What are your favorite lamps that you have used to do work under? What light bulbs do you recommend for these lamps?

I had the same problem in a previous apartment. I really like floor lamps that have both the three-way lamp on top, and adjustable task lighting/reading light arm, for illuminating my living/study/work spaces. The one I used to have was from Target but I've seen more stylish/substantial models at Ikea and the like. How many or how to configure probably depends on your apartment layout and where you like to work. I had mine between a desk and a reading chair, and another one across the room. I use "daylight bulbs" which emit a cool white rather than the more yellowish tones of typical bulbs. I find that my eyes don't feel as tired after many hours of reading, and it also makes the room feel brighter (to me) if you have cream colored walls. They are fairly long lasting as well as energy efficient. Hope that helps!

One more thing: the lamp I mentioned claims to be "full spectrum light", which I think is the operative element in why I like it. (I *think* this is the same as the "daylight bulbs" that sm1tten is talking about, but I'm not entirely sure.) If you already have a desk or floor lamp that you can use, it should be possible to buy light bulbs that are full spectrum that would give a similar effect (e.g. http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/). I did this last year: I bought three full spectrum bulbs for a small dark attic room, and it really did feel brilliant with almost natural light - very bright, crisp, and clear (although my friend who visited didn't like it, and said it felt *too* white/bright, so again, YMMV). The nice thing specifically about the Balanced Spectrum Floor Lamp that I linked (as opposed to buying bulbs) is that it has a bendable neck, so you can angle it just right for illuminating the pages you're reading. But I'm sure you could add a full spectrum bulb to a regular lamp with similar design and get the same effect.

What's your budget?

As far as budget goes I'm not really sure. It is pretty flexible. I'd like to see both the more expensive options and low expensive options.

I've heard good things about OttLites. They have quite a line of lamps that seem to be popular with knitters, crocheters, and other crafters that need good lighting for close work. I was in the market for a desk lamp recently and ended up getting an http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00408MXA8/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/. I've used it for both knitting and regular desk work (reading, computer work, writing, etc.) and have been impressed at how comfortable it is. The light is rather white and bright, which I thought might be too much sometimes, but it's more comfortable for me to use than previous regular desk lamps. I picked that particular model for the caddy section, the extra outlet in back, and the fact that it's portable, but I think any of their lamps would work well.

The key, for me, is varied light. I used to have no overhead lights when I lived in an apartment, and I had multiple lamps. I had inexpensive combination uplight and reading lamp, next to a reading chair, plus a desk lamp, plus two halogen torchiere lamps to really put out the light. This combination cost me less than $100. You can find adequate examples of all of these at Target or even Wal-mart. In fact, for pure practicality, you can't beat the Walmart store brand http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-HW-F0378BK-Mainstays-72-Combo-Floor-Lamp-Black/12173435. More important is the set of bulbs you're using. I'd aim for CFLs in the 5000-6000K range, which is 'daylight.' Much nicer than incandescent for concentration.