10 Best Retro Desk Lamps to Light Up Your Workspace

Retro desk lamps bring a touch of nostalgia and charm to any workspace. With their unique designs inspired by styles from the past, they can add personality and warmth to a room. These lamps are not just about looks; they also provide essential lighting for reading, writing, or working on a computer.

When selecting a retro desk lamp, consider factors such as size, material, and bulb type. The lamp should fit well on your desk without taking up too much space. Materials like metal or wood enhance durability, while bulb compatibility affects lighting quality.

A good desk lamp not only brightens your space but also complements your style. As you explore different options, keep these considerations in mind to find the perfect retro desk lamp that meets your needs and enhances your workspace.

Best Retro Desk Lamps

You are about to explore the top picks for retro desk lamps, offering a blend of classic style and modern functionality. These lamps not only light up your space but also add a touch of nostalgia to your desk. Choose the perfect one to enhance your workspace with vintage charm.

TORCHSTAR Green Glass Bankers Desk Lamp

A perfect addition for any desk, this lamp adds charm and functionality with its classic look and durable build.

Pros

• Timeless design that enhances any room
• High-quality materials ensure longevity
• Easy to set up with plug-n-play feature

Cons

• Light bulb not included
• Limited light coverage
• Not water-resistant, for indoor use only

This bankers lamp from TORCHSTAR stands out as a stylish piece thanks to its emerald green glass shade and brass base. It brings a nostalgic feel to any office or study, making it not just a light source, but also a decorative item.

The lamp is built with high-quality materials, ensuring it doesn’t easily rust or damage over time. The ease of installation with a long power cord is a bonus for anyone looking to quickly upgrade their workspace.

You will need to purchase a bulb separately, which can be a minor inconvenience. Keep in mind, the lamp is designed for indoor use, so it’s best suited to places like home offices or libraries. Despite these small downsides, the lamp’s vintage appeal and reliable functionality make it a worthwhile purchase.

NISSAFORS Retro Bankers Desk Lamp

This vintage-style desk lamp is a solid choice if you’re seeking a stylish and functional addition to your home or office desk.

Pros

• Elegant design with a classic green shade
• Comes with a long-lasting LED bulb
• Adjustable shade for flexible lighting

Cons

• Small size might not be suitable for large desks
• Requires an accessible outlet due to the cord length
• Glass shade can be fragile if not handled with care

With its timeless design, the NISSAFORS Bankers Desk Lamp brings a touch of elegance to any workspace. The classic green glass shade and retro gold finish make it visually appealing. The lamp includes a 6W LED bulb, providing efficient lighting while reducing the need to replace bulbs often.

A pull chain switch adds convenience, allowing you to turn the light on or off with ease. The angled design of the shade means you can direct light exactly where you need it. Whether you’re reading or working on tasks, this lamp adapts to your requirements.

In addition to its style, the lamp offers durability with its metal construction. It’s not just about looks—this lamp is built to withstand daily use without wear. For those who appreciate a mix of vintage charm and modern functionality, the NISSAFORS Desk Lamp is certainly worth considering.

Seaside Village Industrial Desk Lamp

If you’re after a stylish retro desk lamp with useful features, this one from Seaside Village might be a great fit.

Pros

• Timeless steampunk design
• Convenient USB-C and USB-A ports
• Adjustable light levels with dimming function

Cons

• Price may be a bit high for some budgets
• Light can dim unevenly at times
• Design may not suit every decor

This lamp combines industrial charm and modern-day conveniences. Its vintage look fits almost effortlessly with different decorative themes. Whether in a bedroom, living room, or even a cozy coffee house, it adds a warm glow and inviting atmosphere.

Functionality is another strong point of this lamp. You don’t just get light; you also have easy access to USB-C and USB-A charging ports, allowing multiple devices to be charged at any time. The added bulb brings soft, warm light right out of the box, so you don’t need to go hunting for the right one.

