The magnifier lamp combines two important elements for doing small craft work, or for viewing smaller items like coins and stamps. First off, as a lamp, the magnifier lamp provides light, and secondly, it has a large magnifying glass attached to the light (which may have adjustable magnification settings), so you can best visualize small things. People who do beading, embroidery or who engage in any craftwork or hobbies that have small pieces may really benefit from one of these lamps to do their work.
You’ll find that there are numerous types of the magnifier lamp on the market. The simplest and usually the least expensive, are short lamps that stand on your workspace (desk, table, or the like). You can usually adjust the magnifying glass and the light at least up and down, and you may be able to adjust magnification. Such lamps do have the disadvantage of taking up some of your workspace room, but they may be an advantage if you want something inexpensive. You can find this type of magnifying lamp for about $20-40 US Dollars.
Some people prefer a magnifier lamp that offers more magnification settings, and doesn’t take up their workspace. You can readily find a floor standing magnifying lamp, which allows you to bring the magnifier and light down over your workspace while the base doesn’t get in your way. Price on these types will also vary, from about $100 to over $200 USD.
A third alternative is to get a magnifier lamp that attaches to the side of your workspace, by screws or hinges. This would also be great for the person who may need some magnification of reading materials. You can attach this type of lamp to a bedside table or even a headboard and use it for nighttime reading in bed. Price on this variant of the magnifier lamp ranges from about $60-120 USD.
Size of the actual magnifying glass may vary. Many are at least six inches (15.24 cm) in diameter. The light on these lamps may need to be specially ordered, and is usually called a tube light. Some use fluorescent tubes, and you’ll be able to find a few with LED lights. Check your local hardware store or the company that made your lamp to find replacements. Also, an added bonus is that many magnifying lamps come with the option of using battery power or plugging in the lamp. This means you can take your lamp with you when you travel, or not have to bother with plugs on your craft space.
You’ll find magnifier lamp types at hardware stores, crafts stores, sewing stores, possibly art supply stores and large stores like Target®. Unless you want to spend a lot of extra money, you’ll usually find the least expensive offerings at a hardware store or a store like Target® or Wal-Mart®.
