Best Overall Lamp, The Strategist

New

Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

The light box researchers choose for their own studies.

$169.99

FSA and HSA eligible - See Details

Features

✓ Chosen by university researchers and independently tested by Yale
✓ Large 15.75" x 13" light surface gives you room to move
✓ 10,000 lux therapy mode plus a 5,000 lux task light
✓ Adjustable height and angle bring the light from above
✓ Mimics sunlight with full-spectrum, UV-free light

Free Shipping $99+
60-Day Easy Returns
5 Year Warranty

Description

Wake up with energy, sleep well, and feel like yourself all winter long. That's what a morning with the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus is for. It's the light box researchers rely on. Yale's light therapy program tested it themselves and measured a full 10,000 lux at 13 inches, so you're getting the real thing, tested and proven, at a comfortable distance. The screen is big enough to let you eat breakfast, read, or catch up on email during a 20 to 30 minute session, and a second setting keeps it going as a task lamp you'll use all day.

How to Use - Three Easy Steps

1. Set Up Your Lamp
Adjust the height so your eyes line up with the center of the lamp, then tilt the head about 15 degrees. Sit 12 to 14 inches away.

2. Start Your Morning Session
Slide the switch up to the therapy setting and use it for 20 to 30 minutes soon after waking, while you journal, answer messages, or ease into your workday. Keep your eyes open without looking directly at the light, and slide it down to 5,000 lux when you want task light.

3. Build Brighter Mornings
Use it at the same time each morning. Many people notice brighter mornings within a week or two of consistent use, so give it a few weeks before you judge it. A steady routine helps keep your body clock in sync, supporting steadier daytime energy and more restful sleep.

How it Works - What Studies Say

Why Morning Light Matters
Bright light reaching your eyes is one of the strongest signals your circadian rhythm uses to keep time. That internal clock helps shape when you feel alert and when you feel ready for sleep, and it gets a weaker cue when daylight is short or you spend most of the day indoors.

Why Distance Matters
Yale's light therapy researchers caution that many lamps advertised as 10,000 lux only reach that level a few inches from your face. The Classic Plus delivers full-strength light at 12 to 14 inches, a comfortable distance for a seated session.

Specifications

LUX	10,000 LUX at 12-14"
UV Protection	100%
Color Temperature	4000K
Light Spectrum Type	Full-Spectrum (450nm – 675nm)
Number of Light Settings	2 (10,000 LUX and 5,000 LUX)
Height Adjustable	Yes
Angle Adjustable	Yes
Screen Size	15.75" x 13"
Warranty	5 Year Warranty
Light Source Type	LED
Power Source	Corded Electric, 120V
Product Dimensions	25"-28.75" H x 15.75" W x 12" D
Product Weight	9.35 lbs

Download User Guide (PDF)

Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

$169.99

Decades of Trusted Light Therapy in Every Morning Session

Tested Side by Side, Chosen Best Overall

Designed to Mimic Sunlight for Best Results

“Of the lamps tested, this impressively large option was found to mimic natural sunlight best.”

The Strategist, Best Overall Lamp
More Light Surface for Comfortable Daily Sessions

“Unlike many light therapy lamps on the market, this one does not skimp on the light surface size.”

Popular Science, Best for Light Intensity
Full-Strength Light to Help You Start Each Day Energized

“Touted by both professional and customer reviews for its strength.”

U.S. News & World Report, Best Overall

Trusted by Light Therapy Researchers

When researchers need a dependable full-size light box, the Day-Light Classic Plus is a lamp they have chosen and tested themselves.

Used in a Published Study

Virginia Tech Carilion researchers named the Classic Plus as the light source in a randomized study.

Independently Measured by Yale

Yale's light therapy program confirmed full-strength light from 13 inches away in its own testing.

A Design With Decades Behind It

The latest version of the classic Day-Light design, from a brand making therapy lamps since 1993.