There are a couple of trade-offs to keep in mind. Some people might find the price a bit steep, especially if it’s not on sale. Also, there have been reports of the dimming function being a little uneven. Even with these considerations, the overall atmosphere and utility it provides could make it a worthy addition to your home.

Catalina Traditional Bankers Lamp

A perfect blend of style and efficiency, this lamp is ideal for anyone wanting a classic touch in their living or work space.

Pros

• Classic, elegant design enhances any room
• Compatible with smart home systems like Alexa
• Efficient lighting while saving energy

Cons

• Bulb not included
• Glass shade edges can be sharp
• Requires a smart outlet for full features

This Catalina Traditional Bankers Lamp is both charming and practical. Its vintage design with a brass-plated finish and frosted glass shade offers a timeless look. This makes it a great choice for any desk, adding a touch of class to your office or home.

The lamp features a pull chain that is easy to use and connects well with smart home systems. This lets you control it with voice commands, providing convenience and modern functionality. A smart switch or outlet is needed for connecting it to your smart device network, which adds extra versatility.

While the lamp doesn’t come with a bulb, it remains efficient with both traditional and LED options. It’s a solid choice if you want to save on energy while enjoying a stylish and well-lit workspace.

EJIAXIN Vintage Desk Lamp

If you’re in the market for a stylish desk lamp that combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, this EJIAXIN model could be the perfect fit for your space.

Pros

• Adds a touch of vintage charm to any room with its retro design.
• Built-in USB and Type C ports make charging devices a breeze.
• Offers gentle lighting that’s easy on the eyes, ideal for reading or working.

Cons

• Made primarily of plastic, which may feel less durable.
• The diffuser is crafted from cheaper materials.
• Cord installation might require a bit of extra effort

This retro desk lamp from EJIAXIN brings a classic banker’s lamp design that many find charming. It’s perfect for adding a bit of mid-century style to your home office or study. The black and gold finish successfully enhances its sleek appearance.

One of the standout features is the convenience of built-in USB and Type C charging ports. This makes it easy to charge your gadgets directly from the lamp, eliminating the clutter of cords and adapters.

While the aesthetics and functionality of the lamp make it a solid choice, the use of plastic materials might not appeal to everyone. Some may find that the construction doesn’t match the elegance of the design. Nonetheless, its combination of vintage style and modern technology is a compelling choice for those who value both form and function.

LINNMON Retro Desk Lamp

This stylish banker lamp is perfect for adding a touch of retro charm to your workspace while keeping your gadgets charged.

Pros

• Charming vintage design with brass finish and green glass shade.
• Convenient dual USB-A and USB-C ports for device charging.
• Includes an energy-saving LED bulb with long lifespan.

Cons

• Limited to indoor use only.
• Not water-resistant, so spills should be avoided.
• Bulb is not dimmable, which may limit lighting options.

The LINNMON Retro Desk Lamp captures the classic appeal of traditional banker lamps with a lovely green glass shade and brass finish. It’s a lamp that not only illuminates your desk but also adds a dash of elegance to your office or home. The pull chain switch makes it simple to operate.

What sets this lamp apart is its dual charging ports, USB-A and USB-C, which let you power up your devices without needing extra outlets. This feature eliminates clutter and adds practical value to your desk setup. The LED bulb included is energy efficient and provides adequate brightness for reading or working.

Despite its strengths, the lamp does have some limitations. It’s not water-resistant, so take care around liquids. While it adds a warm glow to any room, you might miss having the option to dim the light as you see fit. Nevertheless, this is a reliable choice if you’re aiming for a classic look with modern convenience.

Brightever Banker’s Lamp

This retro-style lamp suits a variety of spaces, offering both style and practicality with its dimmable touch features and built-in USB ports.

Pros

• Retro look with modern features
• Touch control and dimmable settings
• Dual USB charging ports

Cons

• Limited lighting for entire room
• Unique bulb may be hard to replace
• Not water-resistant

The Brightever Banker’s Lamp is a blend of vintage charm and modern convenience with its green glass shade and brass finish. Its touch control allows you to switch between three brightness levels, making it a versatile addition to your desk or workspace.

