For puzzlers who work in their own shadow

Why does your own shadow always land on the exact piece you're trying to place?

You lean over the table and your own shadow falls across the exact piece you need. Your head, your shoulders, your arms — they're sitting between the light and the puzzle. You shift in your seat, tilt your head, wonder why the pieces seem harder to see than they used to. You're not imagining it. And once you figure out why that shadow keeps landing there, the whole thing makes sense.

Why does your own shadow always land on the exact piece you're trying to place?
Here's why →

You're not alone

It's not your eyes.

You're not the only one this happens to. Plenty of puzzlers watch their own shadow fall across the puzzle the moment they lean in — even in a bright room. The piece they need disappears under that shadow. They keep moving their head or shifting their chair just to keep going. This isn't failing vision or getting older. It's something simpler, and it has nothing to do with your eyes.

It's not your eyes.
So what's actually going on? →

Every fix failed

You've tried everything — and the shadow keeps coming back.

You added more light — brighter bulb, floor lamp dragged closer, table moved to the window. Better for a session or two, then you were right back to squinting at the same pieces. You shifted your chair, tried standing up, changed your angle. The shadow just moved with you. You started wondering if your eyes were getting worse. You kept puzzling anyway. But the pieces were taking longer to find, and the evenings started to feel more like work. Something was making it harder than it used to be.

Margaret
Margaret H.

I'm always working in my own shadow.

👍 14
Reply2w
Susan
Susan R.

Sometimes I sit there and just stare at the pieces trying to find that ONE piece. Then later I'll walk past the puzzle and suddenly see that 'missing' piece!

👍 9
Reply1w

Each attempt felt logical. None of them fixed what was actually happening.

Why every fix has failed →

The reframe

What if it's not you?

You thought your eyes were failing. They're not. It's where your light comes from. The overhead light you've always used is the cause. It drops the shadow right on the section you're trying to see.

Here's the part nobody points out →

The mechanism

A single overhead light can't reach where your hands are working.

Most rooms have one main light high above the table. You sit down and lean over the puzzle. Your head, shoulders, and arms sit between that light and the pieces. The light stops. A body shadow falls across the exact area you're working on. None of that is your eyesight — it's geometry. A brighter bulb makes the edge of that shadow sharper, not smaller. Moving the table doesn't change where the light comes from.

Overhead light casting body shadow
Overhead light — your body blocks it the moment you lean in.
Side light at table level, no shadow
Side light at table level — the light travels under your hands.

Now picture the light coming from the side instead — low, level with the table. It travels under your hands and below your line of sight. Your body can't block light that never passes through your space. Every piece stays lit the whole time, no matter how far you lean in.

Meet EMBAR

That one change — where the light comes from — removes the shadow. The light travels from the side, at table level, under your hands and below your line of sight. Your body can never get between it and the pieces. EMBAR is the lamp built to put the light exactly there.

EMBAR lamp beside the puzzle, lighting from the side
See it work →

What EMBAR does

Designed for the puzzle table.

Designed for the puzzle table.
✓
Removes the shadow your body casts
The light sits at table level beside the puzzle and travels from the side, under your hands. Your body can never get between it and the pieces.
✓
No cord across the table
Rechargeable battery. 15 to 36 hours per charge depending on brightness. Plug in overnight with USB-C. Puzzle anywhere.
✓
Three light settings, plus dim
Tap the top to switch between warm, cool, or blended light. Dial the brightness up or down to match the room and time of day.
✓
Moves as the working edge shifts
Twelve inches tall, weighted base. Pick it up and slide it wherever the puzzle needs light. No cords to manage.
✓
No glare on the pieces
Side light doesn't hit glossy surfaces at the same angle as overhead light. Pieces stay visible even in the busiest color sections.
Get yours →

Proof

Same puzzle. Same eyes. Different light.

You thought it was your eyes. Turned out it was the light. Puzzlers who made the same switch describe it the same way:

Deborah
Deborah W.
★★★★★

Was getting frustrated with my puzzle. Saw an ad for this lamp and thought maybe that's my issue. Sat down and found some pieces in the first 5 minutes. Lighting was everything.

