Sure, not everyone's going to plunk down $500 for a lamp, but it is an excellent, excellent design. If you have it for the next thirty years, you could say it's worth the $1.38 per month that it averages out to be, but then, I guess you could use that formula to justify buying anything expensive.

The world's most energy-efficient LED task light. Four high-powered LED's illuminate the task area as the asymmetrical light distribution ensures optimal ergonomic lighting. A spring-balanced arm, rotating base and sleek head give the Ninety excellent range of motion.
Ninety supplies a great deal of light even though it consumes very little energy, 7.8 watts. The secret is an advanced system of lenses which guide the light effectively towards your workspace. This reduces the risk of glare. The LED's that are used produce a comfortable color of light that renders colors well.
It is easy to adjust Ninety to make the light fall where you need it. A spring-balanced hinge in the base allows the arm to be moved back and forth. The shade is easy to turn and the specially developed base contains two separate bearings for easy adjustment.

Design by Shawn Littrell.
Available in two arm lengths: Short- 30.7" or Long- 35.4".

[posted by katie]

A slight sale on the stunning Talak Lamp collection...

-Body in injection molded thermoplastic incorporating miniature T2 fluorescent light source.
-Body rotates 360 degrees on the horizontal plane and can be adjusted in height by sliding it along its stem.
-Body in matte white powder coated finish.
-Stem in polished chrome steel.

Talak Table Lamp with Base, Reg.: $598.50 Sale: $478.80, Buy it here.
also available:
Talak Wall Light, Reg.: $540.75 Sale: $432.60, Buy it here.
Talak Clamp Lamp, Reg.: $572.25 Sale: $457.80, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Based on the award winning Tolomeo Desk Lamp (1987), the tolomeo spot lamp has all the features of the original with the convenience and portability of a clip on.

The Tolomeo design features a matte anodized aluminum diffuser that swivels 360 degrees and can be easily turned with a cool-to-the-touch steel handle. Able to be positioned anywhere indirect or direct lighting is needed, the Clip Spot is suitable for shelf, pipe or table mounting. The on/off switch is incorporated in the lamp holder. Bulb (not included): incandescent 100W/120V/E26/A19. UL listed.

[posted by kris]

This looks to be just as functional as other lamps that cost two or three times as much and just as nice to look at, especially considering the money saved. "The Z-Bar Lamp, a super sleek lamp about as wide as your finger, longer than your arm, and ultra-adjustable. 66 super-bright LEDs provide a strip of bright white light with low heat, minimal electricity, no bulky head, and a super long lifespan. I.D. 2006 Annual Design Review Winner..." Metallic Black

As far as task lighting goes, there's usually not a whole world of exciting options, so that's why it's very nice to see something such as this...a contemporary clamp light that takes up minimal space as well as energy. "The award-winning One-Line Clamp Lamp by Artemide, designed by Ora-Ito, uses Fluorescent lighting in its compact polycarbonate diffuser to brighten at-desk tasks. Artemide designs and manufactures flexible and adaptable contemporary lighting products that create optimum visual precision and consume minimum environmental resources." Dimensions: Above Table: Height 15 in. Below Table: Reach 11.6 in., Depth 4.8 in. Diffuser: Width 1.5 in., Reach 22.5 in. Maximum Table Thickness: 2.5 in.

Here's a great little desk lamp that looks very high-end with a rather low-end price tag. One would look great in any modern office and two would work really well for bedside tables. • Desk lamp with fabric pleated shade • Satin-finish steel base • In-line switch • Requires 60-watt standard bulb

Did you know that 'Hebi' translates to 'Snake' in Japanese? This little lamp can twist in every direction, which allows you to shed light any which where you please- even the shade rotates. Created in 1970, this lamp is one of the many icons of 20th century design. It holds a rightful place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Flexible metal tube covered in PVC. Size: ca. 3.5" Diameter lamp shade x 19.68" long fully extended.