Kayla Young
Light is a very powerful thing. When used correctly, it can positively affect the body and mood. Such is the case when we use light therapy floor lamps. Some of these light therapy lamps work on relieving Seasonal Depression and improving sleep patterns. Others are more focused on working on the cells to help improve the appearance or well-being.
In this article, we’ve looked at several of the best light therapy floor lamps available. Floor lamps are in some ways more effective than desk lamps at treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, but still have some of the issues that plague other SAD lamps. We’ll discuss more about that, and other solutions for Seasonal Affective Disorder, below.
Of all the floor lamps reviewed, we found that the Northern Light Technologies FlamingoLight Therapy Floor Lamp is the best light therapy floor lamp available.
Contents
Light Therapy Floor Lamp Comparison Table
Our Top Pick: Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Light Therapy Floor Lamp
Key Points at a Glance
- Improves Mood & Well-Being
- Huge Screen
- Adjustable Angles
- Recommended By Doctors
- All-Metal Construction
The Details
The best light therapy floor lamp available today is this Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Light Therapy Floor Lamp. It is rated at 10,000 Lux, and you’ll need to be about 12″ from the lamp to get 10,000 lux exposure in 30 minutes. Keep in mind that if you sit further from the lamp than that, you’ll need to stay there for a longer time in order to get a 10,000 lux “dose”.
It uses glare-free fluorescent bulbs that are capable of mimicking natural sunlight. What’s nice about it is that all the UV lights are filtered to make it a safe yet effective lamp that can help you feel happy. This is also why it is a product recommended by doctors for those with jet lag, works on different shifts, have a circadian sleep disorder or feel low energy during the winter season. These are all symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which I’ve written about here.
It is a very durable product due to its all-metal construction. It is also durable and reliably made here in North America so you can be sure that it will last. With the bright light that it produces, you’ll be able to feel happier and more energized because it increases serotonin and decreased melatonin in the body.
Many users of the Northern Light Flamingo have nothing but good experience about it. Most of find it to be effective. Some used it to improve their mood in winter times while others used it to help fix their body clock so they can easily wake up in the morning.
Many also loved the adjustable angle of the screen that makes it easier to position and use. Some use it while sewing, crafting, or with their hobbies so they can do multiple things at once. However, there are still some who felt that the lamp is too expensive and that it didn’t help them at all.
- 10,000 Lux Sun Light Therapy: Experience 10,000...
- Two: Bright floor lamp that can also be used as a...
- LED Features: Replaceable LED bulbs, full...
- Energy Efficient: Lower wattage of 2x 18 Watt LED...
- Durable: Sustainable light box therapy floor lamp...
Our Runner Up: Aceple LED Light Therapy Lamp
Key Points at a Glance
- Adjustable Angle And Height
- Projects Natural White Light
- UV Free
- Powerful At 20W
- Light Projects Downward
The Details
Our second-place choice is the Aceple LED Light Therapy Lamp. This lamp is able to provide 10, 000 Lux at a distance of 6 inches. This lamp comes with a stand that enables it to project the light downwards, which is ideal for light therapy.
Keep in mind that a bright light source 6″ away from your eyes can be uncomfortable, and most people will sit further away than that. If you sit further away, you’ll need to sit for more than 30 minutes to get your 10,000 lux dose.
The Aceple stand has a gooseneck design that allows easy angle adjustments. The stand itself is also adjustable in height. This is excellent, as you want your SAD lamp to shine down on you from above, to mimic the light of the sun.
There is a physical switch that turns the lamp on but it can also work well with a smart outlet. You don’t have to worry about safety while using it because it is 100% UV free. Even if it is free of UV light, users still shouldn’t stare at the bright light, of course.
Customers who used it loved to use it because they get great results out of it. Some highly recommend the product. Others didn’t notice the difference but they love using the lamp because it is very bright and makes it easier to see what they are doing.
This lamp works well if you use it as directed, but it can be hard to find the time to sit for 30 minutes each morning in front of a light therapy lamp.
Best Budget: Lavish Home Sunlight Therapy Floor Lamp
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy To Use
- Multi-directional
- Different Colors Available
- Various Heights Available
- Affordable Price
The Details
Being on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your need for a light therapy floor lamp. The Lavish Home Sunlight Therapy Floor Lamp is a very affordable alternative. It provides pure bright and natural light. This light has 1300 lumens of output, which translates to somewhere around 8000 lux at 12″ distance. You’ll need to sit in front of it for about 35 minutes to get a “dose” if you’re using it for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
This floor lamp is very useful for a variety of needs. It can aid in doing intricate tasks and it can also be used in light therapy. It has an adjustable gooseneck so you can use the lamp in various angles. This helps better direct the light to where you need it to be.
