Office & Productivity / Guide
Choose a Desk Lamp That Lights Your Work Without Screen Glare
Compare desk lamp reach, dimming and shade direction so it can light your paper without reflecting in the monitor.
Sit at your desk with the monitor on and notice where bright reflections come from. A lamp should help you read paper or see the keyboard while keeping the light source out of the screen and your direct view.
Place the lamp around the work
Try a lamp on the side opposite the hand you write with so your hand is less likely to shadow the page. Move the head to see whether the light reaches the full area you use. With a clamp mount, check the desk edge and any trim before buying.
Look for control you’ll actually use
A movable arm or shade can be more useful than a brighter bulb. Check whether you can turn or dim the light from your usual seat. OSHA’s computer workstation guidance discusses lighting and glare. Use it to check the whole room, including windows and overhead fixtures.
Test at two times of day
Read a printed page and look at a dark window on your monitor. See where the lamp reflects at night and with daylight in the room. Adjust the position before deciding you need a different lamp.