Choose a lamp by the distance and position you can actually use, not just the largest lux number on the box. A good buying decision starts with your breakfast table or desk: where will the light sit, where will you sit, and will that arrangement work each morning?
What should you look for in a SAD lamp?
The NHS guide to seasonal affective disorder advises looking for a UV-free light, a stated brightness of 10,000 lux and a UKCA or CE mark. It also recommends speaking to a GP before trying light therapy. Those checks come before colour, styling or optional controls.
Compare brightness at a stated distance
Two boxes marked 10,000 lux may require different sitting positions. Ask how far your face can be from the panel at that output, and which brightness setting the measurement uses. Do not assume that a lamp across the room provides its advertised figure at your eyes. Our guide to lux explains the measurement.
Measure your space before ordering
- Put a book or cardboard rectangle where the lamp would stand.
- Sit as you normally would for breakfast, reading or work.
- Measure from that position to the proposed light panel.
- Check that your monitor, mug and cable will not block the arrangement.
A larger adjustable light can make sense for a permanent morning spot. A smaller folding model is easier to put away. Neither feature alone establishes a medical benefit: these are practical differences that affect how the lamp fits your home.
Which extras are useful?
A timer can make a session easier to remember. Tilt and height adjustment help you position a panel without balancing it on books. Check whether a compact lamp needs a wall socket; portable does not automatically mean rechargeable. Read the supplied instructions and check the UK plug, warranty and delivery terms before purchase.
Comparing DAYARC lights
Rise offers a larger panel with an adjustable stand. Mini has a compact folding design. Use our side-by-side comparison to choose the physical setup that suits you. Check each product page for current price and availability.
Is the most expensive lamp the best?
Not automatically. Pay for a suitable light specification and a design you can use comfortably. Treat claims such as "instant energy", "guaranteed sleep" or "cures SAD" cautiously. A shopping guide cannot diagnose low mood or replace individual clinical advice.