp. It could fit in to many different types of room décor.
A very clean, almost minimalist look gives you options in regards to where to place the lamp. The footprint of this lamp is almost square, around 7 inches. The vertical arm is 15 inches and the lamp head is just about one foot long and two inches wide.
Along with that form is a good amount of functionality. The lamp head pivots and holds LED bulbs for bright light output with low heat. Touch controls on the base lets you control 4 different color temperatures and 5 brightness levels for each color. The color temps are labeled reading, study, relaxation, and bedtime.
Using the coolest light color and the highest brightness level was actually too intense for me. The two cooler color temps were very useful for when I felt I needed the cleanest view of what I was doing, the two warmer modes were very comfortable, especially at low power.
I almost forgot the price! Higher than buying a basic lamp at WalMart, but still very affordable. In the under $75.00 range.
2. TaoTronics Aluminum Alloy Dimmable LED Desk Lamp Review
In the under $50.00 price range, this sleek modern design lamp uses LED bulbs for a cool operating amp with excellent brightness. At 18 inches tall, it can tilt in a bit on the vertical arm, but the lamp head does not swivel.
It has a small footprint with a 7 ½ inch round base. The base has the touch controls for switching color temperature and the brightness level.
There are three different color temperatures and 6 power levels for each color. The warmest color is really warm, equal to older regular incandescent bulbs, not the bulbs that were marked soft white. So, that is pretty yellow. On the lamp, it’s called sleep mode.
The power cord is 4 ½ feet, with the transformer end on the wall socket side. A USB port is positioned on the back of the lamp. It actually was a little close to the power cord, a larger USB cord might not be able to fit. When I checked, only my oldest USB cords had this problem.
3. Architect Desk Lamp Gesture Control Review
This good looking LED bulb lamp is in the style of an architect desk lamp. It has a round base that sits on top of a desk, it doesn’t have a clamp to attach to an actual drafting table. It’s a pleasant look, and a very clean style. I think it would satisfy those wanting a more old school feel as well as fans of modern designs.
Sitting on an 8 inch round base, the 20 inch vertical arm and the 13 inch horizontal arm both pivot independently. Additionally, the 5 inch lamp head can be angled back and forth. This lamp has the most placement adjustments of the best lamps for studying that I tested.
A 5 foot power cord is skinny at the lamp end, keeping the desktop clean and uncluttered. There is no USB port.
There are three colors and 12 light power levels available. This lamp also has a memory feature that will turn on the light with he same setting that were in use when it got turned off. At over $100.00, it is a little pricey, but it has great features and is very stylish.
4. BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp Review
A unique style, this lamp has a wide area of illumination and several nice features which may justify the slightly under $200.00 price point for some users. While $200.00 may seem to be a stiff price for a desk lamp, after seeing it, you might change your mind.
First thing you will notice is the curved lamp head. Made possible by LED bulbs, this curve is part of the reason that the lamp can illuminate as wide an area as it does. The light is built in the architect lamp design, its 29 inch total length adjustable arms sit on a 9 inch round base with a 6 foot cord.
Color temperature is continuously variable, as is power level, with a control knob. It can also automatically sense ambient light and adjust itself. A unique feature is the center dim light option. If using the light with a computer, the lamp can sense the light from your monitor and dim itself in the center while staying bright on the sides.
5. TaoTronics TT-DL16 Stylish Metal LED Desk Lamp Review
Back in the under $75.00 price point, this rectangular base desk light has the same basic design as the other modern styled lamps, with a few added features.
A very welcome added feature is the fully adjustable positioning. The two arms pivot, the LED lamp head swivels, and the entire arm structure rotates on the base. A nice touch for those who do different things on different parts of the desk.
It stands about 18 inches high on the rectangular 7 by 5 inch base. The base houses the controls for adjusting color and brightness. There are 5 different color temps and 6 power levels each.
6. Phive LED Desk Lamp, Architect Task Lamp Review
Total height of this light is 28 inches, total horizontal length including lamp head is also about 28 inches. It mounts to the desk, table, or workbench via a 2 ¾ inch clamp. The style is an architect/drafting table lamp, but with LED light and some nice power options.
As with other architect lamps that clamp on or screw in to the table top, the rang of movement is extensive. About the only movement I didn’t see was swiveling the lamp head, but all the other pivot points will let you place the lamp head in the orientation you desire.
Under $75.00 is pretty standard for a regular architect lamp, so getting the adjustable brightness LED bulbs is a real bonus for anyone needing this style of light. Color temp is fixed, pretty close to daylight. Power level can be changed with a stepless touch switch from 0-100%.
7. BYB H201 LED Architect Desk Lamp Review
An architect office light, the style is reminiscent of halogen bulb lamps, but it uses LEDs. The lamp housing is 16 inches, both vertical and horizontal arms are 16 inches each, and it mounts with a heavy duty clamp.
A single control is used for on/off, color temp, and brightness. Four color temperatures, and step-less brightness adjustment. A memory function turns it on at whatever setting you were using when turning it off.
Aircraft aluminum is the material, which makes for a unique and beautiful appearance. This stylish, retro looking but high tech light will set you back between $80.00 to $100.00
What are you waiting for? Go finish your homework!