What Makes a Good Desk Light? 10 Lamps With Bright Personalities

"You’ve got a friend in me…" sings Randy Newman, in the Oscar-winning toy-box-fearing romp, Toy Story. But although the song refers to the relationship between a young boy and his favorite toys, it could equally apply to another of Pixar Animation’s most iconic characters, the loveable Luxo Jr, seen hopping around the studio’s production logo.

What Makes a Good Desk Light? 10 Lamps With Bright Personalities
Founder of the balanced-arm design, the Anglepoise lamp holds the weight of its head with attached springs. Image Courtesy of Anglepoise Founder of the balanced-arm design, the Anglepoise lamp holds the weight of its head with attached springs. Image Courtesy of Anglepoise

"You’ve got a friend in me…" sings Randy Newman, in the Oscar-winning toy-box-fearing romp, Toy Story. But although the song refers to the relationship between a young boy and his favorite toys, it could equally apply to another of Pixar Animation’s most iconic characters, the loveable Luxo Jr, seen hopping around the studio’s production logo.

Combining a stable base with an independently moveable arm and head may make anthropomorphic desk lamps more functional, but while size, position, brightness, temperature, and the adjustability of all of the above are important features, what you really look for in someone to share a desk with, is a friend. Here are some of the friendliest desk light characters.

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