The Nordic Metal LED Desk Lamp is built for the desk rather than for display: a 35 centimetre metal column on a 15 centimetre base, with a small 12 by 15 centimetre shade angled to put light on the page rather than in your eyes. The LED is included, so there is nothing to buy before it works. Nothing about it is decorative.
The light is diffused to cut glare, which is what makes the difference over a long reading or study session, and the inline switch on the cord means you can turn it off without reaching across the desk. It comes in yellow, green, pink, black, white and grey, which covers both the neutral desk and the one that wants some colour. The colours are matte rather than glossy.
Metal construction gives it a low centre of gravity, so it stays put when a cable is tugged or a book slides past it. It plugs into mains power. Keep the shade clear of paper and fabric while it is on, wipe the body with a dry cloth, and position it on the opposite side to your writing hand so the shadow falls away from the page. It works equally well on a nightstand.
