BRAZO - Green, Ultra-Stylish LED Task Lamp [PICS]

Early in grad school, I purchased a halogen task lamp for my desk studies, but I grew tired of it for two reasons: it was too hot and the light was unbearable.  So recently, I started looking around for a new, energy-efficient task lamp and Haworth was kind enough to send me a Brazo Task Lamp designed by Pablo Pardo of Pardo Designs.  Brazo is a real award winner, taking both Best of Competition and Gold in Lighting for Best of NeoCon 2007.   I knew it was going to be nice, but I really had no idea.  Here's my review ...

Sustainability:
Brazo uses super-efficient LEDs for sustainability advantages.  The LED lights are 85% more efficient than incandescents and have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.  Brazo is also 90% recyclable, but I don't plan on doing that anytime soon.  The LED lights aren't hot either, whereas with the the halogen lamp, I actually found myself turning up the AC because the temperature in my workspace was just out of control warm.

Functionality:
Brazo was designed to give you full control of how you use the light.  It's the first desk lamp to offer focus control (which means I can adjust the lamp to any desired light spread) in addition to full dim control.  I love the dim control -- I'm using the light at the computer/study desk right now and can turn the light down so others can watch TV in the background.  The arm rotates in 360 degrees and upward 90 degrees; the height can be adjusted from 14 to 21 inches. 

Design:
Brazo is an all around slick task lamp.  I love the aluminum body and glass shade.  Every detail of the lamp is taken care of and perfected.  No screws or falling arms here, this lamp is legit.  And I get nothing but compliments about it, too.  Had some friends over recently that really liked the look.  But my favorite design element of the lamp is the tactile, subtle grooves that are barely noticeable to the eye and give it the brushed aluminum look.  That's a nice touch.

Overall: I've never used or seen a better task lamp anywhere.  It's incredible, flexible, modern, and very green.  It's expensive, but that's for two reasons, the LEDs and the design.  You get what you pay for.  So, I'm happy to say that the Brazo is my gateway to greater LED adoption. 

UPDATE: by the suggestion of commenter Mike, I've taken some shots of the Brazo in action at home (click to enlarge).  I don't know anything about photography, so forgive the framing, etc.  Note also my favorite chair, Haworth's Zody.  Got a little creative with the bottom shot. 

Comments

[Mike]

Let's see a picture of it on your desk! Stock pictures are pretty, but often hide reality.

[kenlevenson]

It's gorgeous! And while the LEDs are the best we can do - the manufacture of the aluminum body is has a huge carbon footprint. It's nice that it can be recycled but that's almost beside the point - you're never going to throw it out are you?

I've got a good old Tolomeo desk lamp and with the advent of carbon footprint consciousness I simply screwed in a compact fluorescent bulb. Works great - good light, and generates relatively little heat. I suggest giving it a try before buying a new efficient lamp.

[Preston]

Oh, Mike, there's nothing to hide! But, fair enough. I'll charge the camera up and get some pics posted tonight when I get off work. Although I must warn you, I'm a bad photographer!

[Mike]

It's not that I don't trust you, but somehow the character is so much more evident in a bad picture than a really good picture. I certainly appreciate the effort, and I really enjoy reading the blog. Thanks for all the hard work!

Mike

[Preston]

Mike, we're live with photos from my desk at home. Come check it out.

[Mike]

Very Cool. Thank you so much. I hope that I didn't make you clean!

This really adds dimension to the light. I may have to look into one for my office.

Mike

[Preston]

No cleaning here, although, with the hi-res images, I see that I probably should have dusted the lamp. Sorry about that ...

If you're going to redecorate or just need a new lamp, I totally suggest this lamp. 100% happy on this end.

[Lauren]

I love the look of this lamp. Does anyone have a general idea of how much it costs?

[Preston]

Should've put that in the article. The table lamp Brazo is $400 and the floor lamp Brazo is $450.

You can purchase them online at 2modern.

[Lea]

Hey there, I am thinking about using this lamp at a check writing stand for a bank project. Does the power cord come directly out the side of the base? Or does it come from the bottom and then route out the side? I want to be able to fix the lamp in place and have the cord disappear beneath.

Thanks,
Lea