How to choose a table lamp
Selection of a desk lamp should be carried out taking into account a number of factors, as the equipment affects the comfortable work. It is especially important to choose a quality model for those who spend a lot of time at the desk. If the lamp is needed for a child, any mistakes and miscalculations are unacceptable, it can worsen vision.
Features of the choice
There are several factors, taking into account which anyone can choose a quality and safe table lamp. Each aspect is important, you should not buy a model only because of the beautiful appearance or suitable for the environment stylistics. First of all, you need to pay attention to the working parameters and only then assess the external appeal.
Support
The base of the lamp must meet several requirements. Many people miss this detail, as inconveniences and problems are discovered only in the process of use. If you take into account the recommendations, you can find a variant with a quality and safe support:
- The size of the base. The larger the plafond and more massive the lamp, the wider the area of the support should be. If it is too small, the design will easily topple over even with slight touches. The easiest thing to do is to simply stagger the luminaire to make sure it doesn't fall over when lightly bumped.
- Bottom features. It's best to have several stickers of non-slip material on the surface so that the light doesn't ride on the surface and stay securely in one place.. Sometimes it can be strips, but more often small overlays in the form of improvised legs.
- The color of the upper part. Most often there is a decorative coating on the body, it must necessarily be matte, so as not to reflect the color. Glossy surfaces often give glare, which gets in the eyes and interfere with normal work. Moreover, if you work long hours at the table, the reflected light can impair your vision.
A matte desk surface should also be matte, since it too can reflect light and create discomfort when working.
If the base has a power button, you should make sure that it is comfortable and easy to press. You can also assess the material of manufacture of the base. If there is cheap plastic, over time it will begin to change color or even crack for no apparent reason.
Plafond
The main working part, which largely depends on the quality of lighting and creating a comfortable environment at the desk. Here you should also pay attention to the surface coating, it should not be shiny, matte versions will suit better. It is worth taking into account the recommendations:
- The light bulb in no case should not go over the edge of the plafond. This creates uncomfortable conditions for vision and it is uncomfortable to work for a long time at the table. The lighting element must be completely hidden inside.
- The shape of the plafond should be cone-shaped, the wider it is, the greater the distance covered by the flow of light. It is best if the light flux is scattered at an angle of about 40 degrees, this is enough.
- It is important that the light is distributed evenly over the surface, so you need to pay attention to the inside of the plafond. The reflector should be light and monochrome, without damage.
There are fixtures with a flat plafond that diffuse light. They are more suitable for creating dim lighting in the bedroom or living room. Work when using such models is not worth it, the vision will be severely strained.
Color of glow
Another point that is important for those who work for a long time at the table. If the lamp is needed for 20-30 minutes, this aspect will not matter much. You need to remember the following:
- Ophthalmologists recommend using desk lamps with a yellowish color. It is closest to the natural sunlight, so human eyes are least tired. However, do not choose options with blatant yellow color, they do not create normal conditions for work.
- White color with a bluish hue, which is very popular now, is also undesirable to use. The reason is that it is not uncommon to get intramuscular eye spasms when working with such lighting for long periods of time. This is due to flicker, which is unnoticeable, but also contributes to the accumulation of visual fatigue over time.
- Colored options should not be used at all, they are not suitable for the work area.
To compare different options, it is better to turn them on and evaluate them visually, then it is easier to see the difference.
Type and power of the bulb
The power of a desk lamp is most often specified in the instructions. You can not violate the manufacturer's recommended figures. The power of the bulbs used depends on their type. There are four basic options:
- Incandescent bulbs. Almost not used in table lamps because of the poor quality of light and strong heating during operation. The recommended power is from 40 to 60 watts. Often this option is included because of its price, it is better to immediately replace it with another.
- Halogen options heat up an order of magnitude less, but are also unsafe in this regard. They give bright high-quality light, which is also suitable for table lamps. They last a long time, but it is still better to choose another solution, especially since there are now more effective analogues.
- Fluorescent lamps almost do not heat up, which makes them safe. But the light spectrum they have not the most favorable, also there is a flicker, because of which the eyes are very tired when working long hours. Another nuance - the mercury vapor inside, which is dangerous if the bulb is damaged and imposes certain requirements on the disposal process.
- LEDs are best suited for table lamps. They give light close to natural light, so the eyes do not get tired even if you work at a desk for several hours. There is also no flicker, vision will not fall over time due to poor quality light. Current consumption is the lowest among all options - from 7 to 11 watts, so these models can be powered from both the network and battery.
Recommended illumination of the working space - from 500 to 600 Lumens.
There are models with built-in LEDs. They are much smaller than traditional desk lamps due to the fact that there is no plafond. But the quality of illumination is good, so it makes sense to consider this option.
Other aspects
In addition to the main points, there are additional points that are also worth remembering:
- The color and coating material of the case. If the elements are shiny, then, as in the case of the base, they will reflect the light and create discomfort. Bright colors are undesirable, neutral options are better suited - white, beige, pastel colors.
- The design of the plafond. It should be thick enough. If an incandescent lamp or halogen version is used, the minimum distance to the walls - 30 mm, otherwise the plastic will begin to melt and deform during prolonged operation.
- Setting the brightness. If there is a dimmer, you can adjust the brightness to create optimal lighting.
- Additional features. Modern models of lights often have a thermometer or clock, which is very convenient.
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Table Lamp Rating
Here are the best table lamps, well proven in operation and collected a lot of positive feedback.
ARTE LAMP DESK A5810LT-1SI
Italian-made model, ideal for work. The mechanism is adjustable in three points, which allows you to direct the light exactly where you need. The features are as follows:
- Made of brushed metal, which provides durability. Some parts that are not stressed are made of the same color plastic.
- The build quality is very high. There is no backlash in the moving parts, over time the joints almost do not come loose.
- You can use both LED and fluorescent bulbs.
- The standard design allows the table lamp to fit into any room.
Of the disadvantages, users note only that dust sits on the matte surface and it must be constantly wiped. Otherwise, dirt gets into the structure and the lamp looks untidy.
PHILIPS 71567-96-86
An inexpensive model from a well-known manufacturer that is suitable for both the office and the home. Due to the flexible leg it is not difficult to adjust the position, restrained design fits well in almost any environment. The features are as follows:
- The socket under the E27 socket will allow you to easily pick up a light bulb. It is better to use the LED version, so as not to overheat the plastic plafond.
- The design is stable and easy to use, no need to understand the settings.
- The cost is low, while the build quality is good.
Of the disadvantages, you can highlight that the plastic easily cracks when dropped. And when using incandescent or halogen versions of the plafond can deform over time.
BRILLIANT HOBBY 10802/06
Table lamp of the German brand, is suitable for those who work a lot at the table. The classic hinged design and clamping at the edge of the tabletop provide space-saving solutions for the table. The advantages are as follows:
- Different color options, you can buy both light and dark light.
- A very high-quality adjustment mechanism. The light can be set under any person.
- When using LED lamps, the quality of light is almost perfect.
There are no special disadvantages in this model. Except that the price is higher than that of analogues, but the quality here is appropriate.
Choose a desk lamp for yourself or a child is not difficult, if you know what to pay attention to. Do not save on quality, as it depends on the comfort of work and safety for vision.