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Last month Hackney-based Group Design launched the simple, purpose-driven 490 Desk Lamp. The base, stand and shade are laser-cut from a single piece of powder coated 1.5mm steel formed into shape by a few simple 90-degree “folds.” The minimal body is balanced by a retro fabric cable in contrasting red or silver.
The warm, glare-free light source is a low, 3 watt LED that produces about 240 lumens, equivalent to a 12V 20W halogen bulb. The light can be controlled with a touch dimmer, making the lamp suitable for the beside as well. All the parts can be completely recycled at the end of their life, though with a light that lasts 50,000 hours you might not ever need to. If you run the lamp all day long it will last for 2,083 days, or almost six years, and if you use the lamp every day for an eight hour work day, the LED will last over 17 years without needing to be replaced, making it the best £150 you’ll spend this decade.
