Image: MomJunction Design Team
Whether you are a professional craftsman or developing craft as a hobby, the best craft light can make a huge difference in your work. With a good craft light, the hours spent on your work become pleasurable and comfortable. A quality light would support your art and craft setup and increase productivity and accuracy. The best part is that these best-selling craft lights are simple, affordable, and come in a variety of different styles.
These time-tested lights are ergonomically designed, functional, and provide just the right amount of coverage and light to ensure you don’t strain your eyes. A trustworthy craft light is an irreplaceable accessory to your workroom, and you can choose one that suits the room decor. These lights are portable, free-standing, battery-operated, and are feature-rich. They can also be mounted upon your desk. Craft lights are meant to make your life more convenient and make your design work, reading, or repair sessions more pleasurable. We have curated an extensive list of the best craft lights that you can add to your working space.
Top Picks
11 Best Craft Lights
1. Best Adjustable: Lepro LED Desk Lamp
The tried-and-tested, sleek, stylish, and highly functional LED desk lampby Lepro is perfect for craft projects and offices. It is made of durable aluminum alloy and plastic, and its light source is a 9W LED bulb that provides bright and clear illumination. The lamp’s height can be adjusted by tilting the neck up or down, while the base can bend up to 90 degrees. In addition, the dimmable craft lamp features different lighting modes, ranging from warm yellowish to pure white.
Pros
- Long lamp for a broader span
- Touch-response control
- Simple design
- Matte diffuser for eye-care
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- May emit a high-pitch sound
- May not be scratch-proof
"I love this lamp's slim design and surprisingly bright illumination. It easily transitions to various modes. Plus, its touch-sensitive controls allow seamless handling. It's been a great choice for my compact space!"
Pro tip2. Best With Four-Inch Lens: Dylviw Bright Light Desk Magnifier Lamp
If you’re looking for the ideal accessory to help you with professional refinement projects and precise daily work, you’ve found the one. This trustworthy and versatile craft light not only magnifies small prints and delicate details but also illuminates them in a low-light environment. It has a sturdy clip that allows the light to be clipped onto a desk, table, or workbench. This craft light with built-in magnifier also features energy-efficient LED lights and the magnifier provides up to 200% magnification.
Pros
- 5 W LED light with two brightness levels
- Four-inch lens
- Adjustable 12-inch flexible metal gooseneck
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Some might find that the magnifying glass is a bit susceptible to scratches.
"This lamp has made my crafting sessions significantly easier. It has remarkable features; the dual brightness levels deserve a special mention. Moreover, its sturdy clamp and flexible gooseneck add to the convenience. I'm pretty happy with it!"
3. Best Multi-Functional: Verilux SmartLight Floor Lamp
The time-tested Verilux SmartLight floor lamp with UV-free LED light is suitable for multi-purpose usage. The flexible neck design makes this lamp ideal for studying, crafting, office work, and more. It features adjustable brightness, allowing you to customize the light between five light intensity levels. Additionally, this craft light with color temperature control has an Optix glare control lens, which prevents eye fatigue and allows you to work longer and more efficiently.
Pros
- Three color temperatures settings
- Flicker-free feature to reduce eye-strain
- Available in two colors
- Sleek and modern design to complement any room
Cons
- May not be easy to assemble
- May not be highly durable
"This floor lamp makes working in the dark very comfortable without disturbing others, and the touch-responsive controls are a bonus. While slightly heavy, it is sturdy and an excellent pick for its versatility."
Point to considerLepro LED Desk Lamp Best Adjustable | Dylviw Bright Light Desk Magnifier Lamp Best With Four-Inch Lens | Verilux SmartLight Floor Lamp Best Multi-Functional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | White, Metallic, Black | White |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.9 x 15.1 inches | 11.2 x 5.2 x 3.9 inches | 8"D x 10.51"W x 64.02"H |
| Weight | 1.83 pounds | 1.25 pounds | 11 pounds |
| Wattage | 9.5 watts | - | 18 watts |
| Shape | Straight | - | - |
| Base Material | Plastic | - | - |
| Shade Material | Metal | - | - |
| Shade Color | Matte Black | - | white |
| Material | Plastic | - | Metal |
| Handle Material | - | Metal | - |
| Lens Material | - | Glass | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 654 | 2,385 | 1,086 |
| Price | $22.99 | $25.98 | $69.95 |
4. Best Foldable: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 20,885 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Glocusent LED neck reading light is ideal for reading in low-light conditions without disturbing your partner’s sleep. With three modes and six levels of brightness, this pocket reading light allows you to find a comfortable setting for reading, knitting, camping, and other crafts. The LED light is blue light filtered with no flickering, making it safe for your eyes. The rechargeable craft lighting with adjustable color temperature is flexible and can be twisted to your comfort, while the battery gives you extended usage without having to charge it repeatedly.
Pros
- Foldable, portable, and lightweight design
- Three color temperatures to choose from
- Premium 1000mAh battery
- Ergonomic hands-free design
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May not be very stable
"I found this reading light a neat solution for hands-free lighting! I rely on it for various indoor and outdoor tasks after dark or during power outages. Plus, it is lightweight, making reading and knitting very convenient."
