If you're anything like me, good lighting can make or break your creative process. That's why I was so excited to try out the Native Lighting XL Task Bar craft light.
This sleek, modern light promises to deliver exceptional brightness and versatility for all your crafting needs.
I've been using it for a while now, and I'm eager to share my thoughts with you. Let’s dive into the details and see if this light lives up to the hype!
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Native Lighting Task Lamp XL review
- Where to buy Native Lighting Task Lamp XL
- Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting Task Lamp XL
- Looking for more craft lights?
Summary
With multiple colour temperature options, adjustable angles, and a sleek design, the Native Lighting XL Task Bar is a great choice for large craft desks and a variety of crafts.
How we tested
We tested some of the best craft lights on the market, testing five key factors: how bright they are, how well they work, their looks, how easy they are to transport, and whether they're worth the cash.
Armed with a light meter app, we measured the brightness (in lux), comparing it to the EU's indoor work lighting standards. We played around with different lighting modes in various crafting setups, tweaking angles and positions to see how each light shined (or didn't).
We checked out the design, making sure they not only looked good but were ergonomic to use. Plus, we evaluated how portable each light was and how easy it was to move them around.
Finally, we looked at bang for the buck, comparing features and performance against price to see which lights gave the best value for money.
Native Lighting Task Lamp XL review
Key features
- Lux output: 2100 at 30cm
- Colour temperature options: 5, plus an auto function
- Dimensions (cm): Head width 80cm, head depth 4cm, reach 26cm, clamp depth 6cm
- Weight (kg): 1.7kg
- Adjustable angles: The neck is flexible for some change of positioning but not a lot
- Warranty: 2 years
- RRP: £125.99 | $161.99
Brightness- 5/5
This light is seriously bright. Native lighting offer their numbers at a 30cm distance, and they claim a lux output of 2100 at 30cm. My tests hit the mark on the cool setting at max brightness:
| Temperature | Min brightness | Max brightness |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | 900 | 1800 |
| Cool | 830 | 2100 |
| Daylight | 1100 | 1380 |
We also like to measure at 50cm, as we found it to be a more realistic distance while using the lamp. Here are the results:
| Temperature | Min brightness | Max brightness |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | 900 | 1800 |
| Cool | 830 | 2100 |
| Daylight | 1100 | 1380 |
With these settings, I found the light perfect for all sorts of crafting activities, from intricate details on embroidery work to broader projects, like using a sewing machine or painting.
Portability - 3/5
Weighing in at 1.7kg, the Native Lighting XL Task Bar is quite lightweight, but its size and set up makes it a bit cumbersome to move around frequently.
The dimensions are substantial enough to provide excellent coverage but not ideal for portability. It’s best suited for a more permanent spot on your desk or worktable.
Functionality - 4/5
Setting up the light was straightforward once I figured out the somewhat confusing instructions. I spoke with Native Lighting and they informed me they're in the process of changing their instructions to make them clearer to understand, which is great to hear.
The neck is flexible, allowing for some adjustment, but it doesn’t offer a wide range of motion, like the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp, also on test. You can pull the lamp down towards your work or high above it, but not much else. However, there's not much need for anything else, as the wide bar of light is so effective.
I appreciated the touchpad controls, which are intuitive and easy to use. The power button has an LED indicator that switches on when the light is off, so you can easily find it in the dark.
I like the way the cables are concealed by the stem of the light, and the handy UK to US adapter meant I could plug in and use straight away. Overall, it’s a highly functional light for a variety of crafts.
Design- 5/5
I love the design of this light. It’s sleek, modern, and available in white or black to match your aesthetic.
The wires are cleverly hidden, giving it a clean look, and the ergonomic touchpad is both stylish and practical.
The clamp means you don't waste any desk real estate on a stand, which is ideal for crafting areas already dedicating a lot of space to machinery. It’s a great addition to any craft room, not just for its functionality but also for its visual appeal.
If you prefer a floor lamp, why not check our our review of the Serious Readers High Definition Floor Light?
Value for money - 4/5
At £125.99, the Native Lighting XL Task Bar is a solid investment for serious crafters. It offers a vast stretch of light with multiple settings at a reasonable price.
The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind, and overall, it’s a good balance of quality and cost.
They also offer a smaller task lamp which is available on Amazon for £92.39 - a good choice if you're looking to make some savings.
What's in the box:
- Task lamp bar
- Clamp
- Uk/Us adapter plug
- Power cable
- Instruction manual
Where to buy Native Lighting Task Lamp XL
Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting Task Lamp XL
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a reliable, bright, and stylish craft light, the Native Lighting XL Task Bar is a fantastic choice. It delivers excellent brightness with multiple settings, and its sleek design makes it a great addition to any craft space. While it’s not the most portable option, it excels in functionality and aesthetics, making it well worth the investment.
Looking for more craft lights?
If the Native Lighting XL Task Bar piqued your interest, stay tuned! We’ll be reviewing more craft lights soon to help you find the perfect illumination for your creative projects. Happy crafting!
If you're still browsing for the perfect lighting situation, check out our roundup of the best craft lights for more options!