It is very easy to use and also very easy to assemble. There are different colors available and it also comes in different heights. It is lightweight so it is easier to move around due to the plastic lamp base material. Nevertheless, it is sturdily constructed.
Many users love how bright it is and how it is able to uplift the mood just by making the place less gloomy and more bright. Many also used it for light therapy and had great success with it. However, some also feel that the lamp was poorly constructed and designed. Some also had a difficult time in assembling it because they can’t screw the poles together.
- MODERN FLOOR LAMP - This stylish standing lamp has...
- IMITATES NATURAL LIGHT - Equipped with a PL-27W...
- ENERGY-SAVING - The included energy-saving...
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL - The gooseneck arm on the...
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Materials: Plastic and Metal....
Best Colored Light: Anyork Red Light Therapy Unit
Key Points at a Glance
- Helps Achieve Younger-Looking Skin
- Light Therapy At Home
- Easy To Use
- Suitable For Muscle Recovery
- Can Be Used For Pain
The Details
Light therapy isn’t only for improving mood or your circadian rhythm. Colored Light Therapy can also be used to achieve better-looking skin, pain relief and muscle recovery. This is exactly what the Anyok Red Light Therapy Unit is used for. This floor lamp emits red LED light at the wavelength of 660nm.
The light produced penetrates well deep into the skin so that it can help with cell regeneration. There many things that it can help with like skin rejuvenation, improving sleep, managing pain, and in the recovery of the muscles. This floor lamp provides red light therapy at home, which can be expensive when done at a salon, gym, or clinic.
This is also very easy to assemble and there is a manual that describes how it should be done. The lamp head and the tripod it comes with are both adjustable so you can use it while standing, sitting or lying down.
Most users loved this light therapy floor lamp because it is very easy to use. Those who used it to improve their skin have also seen immediate results. Most also agree that it is worth the money but some believe that it should also come with protective goggles for better safety and protection of the eyes while treating the face.
Best for Heat Therapy: Yosooo Infrared Heating Therapy Lamp
Key Points at a Glance
- Used For Beauty Or Health Purposes
- Great For Home Or Salon Use
- Easy To Move
- Quality Materials used
- Adjustable Arm
The Details
Salons are usually focused more on the beauty side but this Yosoo Infrared Heating Therapy Lamp is capable of helping in the beauty and health aspect. It produces infrared light that permeates the skin to help with cell regeneration, improved blood circulation, and immune function, and improve the tissues.
This therapy lamp is great for home use so you can have sessions whenever you want. It is also great for salons because it can easily be brought out when there is a customer then pulled and kept when not in use. The wheels help easily move the unit from one customer to another.
The arm will also conveniently move and can be adjusted to focus the light on the area to be treated. It is also made from high quality and durable materials to make it last and outlast even commercial use.
Customers purchase this therapy lamp for a variety of reasons but they find it to be very effective. They also commend the durability of the lamp frame. Although it works well, some suggest that the switch should be found near the lamp head rather than the socket. Also, some customers noticed a difference when they used the product while others didn’t notice any change at all.
Light Therapy Floor Lamp Buyer’s Guide
Light therapy floor lamps can be used for a variety of reasons. Some like the Circadian Optics SAD Light we reviewed and the Verilux Happy Lights we reviewed are light therapy designed to mimic the natural light of the sun to help out especially during winter. Similarly, there are units that focus on infrared light therapy.
Light Therapy For SAD
SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder happens during wintertime when the body doesn’t receive enough light from the sun. It is a form of depression that can be prevented if only the body is exposed to enough sunlight. During winter, the days may be shorter and often times it’s not sunny at all. In order to correct this, the body is exposed to artificial light.
Artificial light sources are also known as light therapy boxes that produce bright lights that mimic natural sunshine. Through this exposure to light, the body produces various chemicals to help counter the SAD symptoms like sleep disorders, depression, lack of energy or other conditions. Some also call light therapy as phototherapy.