5. Best Easy-To-Install: Qooltek Portable USB Craft Light
Lightweight and versatile, this sleek arts and crafts light is your best bet for a hassle-free and convenient solution to your lighting needs. This portable strip of LED light is great to provide glare-free light for music stands, pianos, work tables, craft tables, and DJ consoles. As per reviews, these LEDs are rated to last about 25,000 hours and are made using lead-free processes to ensure absolute safety. Simply stick this strip of craft lights with a USB chargingport to the desired spot using 3 M adhesive plates and enjoy uninterrupted energy-efficient light.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Easy to install
- Compatible with all standard USB devices
- Flicker-free light
Cons
- Some might find that the lights get a bit hot after extended use.
"I got this sleek light bar for my desk, and I'm pretty happy with its customizable color temperatures and brightness. Installation is a breeze, though adhesive is a bit challenging. Despite minor hiccups, its dependable USB connection and overall performance make it worthwhile."
6. Best With Flexible Arm: Daylight Company LED Art & Craft Lamp
If you’re looking for the ideal addition to your arts and crafts desk to provide excellent lighting without clashing with your decor style, your search ends here. Slim and convenient, this flexible craft light cum desk lamp has a modern design and sleek finish with two independently adjustable shades. Switch between high light output over a wide area or an intense light over a smaller area easily and efficiently. Best suited for art and craftwork, you’ll be able to spend hours on your desk working on your favorite hobby under the energy-saving light of this adjustable lamp.
Pros
- 56 high-quality bright LED lights
- Touch switch dimmer with 4 brightness levels
- Adjustable flexible arm
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Some might find the height of this craft lamp a bit short.
7. Best Durable Design: Kirkas Magnifier Desk Lamp
Here’s a 2-in-1 solution to all your lighting needs! This versatile LED magnifier can be used either as a weighted desk lamp or a convenient clamp lamp for mounting on various work surfaces. The magnifying glass is made of an authentic diopter glass lens and provides over 200% magnification. The anti-glare coating on the lens of this adjustable color craft light helps provide clear vision without distortion, making this lamp the perfect choice for intricate repair work and art projects. Made of high-quality aluminum alloy and glass, this magnifying craft light is both energy-efficient and reliable.
Pros
- Adjustable swivel arm
- Stable and durable design
- 3 color temperatures and stepless dimming
- Adjustable brightness levels between 10% and 100%
Cons
- Some might find the arm of this desk lamp a bit stiff and hard to move.
"While smaller than expected, this desk lamp impressed me with its brightness level and adjustable settings. Its magnification feature is especially helpful, and I enjoy using it for detailed artwork. Overall, it is a decent product!"
Quick tip8. Best With Sturdy Base: Kenley Natural Daylight Lamp
Built to suit any decor style, this versatile and stylish floor lamp makes it easy to see precise details by providing bright artificial light that resembles sunlight. Feel less tired and work more effectively with this lightweight and portable lamp, which is 63-inches tall with a convenient 69-inch cable. A perfect choice for your office, living room, and hobby space, this hands-free craft light is easy to assemble and use while being easy on the eyes. Don’t hesitate to invest in this aesthetically pleasing natural daylight craft light and make reading and craft time more pleasurable and fun.
Pros
- Replaceable 27 W energy-saving bulb
- Lasts for up to 8000 hours
- Adjustable swivel neck
- Sturdy and heavy base
Cons
- This lamp does not come with a dimmable light.
"This lamp offers perfectly focused lighting during reading, sewing, or knitting. I am impressed with its height and adjustable neck, which allow precise positioning. Tricky assembly aside, it's a functional lighting solution for my home."
9. Best With Adjustable Brightness: Lancosc Magnifying Floor Lamp with Rolling Base
If you’re looking for a versatile craft light with a magnifier, here’s one that comes with five wheels at the base, making it easy to move from one spot to the other. Featuring a powerful magnifier and flicker-free dimmable lighting, this studio craft light can be used either as a free-standing floor lamp by beauticians and dentists or as a multi-purpose desk lamp for sewing, reading, knitting, and other craftwork. The solid, stable base prevents toppling, and the easy assembly and durability make this craft light a popular choice amongst professionals and hobbyists alike.
Pros
- 5x magnification without distortion
- Flexible and smooth operation
- Adjustable brightness
- Long swing arm
Cons
- Some might find the finish of this craft light a bit rough.
"I've been using this magnifying lamp for a while, and it meets my expectations. Its magnification power and adjustable lighting are great for minute details. However, its positioning can be challenging due to the top being heavy. Still, I like its clamping and rolling options."
