10,000 lux at distance
The useful question is where the lamp reaches target brightness and whether that distance is realistic for a desk or breakfast setup.
How to Choose a SAD Light Therapy Lamp
A good SAD lamp is not just bright. It needs believable 10,000 lux guidance, comfortable glare, enough surface area for real morning use, and a routine fit that you can actually keep.
Quick answer
- Look for 10,000 lux at a realistic sitting distance, not at an impractical face-close measurement.
- Prioritize comfort and glare control if you expect to use the lamp every morning.
- A lamp that fits your desk and routine usually beats one with stronger-looking marketing claims.
What to check before buying
Glare comfort
If the lamp is too harsh to sit with for 20 to 30 minutes, it will not survive a real morning routine.
Lamp size
A larger light surface usually gives a more comfortable, believable setup than a tiny bright source.
UV and safety language
Look for lamps that explain UV-free or UV-filtered claims clearly instead of using vague reassurance.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a lamp by lux headline alone.
- Ignoring glare and assuming any bright lamp will be comfortable.
- Buying a tiny lamp for a use case that really needs a wider, more stable morning setup.