See in a New Light: LED Task Lamps

When choosing a type lamp to light up your workspace, you have several options:

• Incandescent
• Fluorescent
• Halogen
• LED

Each of these has its advantages and drawbacks, but here I will discuss the last one, LED.

Short for light-emitting diode, LED technology is used to provide lighting on everything from electronic indicators to modern traffic lights. They come in a spectrum of bright colors, but relatively recently, white ones have been invented as well, making them suitable for indoor illumination (unless you’re the type that likes to have bright red light in your office).

Why choose LED? LED lights are super energy efficient, and last for very long times. Many LED devices made in the 1970’s continue to function today. This cuts down both cost of use and replacement. It is also gentler on the planet. LED’s also generate little heat, unlike incandescent or halogen bulbs. The do not have the awkward “warm up” time of fluorescent bulbs, and subjectively speaking, I believe LED light is easier on the eyes than fluorescent.

We will be showcasing our Humanscale and Steelcase lines of task lighting at the Ergo Expo this month, and both have some great LED options.

On the Humanscale side, there is the Element. Steelcase offers two models, the Kast and the Soto.

For energy efficient, durable workspace lighting, you can’t go wrong with LED.