Question: My wife and I are setting up a long work desk, but we can’t decide on the lighting. Two desk lamps would eat up space but are more flexible than tubular ceiling lamps. What do you think?


Answer: You are right to prefer a light with an articulated arm as you can direct it onto your work area. The conventional tubular overhead lights are fixed and often cast unwanted shadows. Look instead for ceiling-mounted flexible versions of desk lamps like the famous Tolomeo metal lamps by Artemide. Get a pair, so you can have an even number of light sources that can be controlled independently.

In his home office (above), Phillips Connor, interior designer and director of Aedas Interiors, uses the Tolomeo lamp by Artemide over an extra-long desk. One design solution worth noting – the computer screens are mounted on brackets that can be lowered out of sight, level with the desk. Not only does this keep the desk free of clutter in between work projects, its full width can be utilised.

Design PHILLIPS CONNOR