Our Favorite Desk Lamps to Add to Your Work-from-Home Station

Whether you're transforming an existing area of your house into a work-from-home office or simply updating your the workstation you've been using for years, finding the right lighting solutions can make a world of difference when it comes to getting the job done. Ultimately, there are three main types of lamps that work well on a desk: tabletop, targeted, and bare bulb.

Tabletop iterations might not be the most intuitive choice, but they have a small footprint (while also being big on style!) and can easily be pulled from living room or bedrooms and placed right onto the desktop. These pieces typically have larger lampshades that diffuse light and offer a softer glow, which is why they are best suited to areas where they aren't the only source of illumination or spots where you don't need targeted or bright light.

Targeted styles, as their name implies, offer more focused light. These lamps generally have retractable or folding arms that will allow you to move the bulb closer or further away from your desktop. Often called task lamps, these pieces also have moveable or tilted lampshades, as well—and are perfect for those who need varied lighting solutions depending on the project that you are working on. Bare bulb lamps, on the other hand, are another perfect choice when you're looking to brighten up a room. They offer more light than styles with shades do, but are comparable with task lighting in the sense that they can provide targeted brightness. Unlike a standard desk lamp, these styles have a mid-century, retro look that speaks well to a modern design style.

Ready to discover which desk lamp style suits your home office? We rounded up several of our favorites on the slides ahead, and they're all available for you to shop right now.

Complete with outlets for charging cell phones and other electronics, this iron iteration with a bronze finish is a handsome and functional addition to any desktop.

Shop Now: Pottery Barn Architect's Smart Technology Adjustable Task Table Lamp, $249, potterybarn.com.

This light rod-style lamp is as sleek as it gets. Best of all, the rod is moveable, which means you can tilt and pivot your illumination source where you need it.

Shop Now: West Elm Light Rods LED & USB Table Lamp, $143.20, westelm.com.

Straight from the Martha Stewart Bedford furniture collection, this classic, neutral table lamp is elegant and functional. It comes with a drum lampshade and a 72-inch-long cord.  

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Carra 30" Table Lamp, $142.99, wayfair.com.

Add a subtle pop of color to your desk—or your child's!—with one of these task lamps, which are made from iron and finished with a high-gloss paint. The articulating joint allows the head to pivot any which way.

Shop Now: Pottery Barn Teen "Penn" Task Lamp, $39, pbteen.com.

This metal mid-century modern-inspired desk lamp adds a touch of masculinity to your surface.

Shop Now: AllModern Ellie 21" Desk Lamp, $122, allmodern.com.

If you're searching for a nontraditional option, we think you'll like this scalloped one. Handcrafted from genuine capiz shells, the piece delivers both illumination and charm to your desk.

Shop Now: Anthropologie "Daisy" Capiz Table Lamp, $198.40, anthropologie.com.

Made in Vietnam, this variegated green lamp looks like the Japanese pottery that inspired its asymmetrical design. A linen shade tops the ceramic base, making it a perfect light for reading.

Shop Now: West Elm Mini Asymmetry Ceramic Table Lamp, $103.20, westelm.com.

An exposed bulb tops this stylish desk lamp. The lack of a shade makes this an excellent choice for illuminating particularly dark workspaces.

Shop Now: Article "Beacon" Slimline 3 Step Stool, $137.08, article.com.

If you're looking for a modern option, you'll love this tan aluminum table lamp by M-S-D-S. It comes with an LED bulb, so all you have to do brighten up your workspace is plug it in.

Shop Now: M-S-D-S Study/Table Lamp, $107.50, my-deco-shop.com.

Standing just under two-feet tall, this textured black-and-white patterned lamp by Kara Mann is made with iron and cotton materials throughout; the pattern will really make your office pop.

Shop Now: CB2 x Kara Mann Scrunch Table Lamp, $149, cb2.com.

This folding task light clocks in at over 20-inches tall when fully extended, but can be bent to target illumination as needed. Made from aluminum, steel, and brass, it is perfect for small spaces.

Shop Now: Burke Decor Folding Table Lamp, $190, burkedecor.com.