Which desk lamp to choose? Our Top 5 for 2026

Working in good conditions starts with suitable lighting. A designer desk lamp is not just a simple light source: it affects your visual comfort, your productivity, your posture, and even the look of your workspace. Whether you work from home, in an open-plan office, or in a professional setting, the choice of your lamp plays a crucial role. Discover our selection of the five best desk lamps, designed for modern needs: efficiency, comfort, and style.

How to choose a desk lamp?

A good desk lamp must provide effective lighting while fitting perfectly into your work environment. Before choosing a model, it is important to assess your needs: computer work, reading, drawing, writing, video calls… Each use requires a specific type of light and comfort. Here are the main criteria to know to find the best desk lamp.

Light quality: brightness, spread, and colour temperature

A desk lamp must provide clear but non-glare light. Most users prefer a LED desk lamp for its low power use and its ability to produce steady light. The ideal temperature is between 3000 K and 4000 K: neutral enough to stay lively, but comfortable to avoid eye strain. The CRI (Colour Rendering Index) also plays an important role, especially for graphic or creative professions.

Direction, flexibility, and comfort

The ability to direct the light is essential for effective work. A lamp with a swivel head or adjustable arm allows you to adapt the beam’s direction as needed. For right-handed or left-handed users, the position of the light source should be planned to avoid bothersome shadows. An ergonomic desk lamp greatly improves work comfort, especially during long sessions.

Style and materials: modern, old-fashioned, or simple?

The desk lamp is also a decorative object. Simple, modern, old-fashioned, or classic, it contributes to the visual identity of your space. The materials chosen influence both the look and the durability: metal ensures great longevity, glass adds elegance, while textured finishes bring character. A modern desk lamp is often sleek and discreet, whereas an old-fashioned model can become a true collector’s item.

Top 5 best desk lamps

Here is our selection of five models to enhance your workspace, whether you seek a simple design, a sculptural piece, or a practical lamp for everyday use.

1. Buddy Table: the desk lamp with built-in pencil holder

The Buddy Table lamp is one of the most clever lamps of modern Scandinavian design. Compact, versatile, and charmingly practical, it includes a pencil holder directly in its base. Perfect for small desks or organised spaces, it offers focused light ideal for reading and precise tasks. Buddy is the ideal lamp for a compact home office or a student’s room seeking an ergonomic desk lamp with style.

2. Sammode M3: the French old-fashioned desk lamp

With its retro industrial design and 100% French manufacture, the Sammode M3 is a timeless piece. Its perforated metal shade and technical character make it a sturdy lamp, with precise yet soft light. It appeals to lovers of industrial style, architects, and those who want a characterful object on their desk. A perfect balance between beauty and performance, this model is the very embodiment of the old-fashioned desk lamp reimagined.

3. Blossi Table: the timeless and elegant lamp

The Blossi Table embodies Scandinavian refinement in its purest form. Its soft light, filtered through a glass disc and an integrated LED, creates a warm atmosphere ideal for high-end desks. This model suits executive offices, professional chambers, and chic settings. With its timeless design, Blossi quickly becomes a must-have for those seeking an elegant and refined work lamp.

4. Compass Table: the simple LED lamp

With its graphic and perfectly clean design, the Compass Table is the quintessence of simplicity. Its arching frame and built-in LED create fine and precise light, ideal for modern settings. It is especially suited to design offices, modern teleworking, or creative spaces. A true benchmark for those seeking a contemporary desk lamp that is highly practical.

5. Stingray Table: the sculptural bronze lamp

The Stingray Table is the signature piece of this top 5. With its organic shape and bronze finish, it resembles more a glowing sculpture than a traditional lamp. Its soft light highlights noble materials and creates a hushed atmosphere. It will fit perfectly in a high-end office, an executive space, or a modern interior. An essential piece to bring an artistic touch to your workspace.

Tips to optimise desk lighting

A desk lamp alone is not always enough. For optimal comfort, it is best to combine ambient light and directed light. The first evens out the space, while the second focuses on your work area. To avoid glare, direct the light so it does not shine directly on your computer screen. Finally, place the lamp on the left if you are right-handed and on the right if you are left-handed to reduce cast shadows.

The choice of bulb also plays an essential role. A designer desk lamp with dimming allows you to adjust the brightness according to the time and type of task. Stronger light helps concentration in the morning, while softer light suits evening work.

Conclusion

Whether it is a professional desk or a teleworking space, the choice of your lamp directly affects your comfort and productivity. Simple lamps, old-fashioned models, or sculptural pieces, our selection covers all desires while ensuring efficiency and style. Each model in this top 5 was chosen for its quality, design, and ability to provide optimal lighting for daily work. Now, all that remains is to choose the best desk lamp to accompany your days with elegance.