Some doctors may recommend the use of this kind of lamp for patients with SAD. Along with SAD, it can also be used to help out with other types of depression, sleep disorders, dementia, jet lag, or in helping the body adjust to nighttime work shifts.
The problem with these lights is that they’re not practical for many users. It’s hard to sit in the same place for 30 minutes each morning in order to get a “dose”, and you need to sit close to the lamp, with the light positioned above the head. This is awkward.
For this reason, we much prefer Light Therapy Glasses. They’re a much better solution to fighting SAD with artificial light.
Infrared Light Therapy
Another form of light therapy is infrared light therapy. This is a very popular treatment for those who are experiencing chronic pain. Lamps used for this produce light at a specific wavelength. Infra-red lights help the different cells in the body to regenerate and repair themselves. This is why it is not only used for pain but also for faster healing of muscles for athletes or active people as well as for improving the appearance of skin for beauty purposes.
In order for the infrared therapy to work, it needs to penetrate deep into the skin and reach the cells. This penetration is painless and won’t damage the skin. With infrared lamps, people can get the benefits of sun exposure without the harmful UV rays.
Infrared Heating Pads are popular pain management solutions using similar technology.
Who Should Buy These Lamps?
With that, we can say that these lamps are suitable for people who have SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a type of depression that is related to the changing season. The light therapy floor lamps can help mimic natural light to make people feel better and less depressed.
Those who work irregular shifts or those who have a hard time sleeping and waking up early can also purchase this to help them with their sleep. During the day, people can use it to help the body feel like it is under the sun. At night, when there is no light exposure, it would be easier for them to sleep then wake up earlier the next morning.
Light Therapy Floor Lamps are also great for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin. Those with matured skin or those who want to take care of their skin should also buy it so that they can have their own infrared light therapy session on their own.
Athletes or those who usually tire out their muscles would also benefit well from light therapy floor lamps. There are some that produce infrared lights that help well with muscle recovery.
These light therapy floor lamps are also not limited to home use. Those who own a salon, clinic or spa can also purchase them and offer treatment sessions for their clients.
Important Features to Consider
Distance From The Lamp
Manufacturers will usually advise on how far the lamp should be from the customer who’s using the product. Reputable companies are usually ready with this information and may even include it in their product’s features.
Usually, the distance advise by most manufacturers is 6-12 inches for 30 minutes, but there are some who offer more. The distance between the person and the lamp can also affect the comfort felt by the user during their session. Being too near can easily make the eyes strain.
Sitting further away from the light means your session will last longer.
Position of the Light
A SAD lamp should be positioned above the eyes, so the light shines down into the eyes from above. This is to mimic the sun as much as possible.
Lightbox Size
Light therapy floor lamps also come with lightbox or screens in various sizes. The best ones are the larger sized ones because they are also able to cover larger areas. Also, most of the tested light therapy lamps have larger screens so it’s best to go for those that have already been researched well.
Safe Wavelengths
No matter what kind of light therapy floor lamp you are looking for, you should always focus on safety. The wavelength of light used should be safe for the body. These lamps mimic the sun but should be free from UV rays. This means you won’t get a sunburn using the products. You won’t also get a tan when exposing your skin under such lamps.
Similarly, for infrared lamps, you should know the exact wavelength used. This also helps you determine if it is really effective for red light therapy or not. Some wavelengths, which belong to the infrared zone, may also be more effective than the others so choose well.
Lux Rating
When looking for a light therapy floor lamp that produces light similar to the sun, one of the things that should be considered is the lux rating. Usually, most products are rated from 2500 to 10,000. With this rating, you would want to get the one with the highest. The higher the lux rating, the shorter the time you would need to spend sitting on it in one session.
The shorter the time you spend under the light the better. This is because the longer your session is, the higher is the risk of straining your eyes. Also, spending less time under the lamp gives you more time to do the things that you want to do.
Materials Used
If you want a durable unit, then it is best to get those that are made of metal. The only drawback is they may be very heavy to move. If they also have wheels, then you wouldn’t have any problem moving or sliding them around your home or spa.
If you wish to have a unit that you can easily carry from one room to another, those that are made of plastics will do. These are lighter than the metal ones but they are most likely stable too and wouldn’t get damaged due to use.
Price
If you have a specific budget, then make sure you purchase one that’s suitable for it. You won’t want something that’s too expensive only to realize that you don’t want to use it after trying for a couple of months. There are some light therapy lamps that are affordable but are also effective.