Room to Read, Eat, or Work

A 15.75" x 13" glare-free light surface covers a wide field, so your session fits around coffee and the news, a morning stretch, or the first half hour at your desk.

Freedom to Move Mid-Session

A larger light therapy box keeps you in the light when you reach for coffee or turn a page.

Tiltable Angle

Tilt the head about 15 degrees with your eyes near the center of the lamp.

UV-Free From Edge to Edge

The screen blocks 100% of UV light, so daily sessions don't expose you to UV.

Therapy Light by Morning, Task Light by Day

This natural light therapy lamp does double duty: full strength for your morning session, then a 5,000 lux task light for reading and hobbies the rest of the day.

One Simple Switch

Slide up for therapy, down for task light. There are no menus or settings to learn.

Stays Put Where You Set It

A weighted base and push-button height and angle adjustments hold the lamp steady.

Ready in Minutes

Attach the base with one screw. The screwdriver comes in the box.

Chosen by Editors. Recognized by Experts.

Twenty-plus years of expert praise, and counting.

Why People Trust Day-Light for Their Light Therapy

Light therapy from a science-led brand trusted since 1993.

Used in Independent Research

Day-Light lamps have been used in independent studies by leading researchers.
Designed Around What Experts Recommend

Built with the light intensity, coverage and positioning experts prioritize.
Featured by 50+ Publications

Recognized by The New York Times, CNN, Men's Journal, Verywell Health and other leading publications.
Try It With Confidence

A five-year warranty and 60-day return policy help protect your purchase.

5 stars: 117 (76%)
4 stars: 16 (10%)
3 stars: 7 (5%)
2 stars: 4 (3%)
1 star: 10 (6%)

Daylight lamp roo top heavy

The lamp helps with providing a much needed light experience while I work, especially during the gloomy seasons. BUT, the top is unpredictable on when it will lock in place or continue to fall and gave the light facing the desk instead of me.

Buy it already

It took me a few years to buy this and I wish I had done it sooner. Growing up in the Pacific NW you just get used to SAD. Now tools like this make can an impactful difference. Even my cats get in on the lamps benefits and now block off the light in my early AM secessions. I love the large size retro styling and quality. Another positive is that there is a regular setting to use it as a normal lamp. Appreciate the super fast shipping and wonderful customer service. Highly recommend.

I never received it

I never received it. But I certainly paid for it.

Great tool - I highly recommend it

Great tool - I highly recommend it.

Day-Light Plus Light

Winter is fine at the beginning, but gets old by February. Helps to keep me out of bad mood when cloudy and don't have time to get outside.

It's ok

It's ok. Not life-changing.

large screen a plus

large screen a plus, clunky switch on the side, easy assembly

A company with RARE INTEGRITY

I'm too sensitive to light for this product (which I felt was an excellent value & which arrived in 2 DAYS from NJ to CA) so it was not for me but I was offered a free return of a HEAVY LARGE package. This speaks volumes Re Carex's integrity. This is a VERY upstanding company & you can have the utmost confidence in them.I can see that the product would work for those that are as hypersensitive as I apparently am.

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

I purchased Carex lamp a week ago. It fit my interior perfectly and it is very easy to operate. I enjoy light therapy and a daylight lamp feature.

Great Lamp

The lamp was purchased for my son, but our whole family uses and enjoys the lamp. It’s too early to see any difference in my son’s mood but I am happy we purchased it.

VeryBright

Very bright!

Effective

Bulky, heavy, expensive and with a large footprint, but surprisingly effective when used as instructed!

Let There Be Light!!!

It came quickly and works. I have just begun the therapy.

Unbelievable results! I am so grateful! Great

Unbelievable results! I am so grateful! Great product!

Seems like a nice solid lamp

The product was packaged quite well so that it did not sustain any damage in shipping. The base is nice and heavy so I do not believe there will be a toppling hazard. I’m very pleased with this purchase.

good light

good light , easy to set up and use and good work light also

I love this lamp for light therapy

I love this lamp for light therapy. It has only been about two weeks, but I already notice a difference. It is easier to get out of bed in the morning and I find I am looking forward to my 30 minutes sitting in front of the light!

