Let There Be Lights

Work Space Tip Sheet

• "You need two very different sources of light to avoid eyestrain," says designer Christopher Coleman, who pairs the desk's task lighting with an overhead light.
• A task lamp fixes light where you need it most. Look for models with adjustable arms.
• Metal shades funnel light onto a specific area, such as the papers beside your computer.

1. Philippe Starck's design for Flos has an internal diffuser for both direct and ambient light ($340, the Conran Shop).
2. This classic shape, here in brass, is also available in antiqued bronze ($99.95, Crate & Barrel).
3. Named Hebi—Japanese for "snake"—because of its coiled base, this light slips into any space ($130, Nova 68 Modern Design).
4. Vico Magistretti's design for Artemide has a rotating shield that controls light ($140, Lumens Light + Living).
5. An old-fashioned library lamp goes angular ($285, Ralph Lauren Home).
6. This lamp might have come straight from an architect's drafting table ($210, Circa Lighting).
7. Richard Sapper's fully maneuverable model towers above the rest ($510, Lucesco Lighting). Our task lamps are displayed on a Niedermaier worktable in front of Grid (2005), by Norbert Shimkus. Room locations courtesy of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.