Desk Lamp Height for a Standing Desk

A standing desk changes two things about your lamp: the desk surface moves up and down through the day, and the lamp rides along with it. A lamp that was perfect when you were seated can end up shining in your eyes when you stand. Here is how to set the height and what to buy so it works in both positions.

The height rule

Measure from the desk surface, not the floor, because the desk is what moves. The lamp head should sit 35–45 cm (14–18 in) above the desk surface and the light source should stay below your eye line in whichever position you use most.

Seated, eye level is about 45–50 cm above the desk. Standing, it drops to roughly 40–45 cm above the desk because you are leaning less. That is why a tall lamp that clears your eyes when seated can catch them when you stand: the gap shrinks by 5–10 cm. Set the head for the standing position, and it will be fine seated too.

What to mount it on

• Clamp to the desk. The lamp moves with the desk, so the head-to-surface height never changes. This is the right answer for almost every standing desk. The BrightClamp Architect Lamp clamps to the desktop edge and has a two-segment arm; the FlexiGlow Clamp Lamp is the lighter option for a smaller desk.
• Clip to the monitor or a shelf. Same idea, and it keeps the desk clear. The GlareGuard Monitor Light sits on top of the screen and lights the keyboard; the FlexiGlow 360° Clip-On grips a shelf or the desk edge.
• Free-standing base. Works, but check the cord. A desk that rises 40 cm needs 40 cm of slack or the lamp gets pulled off. Rechargeable lamps such as the FlexiGlow Dimmable Touch Lamp avoid the cord entirely.
• Floor lamp. Avoid. A floor lamp stays put while the desk moves, so it is the wrong height half the time.

Arm reach

You want the head to reach the middle of the work area without the base being in the way. For a 120 cm (48 in) desk, an arm with 60–80 cm of horizontal reach is enough. For 150 cm and wider, or a two-monitor layout, look for a two-segment architect arm with 80 cm or more, or put the light on the monitor instead.

Cable management

Whatever you mount, route the cord along the desk's own cable tray or spine so it travels with the surface. Leave at least the desk's full travel distance of slack between the tray and the wall outlet. If the desk has a built-in USB port, a USB-powered lamp removes one cable from the problem.

Checklist

• Head 35–45 cm above the desk surface, set for the standing position
• Clamp or clip mount so the lamp moves with the desk
• Arm reach of at least half the desk width
• Cord slack equal to the desk's travel, or go rechargeable
• Dimmable, with warm and neutral white

Everything above is in the Desk & Task Lighting collection. Ships to the US and Canada; free shipping on orders over $200.