Works for me! Gives me more energy

Works for me! Gives me more energy.

Time change

I have been using this light for the past few weeks and feel good despite the time change.

Great product

I bought it a week ago and it's amazing just like the description!!

Highly recommend

First time buying a light therapy box and so happy I got this one. It really has helped me with the seasonal transition.

Great Therapy Lamp

I bought this therapy lamp and it’s definitely made of high quality. It has helped me tremendously with my seasonal affective disorder and it’s very easy to use.

Quality product with solid construction

Solid construction very bright nice adjustment and timing options

Excellent support for an excellent lamp

I got this lamp almost 5 years ago. I had trouble with the light. Customer care responded immediately and is sending a replacement already.This is a good company and the light works great.

It's ok but bulky so you'll probably not use long

The product does what it says it will do in terms of providing the appropriate amount of light for SAD. However it is rather larger and bulky so I've already thrown it in my closet and no longer use it after only three weeks. I was also very upset when I bought this lamp on sale via the Carex website only to see a week later the upgraded version that ISN'T bulky on sale for an even lower price.

Amazing customer service

Amazing customer service very happy with the product

It gives you light but...

The lamp itself performs as advertised; however the part that connects the lamp to the stem is plastic and cracked after minimal use. Now the lamp can't be properly positioned. It seems as if the lamp is too heavy for the design of the stem. This makes it difficult to adjust its position and prone to breaking.

Great light

Great light for helping with SAD. For me personally I wish the light put off a little bit of heat. It stays very cool.

Awesome Lamp!

Review: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

Impressed so far.

I haven't spent alot of time yet using but turned it on and I instantly felt the difference in light compared to other sources. I will use this with my early morning discipline of sketching at my art table for 20 minutes.Carex customer service was great to work with.

Expected more

The lamp is bright but bulky and with poor quality for a product over $100. Less expensive options with 10K lux exist which also allow changing temperature and brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the Classic Plus isn't right for me?

Then send it back. You have 60 days to try it at home, and if it isn't a fit for your space or your routine, our return policy has you covered. And if anything ever stops working the way it should after that, a five-year warranty protects you well beyond the return window.

Should I choose the Classic Plus or the Elite?

It comes down to how you like to use your lamp. Both give you the same full-strength light from the same large screen, with the light coming from above. If you want something simple that researchers have relied on for years, the Classic Plus is the one. If you'd like more control, with four brightness levels, a built-in timer, and a few ways to set it up, take a look at the Elite. Both are FSA/HSA eligible.

How do you use a light therapy lamp?

Make it part of your morning. Sit about 12 to 14 inches from the lamp for 20 to 30 minutes soon after you wake up, with the light at eye level. You don't need to look straight at it; just keep your eyes open while you do your makeup, scroll the headlines, or plan your day. Setup is quick, too: one screw attaches the base, and the screwdriver is in the box.

What lux level should a light therapy lamp be?

Look for 10,000 lux, and pay attention to the distance that number is measured at. Some lamps only reach that level a few inches from your face, which isn't a comfortable way to sit. The Classic Plus delivers it from 12 to 14 inches away, where you can relax, and it blocks 100% of UV light.

Has the Day-Light Classic Plus been used in research?

Yes. Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine used it as the light source in a randomized study, and Yale's light therapy program measured it at 10,000 lux from 13 inches.

What is a light therapy lamp, and how does it work?

A light therapy lamp mimics sunlight at 10,000 lux, about as bright as a clear morning outside, where ordinary indoor lighting falls far short. In the darker months it makes up for the light you're missing, so your body clock can tell morning from night, you feel more awake during the day, and you sleep better at night. All it takes is 20 to 30 minutes each morning, shortly after you wake up.