10. Best With Convenient Charging Outlet: Ottlite 24 W Ultimate 3-In-1 Craft Lamp
Here’s a 3-in-1 craft lamp designed to meet all the needs of your workspace in a powerful and versatile package. This multipurpose lamp can be used in three configurations — as a floor, table, or clamp-on craft light — to meet all your professional and home requirements. With an attractive champagne color finish, this unique articulating craft lamp provides powerful magnification and features a sturdy hands-free clip to hold charts and instructions. An articulating, expansive shade offers a broad area of illumination, making this tabletop craft lamp the ideal choice for long hours of work.
Pros
- Long and flexible arms
- LED illuminated 2x optical-grade magnifier
- Convenient charging outlet
- Sturdy, weighted base
Cons
- Some might find the floor lamp height a bit difficult to adjust.
"This lamp's adjustability and bright light have helped with my detailed crafting. The magnifier is a boon for intricate work, and the clip holds patterns conveniently. While the plastic build seems thin, it's a valuable addition to my workspace."
11. Best With Stepless Dimming: Psiven LED Architect Lamp
Designed for professionals, this trusted LED desk lamp features a sturdy and sleek design made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and high-quality metal. The rotating base and swiveling LED panel, a special feature, make this high-intensity craft lighting lamp highly adjustable and easy to use. Soft, comfortable, and glare-free, the compact craft lighting solution provides wide-area illumination while preventing eye fatigue. What’s more, the convenient memory function remembers the last mode you selected before turning off the lamp and switches on at the same mode.
Pros
- Three lighting modes
- No flickering or ghosting
- Stepless dimming
- Double-hinged arm
Cons
- Some might find the power button a bit difficult to operate.
"After using this desk lamp for some time, I find its adjustable warmth and angle practical for various tasks. However, the lack of a locking mechanism for the joints is a bit bothersome. Nonetheless, it is a decent option for my art table."
How To Choose The Right Craft Light?
Here are a few factors you need to review when picking the ideal product to meet your requirements.
- Brightness: This depends entirely on the purpose you wish to use your craft light for. Using exclusively for reading, a glare-free light that provides adequate brightness to avoid eye strain would be ideal. Those using a craft light for intricate design work would benefit from a bright LED light with additional features such as a good-quality magnifier. It is best to pick a craft light with adjustable brightness to use your craft light for various purposes like sewing, knitting, repair work, and other crafts.
- Design: An important feature to look out for when picking a lamp is the design of the craft light to fit in well with the decor in your home or workspace. Portable lights are ideal when looking for a light exclusively for reading. Floor-standing craft lights with adjustable arms are best suited for professional work where space is not a constraint. Other design styles include desk lamps, battery-powered craft lights, and clamp-down style lamps, each offering different functions and benefits.
- Durability: Not all craft lights are created equal when it comes to how durable and sturdy they are. Pay close attention to the material used in constructing the lamp. Craft lamps made of aluminum and metal alloys are generally long-lasting and reliable. Avoid lamps made of plastic unless it is for portable use. Another factor to consider is the kind of light bulb used in the lamp. LED lamps are energy-saving, long-lasting, and offer varying degrees of brightness, making them a great choice when picking a craft lamp that is sure to stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do lumens measure in craft lights?
Lumens are the measure of brightness. The larger the lumen, the brighter the crafting light.
2. Does a craft light need to be movable?
Portable craft lights are a better option because, oftentimes, the craft work area is not fixed, and sometimes you might want to look closer at a detail while working.
3. What color light is best for craftwork?
Daylight is considered the best color light for craftwork because it makes all your work more visible and makes it easier for you to work on intricate details. You can also opt for color-changing craft lights for versatility.
4. Are craft lights safe?
Craft lights are considered safe to use because they are covered by plastic, aluminum, or metal. And they also protect your eyes from strain by providing an adequate amount of brightness.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our product review team has formulated this well-researched set of the best craft lights after investigating each best-selling product on various online platforms and reading many customer reviews. We have included durable and consumer-tested lights with bright and adjustable illumination, adjustable heads, brightness levels, and smooth operation. Moreover, the article also has a buying guide highlighting the different factors you should consider before choosing the right craft light.
The Bottom Line
A good craft light makes it easier for you to work on your designs by enhancing focused visibility and ensuring you don’t have to strain your eyes. No matter which style or design you pick from this list, you will be investing in a light that gets the job done. The best craft lights enable you to work through the night or darkness on projects that require intricacy and attention to detail. Options listed here include the Lepro LED Desk Lamp, which is easy to operate, the multipurpose Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, and the Verilux SmartLight Floor Lamp with a flexible gooseneck. So, make the most of your crafting experience by complementing it with any of these super-affordable lights that feel comfortable for daily use and match your unique requirements.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Craft Light?
A craft light helps you focus on your work comfortably with adequate lighting. However, choosing the right craft light per your need may be daunting when you have craft lights that mimic daylight or lights suitable for a table or floor lamp. Have a look at the following infographic to read through the buying guide.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Sunil Batra et al.; (2019); Light Emitting Diode Lighting Flicker, its Impact on Health and the Need to Minimise it
https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/12880/41491_220419_41491_CE%5BRa1%5D_F(KM)_PF1(AJ_SHU)_PFA(SL)_PN(SL).pdf
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