Hanter Table Light: Where to Place It for Warm Task Lighting

By Tom Raffield | Luxury British Wooden Lighting Designer | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Place the Hanter Table Light where its arc throws light evenly across a desk or bedside. Follow these steps to position it for warm task lighting without glare.

Quick answer

Place the Hanter Table Light slightly behind and to the side of your work surface, with its open arc facing the task and the exposed bulb at roughly eye level or just below. This sends warm light across the desk or bed without shining directly into your eyes.

Why the Hanter's open arc changes placement

Unlike a shaded lamp, the Hanter has no diffuser to soften or direct the bulb. Its steam-bent oak arc holds a single filament bulb in open air, so light radiates in all directions. That makes placement more about controlling the spread than aiming a beam. A spot directly in front of you will bounce glare off paper or a screen; a spot behind your shoulder will light the task evenly. The arc itself is a visual cue—point its curve toward the area you want lit, and the bulb will sit naturally on that side.

When a bedside or desk placement won't work

The Hanter is happiest on a surface with some depth: a desk, a generous bedside table, or a sideboard. On a narrow shelf or a crowded nightstand, the open bulb can sit too close to a wall or a seated person, creating harsh shadows or glare. If your surface is shallow, consider a wall-mounted or floor light instead. Also check that the exposed flex and brass fitting are not strained by the arc's position—the lamp is designed to sit stable on its solid timber base, so avoid perching it on an uneven edge.

How to position the Hanter Table Light step by step

Choose the right surface: Set the Hanter on a stable, level surface with enough depth for the timber base and room for the arc to extend without touching a wall. A desk or a deep bedside table works best. If the surface is less than about 30 cm deep, the arc may crowd the wall and bounce glare back at you.
Aim the arc away from your eyes: Turn the lamp so the open side of the arc faces the task area, with the bulb positioned to the side of your line of sight—not directly in front of you. Sit in your normal position and check that you cannot see the bare filament directly; if you can, rotate the base slightly.
Set the height for task work: For desk work, the bulb should sit roughly at or just below eye level when you are seated, so light falls onto the desk rather than into your face. For bedside reading, a similar height works if you sit up to read. If the lamp is too tall for your seat height, place it on a lower surface or use a lower-wattage bulb to reduce glare.
Check for shadows and hotspots: Turn the lamp on and look at your working area. The unshaded bulb can create a bright pool directly beneath it and darker edges. Adjust the arc's angle or move the lamp slightly further from the task to spread light more evenly. If you see a harsh shadow from your hand or a book, move the lamp 10–15 cm further to the side.
Style the cable and base: The exposed flex traces along the arc into a brass fitting. Let it hang naturally without kinks, and keep the timber base clear of clutter so the steam-bent form reads as intended. Avoid hiding the flex under heavy objects; it is part of the design and should fall in a loose curve.

Product facts

Hanter Table Light: The Hanter Table Light uses a taut arc of steam-bent oak with an exposed filament bulb that radiates light in all directions. Because the bulb is unshaded, you control glare by placing the arc to the side of your task rather than directly in front of your eyes.
Hanter Table Light