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IKEA

IKEA Forså Work Lamp: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$Desk lampScore 3.3/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

A $40 classic architect lamp that Wirecutter calls one of the most adjustable it tested. But there is no dimming or color control, the switch is on the cord, and the bulb is now sold separately.

Top complaints

  • No dimming or color temperature

    Wirecutter notes you can't adjust brightness or color temperature; you choose a bulb (up to 40 W) to suit your preference.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Bulb no longer included

    IKEA cut the price by $5 but stopped including the E12 LED bulb; it recommends its Solhetta E12 bulb (Wirecutter).

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Looks and finish

    One Wirecutter tester found it clunky, and the nickel-plated version is a fingerprint magnet.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What owners love

  • Very adjustable

    Three hinges in a spring-loaded arm that rotates 180 degrees, plus a head that rotates 360 degrees; Wirecutter calls it one of the most adjustable lamps it tested.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Heavy metal base, simple switch

    Wirecutter says the heavy base prevents toppling and the simple on-off switch avoids confusing touch controls.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Cheap and well rated

    $39.99 at IKEA, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2,139 IKEA reviews.

    Source: IKEA product page
Good for
  • Lowest cost
  • Aiming light anywhere
  • Choosing your own bulb

Scores (tap for why)

  • Light quality (no glare, CRI)3.0
    Why 3.0?Light quality depends on the bulb you buy; there's no dimming or color control (Wirecutter).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Adjustability & reach4.5
    Why 4.5?Three-hinge spring arm and a 360-degree head: one of the most adjustable lamps Wirecutter tested.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Controls2.0
    Why 2.0?Only an on-off switch on the cord, next to the base.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Build & reliability3.5
    Why 3.5?Metal with a heavy base that prevents toppling, but only a 1-year warranty, and the nickel finish shows fingerprints.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): An affordable lamp in a timeless style that is one of the most flexible for positioning light, but it has no dimming or color control and now ships without a bulb.
Check price on AmazonMaker's pageWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

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