Accent lighting: desk lamp, table lamp, floor lamp… how to choose?

Despite the amount of advice on our blog, some very specific requirements, such as good accent lighting (desk lamp, table lamp, or floor lamp), may not have been met yet. To be effective, these lamps must be selected according to the need to be satisfied, the current lighting contribution, and various other criteria.

Needs met by a desk lamp

Accent lighting can serve various purposes. Notably, highlighting a very specific element of a room, such as a painting on the wall or a plant on a column. But primarily, it provides additional lighting to perform a very specific task in a specific place, such as a reading nook or a workstation. Therefore, it will be necessary to choose a desk lamp, a table lamp, or a floor lamp that adequately fulfills this role. In addition, your choice must also take into account the room's decor style. To do this, do not hesitate to read (or reread) our latest blog post entitled 5 types of lighting for 5 decor styles.

Types of desk, table, or floor lamps

First, know that visual acuity depends on the quality and quantity of light an object reflects. We also seek to reproduce natural, whiter daylight as much as possible. It enhances contrasts and reduces eye strain. In-store, among the three types of lamps below, ask for the one that best suits your needs. Halogen lamps are close to natural light in terms of contrasts. But they give off a lot of heat, which can make them unpleasant, even dangerous near the face. They are therefore not the best choice for a desk or reading nook. Note, however, that they consume much less energy and last a long time. Being also more directional, they will perfectly highlight your works of art. Fluorescent lamps offer the least glare. They also have the advantage of giving off much less heat while providing light close to daylight. They are specially adapted for offices. Classic incandescent lamps provide the least interesting accent lighting because they are more dazzling and offer less interesting color rendering. On the other hand, they cost less. Moreover, thanks to the diversification of bulb types, they now offer a wider spectrum of white. To learn more about this, read our blog Light bulbs: how to choose the right ones? In general, opt for a bulb that emits a whiter light.

Location of the desk, table, or floor lamp

Each element you might want to highlight is unique. Its shape, nature, and desired effect will determine the location of your lamp. Since the latter is mobile, you can position it in different places and determine the most suitable one. You can also ask our staff for advice at the time of purchase. They will at least be able to give you points to consider based on your specific situation. For reading in an armchair, a floor lamp should be directed towards the text and located behind the shoulder, on the side of the better eye, to avoid glare. On a desk, the lamp should be at a height of 40 cm from the work surface and on the opposite side of the hand with which you write to avoid shadows. Moreover, it should not be placed in front of the task to be performed so as not to be blinded. Adjustable desk lamps, i.e., those whose angle can be positioned thanks to their "joints," prove to be most useful. It is then possible to adapt the lighting according to the task to be performed or the movement of external light. We wish you a happy holiday season and an excellent year 2017! And for excellence in lighting, including accent lighting, come and see us!