Personally, for hand work I like a halogen bulb. Nice clean, bright light. I have a decorator-style halogen lamp next to my chair that I've had for probably 20 years. I MAY have replaced the bulb once in that period of time. Has 2 settings - high and low. Low is generally just fine for any quilting, cross-stitching, needlepoint I may be doing. I bought another one (different style at a later date) that was originally to replace the one I had as I thought it was finally dying. Not the case so I have the second one in my sewing room and move around as needed as the light that I have in that room is pathetic. I also have halogen under cabinet lights in my kitchen. I can actually see what I'm doing when I'm prepping food! They do get very warm but it's a small price to pay for the light they emit.