Boston Harbor TL-WK-134E-BK-3L Architect Swing Arm Desk Lamp, 17.3" x 15.9" x 13", Black

Okay, so, like, my last swing-arm desk lamp was like totally purchased back in the 80's, dude. And I loved that beautiful desk lamp! The base was very heavy, I could adjust it to almost any angle I could conceive, it was nice and bright, and it was made of METAL. (Yes, I know, metal is a substance that was utilized way back in the days of the dinosaurs before everything became plastic.)I loved my lamp so much that I refused to throw it out even when the switch became "sticky"--much to my dad's chagrin. For years, I was the only one in my family who could turn it on because they didn't know the proper technique to coax it.But alas, my beloved desk lamp finally gave up the ghost. She lived a long and brilliant life. I saved her metal base--just in case.Why do I say all this?...So that you can be comforted by the fact that anyone as picky--and loyal--as me is completely satisfied with this Boston Harbor desk lamp! DO NOT buy your desk lamp from Wally World or any of the other department stores. I looked at them. They stink. #1, the lamp hood is made of plastic. (Hello!? Who's the genius who decided that PLASTIC would be a good choice to encase the space around a 2,000 degree F light bulb? Can anyone say "MELT"?!) #2, the arms are usually only slight bendable. #3, the base is NOT heavy enough to stay in place. #4, the switches are CHEAP cr@p, and I would bet they only last about 1 week.THIS lamp has:1) A very good, thick metal lamp hood2) A jointed arm, and the hood pivots up/down and left/right. So it is completely adjustable.3) A base that weighs about 3 pounds and measures about 6.5" across4) A nice big switch that is super-easy to operate. (It's plastic, but I still like it). If you have arthritis, you could still easily turn on this lamp by simply palming the switch and turning your wrist...seriously!5) A nice long cordI waited to review this lamp to make sure it was good. It is. It's like my old lamp got reincarnated...only a little better!I think I feel safe enough to recycle my old metal base now. RIP, old friend. :)

I purchased one of these from walmart a couple of years ago under the brand Patriot Lighting. The one I purchased here on Amazon is Boston Harbor brand sold by Antonline. Same lamp.They are a simple architect lamp. Nothing fancy, but they work well. The base is nice and heavy to hold the lamp. But, the arm is stiff enough that if you want to adjust the position, you should probably use two hands. A small amount of assembly is required. Basically put the arm into the base and tighten a knurled nut with your fingers. Put the shade into the holder and give it a little twist, and you're done. You must supply the bulb.The round dome at the back of the shade is the switch. Turn it in the same direction for on and off. There is a circular arrow on the dome that is a little hard to see, that tells you which way to turn it. I have turned mine backwards at least half a dozen times, but that hasn't broken the switch. A little surprising these days.The price of this lamp fluctuates up and down a bit, and is a little high at the time of this writing, 12-31-13. You might want to watch the prices from the various sellers.I was going to give this 4 stars simply because it is nothing fancy. But, because it is reasonably well made for the price, and does what it is supposed to do, I'll give it 5. Just don't expect some kind of fashion show.I have taken a quick look at some other reviews. Both of mine came with no scratches. The workmanship is as expected for these days, and this price. In the lamp that I've have had for a couple of years, I started right out with a CFL bulb, and I have had no problems with it getting too hot. For those putting an incandescent bulb in this lamp, I can see it getting too hot. Maybe even hot enough to damage the lamp itself. Remember, incandescent bulbs run at several hundred degrees. The larger the bulb, the hotter it gets.I'm thinking of putting an LED bulb in my new lamp.

We are replacing an antique weighted base, flexible neck, desktop lamp. Nice, but limited range.This light has a wide vertical range from 1.5 inches up to 17 inches. The shaded lamp holder can rotate nearly 360 degrees; and almost 270 degrees front to back. It swivels on its weighted base about 90 degrees. The vertical support arm rotates fore and aft about 4 inches at it's top.Construction appears adequate for incidental use. It has two spring balanced square metal tubular arms with two adjustable friction knobs; and an adequately weighted felt bottomed base. The two prong cord is routed through the arms except at the hinge points. It is of adequate length for most uses. The bulb socket appears to be ceramic, and is suggested for a 60 watt bulb.The singular user friendly feature is the on/off switch. It is a 2-1/2 inch domed knob on top of the lamp holder. After struggling to twist the old stiff pencil sized switches this a major improvement, particularly for those of us whose "pinch power" is diminished.While NOT an industrial quality - or priced - light; it should suffice for reasonable adult home use. How well it will fare in an environment of juveniles is anyone's guess.The instructions are basic, as assembly involves only placing the arm into the base and snugging down the set screw; and aligning the reflector with detents and rotating slightly it to lock in. You must provide your own bulb. No great strength is needed - or desired.If you need an inexpensive flexible work/study light and aren't running a day care center this may be your light.