apple_pie_order: thanks for confirming my instinct. The desk we have was purchased a long time ago and I don’t recall a light bridge option. I‘ve tried a variety of desk lamps and none provide the lighting I’m seeking. I’m really looking to illuminate the entire workspace, and could only achieve that when I held the desk lamp up higher (and even then it wasn’t great). So, I feel I need a light source from above, if that makes sense.

Regardless of light style, does anyone know how many watts (or any other specs) I should be looking for? Thanks!

Can I please see a picture of the actual room so I can provide you with some better ideas.

Most of the picture light , light will be lost to the picture, but it will still help round out some of the space that needs to be lit.

In my experience picture lights only let off enough light to illuminate a display of some sorts. To get enough light for tasking you would most likely still need a table light. Have you tried a floor lamp? That might be an option that would produce enough light. You could look for one that is arched so that you could direct the light over the desk.

I wouldn't do that. You need a task/desk light you can adjust, particularly if you have a computer so the light doesn't shine on the screen. I have this inexpensive IKEA FORSÅ Work Lamp ($27) which works well. Pick up an E12 bulb just in case the bulb isn't included (it's supposed to be).

RL Relocation: I’ll try to get a picture but I don’t think you’ll see that entire wall. It’s a narrow room and currently there’s no other furniture in it. I’m also looking for a small scale sofa/loveseat for the opposite wall, to go between two windows. I was going to do a separate post on that in the future.

Nanke: I‘m not sure a floor light would help. There’s no place to put one near the desk (it spans most of the wall) and the opposite wall will have a small sofa with end tables between two windows. I can try one we already have, but I’m pretty sure it won’t provide the light we need.

wdccruise: I’ve tried two of those exact IKEA lights (my son has them in his room)! We placed one on each side of the computer and they still didn’t light the whole area - they were too direct, and the lights were like a spot light in a dark room which bothers my aging eyes, if that makes sense. When we tilted the lights up more, it was too much glare in our eyes or on the screen. The other issue was that, even though they are small, they took up too much real estate in an already relatively small work area. For years, the desk was only used to pay bills or search the internet, but it’s now sometimes being used as an actual workspace so I’d like to minimize what sits on the desk area. When I tried these lights was when I realized that what I’m really looking for is more lighting from above. A chandelier would probably be a perfect solution lighting-wise, but the room isn’t wired for one and it‘s probably too narrow to look appropriate.

Thanks so much for everyone’s thoughts. Looks like I’m back to the drawing board!

How about this very small SVALLET Work lamp or this NÄVLINGE LED wall/clamp spotlight? Perhaps using one of these to illuminate the work area in addition to ambient room lighting (from floor or other table lights) would prevent the "spot light in a dark room which bothers my aging eyes" problem.

Wdccruise: yes, I’ve come to the realization that I definitely need more ambient room lighting in addition to the task lighting I’m seeking. When I first read your post, my reaction was that perhaps a series of those clamp lights might work above the pinboard, but I don’t really have any place to clamp them (looking at how the pinboard is attached to the wall, you couldn’t attach them to the top). I think that’s why the picture light appealed to me - I thought the length of it would provide more spread out lighting. For example, in my bathroom, if all the lights are off except for the one over my vanity, the lighting is still sufficient while I’m getting ready at my vanity (the rooms are about the same size). I think I was trying to replicate that.

Thanks to all for helping me brainstorm a solution - your comments have made me think about my issue in a way I hadn’t before. A trip to our local lighting store might be in order now that I better understand what I need.

1- You can swag chandeliers on a chain and cord plugged into a wall socket. An electrician can wire it for you. THere are many lights already made for this purpose. Check online.

2- Also consider having a light bar made for you. A long LED strip light attached to a stained and finished shelf board would work. Adding molding along the front to block glare may be a good add-on. Some big box stores carry ready made shelves in dark cherry finishes.

3- Task lighting for older eyes often benefits from bluer light bulbs. That's one reason why the GE Reveal bulbs are popular.

One of these LED task lamps may work. Or two. THey are dimmable. https://www.amazon.com/BZBRLZ-Brightness-Adjustable-Eye-Caring-One-Button/dp/B07PKKM4B1

apple_pie_order: Thanks for the additional ideas! Having something made might be an option, or possibly swagging a chandelier. Lots to think about - thanks!

Home Depot has a number of swing-arm wall fixtures such as this small one that might work.

Wdccruise: I really like that one, thanks! I think the style/colors would work, and if I used two they should provide a good amount of light, right? The description says each one is 60 watts. I admit I really have no concept of how much light that is. I’ll have to check some other lights in the house to compare. I really appreciate you continuing to help me! I’ll report back after I visit HD.

still want to see the room............

RL: Sorry, I quickly tried to snap a picture of that wall, but you really can’t see anything more than what’s in the stock picture, so I didn’t think it would be helpful. I’ll try to get room decent pictures when I start the new post about furniture layout and overall lighting. We’re starting a master bedroom/bathroom renovation on Wednesday so it may take me a bit though, I appreciate your interest!

I wouldn't start a new post, people are invested in this one, and asking on another post about lighting and furniture would just have people jumping around.......