You can easily charge your devices with the dual USB ports, providing a handy solution for your tech needs. The lamp’s dimmable feature helps create a cozy atmosphere or provide focused light for reading or work.

While it has plenty to offer, there are a few drawbacks. It may not be bright enough to light an entire room and replacing its specific bulb could potentially be a challenge.

CONCA Steampunk Table Lamp

This CONCA lamp is a stylish pick for those seeking to mix vintage charm with practicality.

Pros

• Chic, vintage look
• Simple and functional design
• High-quality build materials

Cons

• Assembly can be tricky
• Not water-resistant
• Limited brightness options

The CONCA Steampunk Table Lamp stands out with its birdcage lampshade design, capturing an industrial vibe that suits retro and farmhouse styles. Its metal construction paired with a solid wood base ensures durability while maintaining an elegant presence.

You’ll find it easy to set up on your desk or nightstand, providing reliable light for reading or decoration. The lamp includes an E26 base bulb, meaning you don’t have to worry about buying the first bulb yourself.

While assembly can be challenging for some, once you have it set up, you’ll appreciate this lamp’s overall appeal. Keep in mind its lack of water resistance limits it to indoor use only.

DIVEKID Retro Mushroom Lamp

If you’re seeking a stylish and multifunctional lamp for your room, this retro mushroom lamp is a good choice.

Pros

• Unique retro design enhances any room.
• Adjustable colors and brightness levels.
• USB-powered, safe for kids and pets.

Cons

• Made entirely of plastic.
• Bulbs are not replaceable.
• USB adapter not included

This retro desk lamp not only lights up your space but also adds a touch of style with its unique mushroom design. The color and brightness settings can be customized to fit any mood, from a warm cozy glow to brighter white light for reading. It is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or even offices, providing flexibility in its uses.

However, the lamp is made from plastic which might not appeal to everyone expecting a glass finish. Despite its material, it remains durable and lightweight, making it easy to move around as needed. The lamp’s USB-powered safety features make it a practical choice for spaces with children or pets.

Although you’ll have to purchase a USB adapter separately, the overall design and features make this lamp a compelling option.

EDISHINE Wooden Tripod Nightstand Lamp

This retro desk lamp offers a charming blend of style and functionality that brings a cozy touch to any room.

Pros

• Stylish design with a natural, elegant look
• Compact size fits in small spaces
• Easy assembly for quick setup

Cons

• May be smaller than expected
• Cord could be longer
• Light bulb not included

The EDISHINE Wooden Tripod Nightstand Lamp is a great choice if you want to add a bit of charm to your desk or table without taking up much space. Its polished wood and bark linen shade give it a lovely, natural look that fits well in different styles, like rustic or retro.

You will appreciate how easy it is to set up, thanks to the simple assembly process. Just attach the shade, and you’re good to go. This means you can have it up and running in minutes, perfect for those who don’t want any fuss.

Keep in mind, though, that it might be smaller than you expect. Also, you might need an extension cord since some users find the power cable a bit short.

Buying Guide

When choosing a retro desk lamp, consider the following key features to find the best one for your space.

Design and Style
Retro lamps come in many styles. Decide if you prefer a mid-century modern look, industrial design, or art deco feel. Think about how the lamp will fit with your room’s decor.

Size and Adjustability
Size: Make sure the lamp size matches your desk. Large lamps may overwhelm a small desk, while small lamps might not provide enough light.
Adjustability: Look for lamps with adjustable arms or heads. This allows you to direct light where needed.

Materials and Finish
Different materials offer different aesthetics. Consider metal for a sleek look or wood for warmth. Check the finish too, whether it’s polished, brushed, or painted. This affects both the look and maintenance.

Light Output and Bulb Type
Light Output: Select lamps with good brightness.
Bulb Type: LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Make sure the bulb type is compatible with your lamp.

Features
Dimming: Some lamps offer dimmable settings, allowing you to adjust brightness.
USB Ports: A lamp with USB ports can charge devices conveniently.