swag that one with a hook and change the bulb. but the real problem is either the light bulb, or the shadows, so i ould say your best bet is to actually get a desk lamp.

I should have said - the picture is just to illustrate a hanging light over a desk! My bad!!

Unfortunately, a desk lamp won't work...it's a dining table in the middle of a room, so no plug nearby. Also, a desk lamp has a very focused light, and I end up spread out over the entire 4'x4' surface. I'd like the entire table to be more or less evenly illuminated if possible.

My current solution is three paper lanterns twisted together! Not bad light-wise but it looks pretty funny.

oh well then, look up swag chandelier, light fixture.

if you are handy you can diy with a drum shadehttp://www.worldmarket.com/category/lighting/hardware-accessories.do?template=PLA&plfsku=370241&camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A125864507579custom4furniture%26custom0hardware_and_accessories&adpos=1o1&creative=50632183379&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjw-abABRDquOTJi8qdojwSJABt1S1OnJs7PDiu1oUu2YRdECcJZduC0vZ59JLbFBrg_lKKnxoC4nTw_wcB. 

I've actually put a floor lamp next to the table on occasion - but there really isn't space (unfortunately) and the nearest outlets are far enough that it means cords trailing into the center of the room. Plus it only illuminates about a third of the table, no matter how cleverly I position it.

Suspended is the best option for practical purposes.

For a drum light (yeah, I'm handy enough to splice it onto a plug), I was wondering about how the quality of light from that kind of shade would be. Diffuse enough that I won't be feeling like I'm in he spotlight? Bright enough to read/write/work by? I thought about a chandelier, but again I wasn't sure if it would cast light in the best way. I guess that is the real question - what type of shade or lamp will not be too glaring, nor too diffused, bright enough but also soft enough? Is there a perfect choice?

This is a bit different than the others but would you be interested in a pendant grow light. Beautiful warm and welcoming hues but actually grows plants beneath it. You can also attach lampshades to it if you want! Check out our current promo video! Thanks!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1512387238/the-aspect-reinventing-the-grow-light-for-interior?ref=nav_search

You should go for Down Light pendants - these are pendant fixtures that direct light downward. This type of pendant is best for task ( as doing homework) illumination as the light shines completely on the work. Keep in mind that the light source should be slightly in front of your work area but as close as possible. Would be nice to see the table and overall style of the room.