If budget isn’t a problem, then you still have to find one that is worth the price. There are some that are very expensively priced but they work just like the more affordable units. Look closely at the features and determine whether they are worth it or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overdose on light therapy?
Light therapy floor lamps that produce light similar to sunshine have the UV rays filtered out for safety purposes. Prolonged exposure under them isn’t really dangerous. The problem is if you have yourself exposed to them before bedtime. The lights can affect your body clock and would be able to fix your sleep patterns or disrupt them.
For lamps that produce infrared light, too much exposure is also not advisable because it can also cause damage to the skin. If there is also prolonged exposure to unprotected eyes, it could also cause problems. Manufacturers will most likely suggest the optimal amount of time for your session. It is best to follow it than risk harming yourself.
Can Light Therapy Floor Lamps Damage Eyes
Yes, light therapy floor lamps can damage the eyes when not used properly or when used without protection. It is always advised not to stare at the light and just let your skin bask in it. There are even goggles available to help protect the eyes.
The white light from light therapy floor lamps is very bright just like the sun. And just like the sun, you also shouldn’t stare at it. Most also advise having the lamp over the head and the tilt should be downwards. This prevents people from unconsciously staring at the lights.
Can These Be Used With Smart Homes Or Systems?
Smart homes and smart systems are available today and automation of these light therapy floor lamps is also possible. They are easy to switch on and off so it won’t be easy to automate that switch. Some of the lamps also have modern systems that you can easily tap into to automate.
Other Products We Looked At:
Kenly Sunlight Torchiere
The Kenly Sunlight Torchiere is not only a functional light therapy floor lamp, but it is also a stylish and decorative piece. It has a modern design that will suit the office, living room, or a reading nook. It mimics the natural noon sunshine so that the body exposed to it will be re-energized. Great for those who want to feel energized at the start of their day or those that need a boost due to working late at night.
It has a sturdy base so you can easily adjust the lamp without tipping it over. The gooseneck helps adjust the angle of the head so it can be focused. Also, it has an energy-saving bulb that can last for up to 8,000 hours of use.
Many users who’ve tried it and were amazed by the results buy more to give to their family and friends as gifts. It’s a great reading lamp and a therapy lamp as well. Many of the customers have already felt the positive mood changes upon exposing themselves to it’s light especially during winter.
Key Points at a Glance
- Imitates Noon Sunshine
- Stylish And Versatile
- Different Colors Available
Leawell TDP Infrared Heat Lamp
No products found.
For various body pains, the Leawell TDP Infrared Heat Lamp is a great choice. It produces far-infrared radiation so that it can easily penetrate the skin and reach the various cells in the body. It can be used in the hands, legs, back or anywhere with arthritis or pain.
This lamp uses a plate instead of the typical wires or a bulb to produce the infra-red light more efficiently and to increase the lifespan of the unit to about 5000 hours. The digital controller is found in the middle of the stand. The angle of the head of the lamp can also be adjusted to better focus on the area for the treatment session.
Most customers agree that it works and many of them give praise to the very useful timer function. Many also find it easy to use but some people also complain about the burning plastic scent when it is used. Lastly, many also loved the control panel and find it better than the others.
Key Points at a Glance
- Excellent Infrared Penetration
- Even Heating
- Adjustable Height
No products found.
Salmue Infrared Light Therapy Stand Lamp
No products found.
For therapy of various conditions that produce chronic pain, the Salmue Infrared Light Therapy Stand Lamp is a good option. It can be used by athletes, women elderly or anyone who needs to increase their blood circulation or relieve muscle and joint pain.
It is very easy to use and only needs 2-3 minutes to preheat. The light should be about 30cm away from the skin for it to effectively treat the specific area of the body. Treatments sessions can last from 20 to 30 minutes. This should be regularly done because the results aren’t instant.
Many believe that this lamp is of decent quality. It serves its purpose and is also easy to assemble. On the other hand, some gave it a very low rating because of the lack of instructions for assembly. They were not able to assemble it properly and had a hard time with it.
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy and simple operation
- Can treat various conditions
- Durable unit
No products found.
Conclusion
With the light therapy floor lamps available today, we can confidently say that the best one of all is the Northern Light Technologies Flamingo Light Therapy Floor Lamp. It has a very high lux rating of 10,000 and can be effectively used even when you are 12 inches away from the lamp or screen. It is also durably constructed with metal and the angle can be easily adjusted.
