020 3137 8400

My Cart

Call 24/7 and Free UK Delivery

Back-to-School Essentials: Don’t Forget the Desk Lamp!

With the end of the school holidays comes the inevitable shopping list. And whether you’re packing your eldest off to uni or prepping your youngest for their first day at secondary school, there’s one piece of equipment they can’t do without: a desk lamp.

Reducing the eye strain of reading and essay writing, and improving the ambience of the studying environment, desk lamps are a must have for every student. So, what should you be looking for?

Desk Lamps for Every Student

What to look for in a back-to-school desk lamp

It’s tempting to think that a desk lamp is a desk lamp and the only choice relates to aesthetics. But while that may once have been the case, today’s desk lamps come with a range of different features. So, when choosing a new desk lamp, there are a number of things it’s worth considering.

  • Adjustable brightness. If you’re looking for a lamp that can serve more than one purpose, dimmable models, like the Astro Atelier, are ideal. They provide bright, directable lighting when you’re studying. And softer lighting for ambience or when you’re trying read yourself to sleep.
  • Flexible arms or rotating heads. The Nordlux Cyclone is the perfect example of the classic, flexible desk lamp. It’s not only cost-effective, but the bendy neck is ideal for perfect positioning. Alternatively, you could choose a model with a lever arm and rotating head for additional control.
  • USB charging ports. If you’re looking for a lamp that does a little more, how about the Endon Dara, with its USB charging ports, for added convenience? Or the Astro Mara, which has both USB ports and a directable head?
  • Space saving. Or if you have a small desk and limited storage space, there are multi-function lamps, like the Nordlux Devone. We love this design, with its built-in pen pot and phone stand.

Why having a good desk lamp matters

Having a good desk lamp is about more than convenience and comfortable studying. It can help students of all ages in a variety of ways.

Less eye strain

Dim lighting can strain the eyes, especially during extended study sessions or screen time. A quality desk lamp, like the Nordlux Merlin, provides focused, adjustable light that makes reading and writing more comfortable.

Better focus, improved sleep patterns

This one is about right lamp, right place. Having the right colour temperature light bulb can support both studying and sleep. Choosing a desk lamp with a cool white (5000K-6500K) or daylight (5000K-6500K and above) bulb can help to keep you more alert and focused. Switching to a lamp with a warm white (2700K-3000K) bulb, like the Nordlux Omari, before bed can help students wind down more easily after studying.

Perfect for small spaces

Most students don’t have a huge amount of space. If you’re in a dorm room or sharing a bedroom with a sibling, having a compact, directable light source, like the Elstead Quinto, can help to keep the peace.  

Adds aesthetic charm and personality

Desk lamps aren’t just practical. They can also be a way to show off personal style. From minimalist LED designs, like the Nordlux Clyde, to the vintage chic of the Interiors 1900 Winchester, there’s a style and a budget for everyone.

It may seem like a small matter, but poor lighting can easily derail a student’s focus. It makes studying uncomfortable and unappealing. A good quality desk lamp can help to prevent that. So, whether they’re back to school or ready or the start of term is on the horizon, a desk lamp can be a brilliant investment in your child’s future.

View the full collection of desk lamps available from First Choice Lighting.