Monitor light bars are commonplace in computer setups for good reason. They often do a better job of cutting monitor glare and lighting up desks than overhead lights or simple desk lamps. But what if a desk lamp worked more like a monitor light bar? That’s what so-called architect desk lamps do. They’re often called double-headed LED lights. Attached to their own stand or clamped arm, they can arch right over a display, providing tons of light, control options and physical flexibility.
Let there be computer-setup light with an architect desk lamp
Software developer and Redditor 95tuanle (“Tuan”) showcased the simple-but-effective setup in a post entitled, “M1 Max Setup.” As the post’s titled indicates, they run an M1 Max MacBook Pro. It sits open on a stand driving a Studio Display. There’s plenty to like about the setup, including its unusual light source. Unlike many setups that rely on a light bar that sits on top of an external display, this one uses a separate desk lamp that arches over it. We’ve seen this style of desk lighting before, like here and here, and it’s a good way to go.
While on the basic side, the setup grabs our attention for a handful of reasons:
- It makes good use of the MacBook’s 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display as a second monitor.
- It uses a Magic Trackpad rather than a mouse.
- The other input device is a mechanical keyboard we haven’t seen before, the Realforce R3.
- It features paired but color-mismatched (white and midnight) HomePods for great sound.
- The desk lamp arching over the Studio Display looks really useful.
Today we’ll look a little more closely at the overarching desk lamp.
Architect desk lamps (aka double-headed lamp)
Tuan sets a Philips VDTMate DSK501 light just behind his Studio Display. It arches over Apple’s monitor to illuminate the desktop below. Lamps like these are often called architect lamps, particularly when they’re double-headed (extra wide). But some are just called LED desk lamps.
Like most of them, Tuan’s eases eye strain. It swivels, so it’s easy to move a bit, more-so than the average monitor light bar. While the DSK501 does not appear to be for sale in the United States, there are plenty of similar options. Many of them, on sale at Amazon (often with additional coupons), cost between $25 and $70. See them in the gear list below.
Shop these items now:
This highly-adaptable LED lamp features plenty of practical and atmospheric lighting. Comes with base, 24W of power, auto dimming and a rotatable swing arm.
Desk lamp options:
- Micromlan Architect Desk Lamp
- KStarite LED Desk Lamp
- SuperDanny LED Desk Lamp
- EppiBasic LED Desk Lamp
- Jostic LED Desk Lamp
Computers and stands:
Display:
Input devices:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
