Simple Designs 19.5 Stick Table Desk Lamp with Charging Out

The Verdict

The lamp that quietly solves a desk-space problem

Most desk lamps just light up your workspace. This one also gives you back a wall outlet. That’s the entire pitch of the Simple Designs 19.5" Stick Table Desk Lamp with Charging Outlet — and for a lot of people, that single feature justifies the purchase.

But is it a good lamp, or just a clever one? After digging through the 229 ratings and the 4.6-star average, here’s the real story.

What you actually get

The box contains the lamp itself — no assembly required, which is genuinely nice. The base is weighted and flat, and the stick arm rises to 19.5 inches tall. You get a pull-chain or push-button switch depending on which variant you order (the product image shows the push-button version on the base). The built-in AC outlet sits on the front of the base, oriented so you can plug in a phone charger, monitor, or small appliance without crawling under your desk.

It takes a standard LED bulb (not included), which is honestly a plus — you can pick your preferred color temperature and brightness instead of being locked into whatever the manufacturer chose.

Performance and build quality

The 19.5-inch height is the standout spec here. Most stick lamps top out around 15 inches, which means they cast light across your keyboard but leave your monitor in shadow. This one clears a laptop screen or a 24-inch monitor with room to spare, throwing light across the full desk surface. The weighted base keeps it stable — no wobbling when you bump the desk — and the finish resists fingerprints reasonably well.

The charging outlet works exactly as advertised. It’s a pass-through AC socket, meaning it draws from the same wall outlet the lamp is plugged into. Plug the lamp into the wall, then plug your phone charger into the lamp’s base outlet. Simple. One wall socket now serves both the lamp and one additional device.

What buyers consistently praise

Across the reviews, three themes keep coming up. First, the space-saving design. One reviewer noted, “I live in a small apartment and my desk only has one outlet. This lamp solved that problem completely.” Second, the height. Multiple buyers mentioned that it’s taller than expected, which they appreciated. And third, the simplicity — there’s no fiddly touch sensor, no remote, no app. It’s a lamp with a switch.

Where it falls short

Let’s be honest about the limitations. The outlet is a single AC socket — there are no USB ports. If you wanted to charge your phone directly from the lamp without a wall adapter, this isn’t the product for you. You’ll still need your own charger brick.

The outlet placement also requires some planning. It’s on the front of the base, so if you use a bulky wall adapter (the kind that’s wider than a standard plug), it may block the second socket on your actual wall outlet. Slim chargers are fine; chunky ones will cause frustration.

The built-in switch is on the base, not on the cord or the arm. If the lamp sits behind your monitor, you’ll be reaching around to turn it on. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.

Who should buy this

• Small-apartment dwellers with limited wall outlets — this lamp earns its keep immediately
• Desk workers who need light that clears a monitor rather than just illuminating the keyboard
• Anyone who hates power strips and wants a cleaner cable setup
• Not for you if you need USB charging, or if you prefer adjustable-arm lamps that bend and angle (this one is fixed-position)

FAQ

Q: Does the charging outlet work when the lamp is off? A: Yes. The outlet is independent of the lamp switch. You can leave a device charging even with the light off.

Q: What bulb does it take? A: A standard medium-base (E26) LED bulb, up to 60 watts equivalent. Not included, so budget an extra $5–10.

Q: Is the lamp heavy enough to stay put? A: The base is weighted and stable. It won’t slide around, but it’s not weighted heavily enough to survive a deliberate knock — keep it away from high-traffic edges.

The Verdict

Buy it if you’re short on wall outlets and want a no-nonsense lamp that clears your monitor. Skip it if you need USB ports or an articulated head for targeted lighting.

This is a focused, well-executed product that solves one specific problem elegantly. The 4.6-star rating is earned — it’s not flashy, but it does exactly what it promises, and for many buyers, that’s worth every penny.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.