👍 31
Reply2w
Barbara
Barbara T.
★★★★★

It helped me finish a puzzle I was having trouble seeing the pieces. This lamp is a game changer.

👍 19
Reply4w

The pieces that vanished into shadow come back. No extra effort, no straining to see. And if the setup doesn't match what you expected, you have 30 days to send it back.

Read more reviews →

Before you ask

A few things people ask first.

Won't a lamp sitting beside the puzzle get in the way?+

It's only twelve inches tall and rests on finished sections. Cordless, so nothing trails across the table. You slide it over as the working area shifts.

Does it cause glare on the pieces?+

The light sits low and spreads across the surface. It doesn't shine straight down or into your eyes.

How long does the charge last?+

Between fifteen and thirty-six hours, depending on the brightness you choose. USB-C charging brings it back up.

Make the switch

It was never your eyes. It was your light.

EMBAR sits beside your puzzle. It removes the shadow your body casts from the overhead light. Try it for 30 days — if it doesn't change how you see your puzzle, send it back.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 / 5 from 976 reviews.

Customer photo review of EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

I really like the puzzle light. It really illuminates the glare & makes puzzling much more enjoyable! It just took about a month to arrive!

EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Customer photo review of Add Another EMBAR Lamp

I got two lamps. The top at one is not correct. The plastic light cover sticks out further than the top ring and looks bad. The other lamp is ok. See photos. Can you send me a new one please? I tried to press it back into place, but it will not move. Phone is 513 312-3989 Chuck Lane 886 Castlebay Drive Cincinnati, Oh 45245

Add Another EMBAR Lamp

Customer video review of EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

I bought two and both lamps are super temperamental. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t and I was gonna gift one to my sister, but it doesn’t stay on when I turn it off and come back an hour later it doesn’t work. I have to recharge it. it doesn’t charge well just trying to get it on in office is a lot but my first one didn’t worked for one second or one minute and then it doesn’t work ever ever since then.

EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Customer photo review of EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Not only dies this lamp shine light on the puzzle, it changes the while aesthetic of the room.

EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Customer video review of EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

The one came broken. Both, after being completely charged, don’t turn on. I had such high hopes, but am completely disappointed in this product. Packaging HAS to be sturdier at the very least!

EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Customer photo review of Embar Game Night Lamp

I bought the four pack and I’m happy I did. We are a big gaming family and can spend an entire day playing back to back scenarios. We use two at a time, recharge and trade out with the second two. Very happy with the size, mobility and choice of three different light settings. Would be nice if the charge lasted a bit longer, but as I stated before, we probably play for a more extended period than most. I’m happy with my purchase.

Embar Game Night Lamp

Customer photo review of EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Package arrived in bad shape. Box was crushed. Unsure if it is broken but something loose is rattling inside the base

EMBAR Cordless Puzzle Light

Customer photo review of Add Another EMBAR Lamp

Broken, lopsided. Trying to return. Have sent photos and videos twice already. Please someone tell me how to return. I ordered 3.

Add Another EMBAR Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

As an ardent puzzler, I was especially pleased to receive a pair of these lamps as a surprise gift. They have already shown their usefulness in providing close-up true colors on small pieces. I regret that the USB connections are so short, though. It can be a challenge finding a place for them to charge. Other than that liability, I am delighted to have them.

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Bought 2 for family puzzling. Getting another for manicure tasking.

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Great light! I like the different tones but also that it can be dimmed or brightened. Helpful in a power outage as well.

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

The EMBAR lamp is excellent. I am glad that I got it I’m an avid puzzler .

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

This little lamp works surprisingly well! I use it for extra lighting while doing my jigsaw puzzles. Only thing I would suggest is a longer cord for charging.

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

We love these lamps! Takes the glare off the pieces - much easier to see!

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Love love love! This little lamp is amazing. Just heading to purchase more for the fam who are all trying to sneak mine away!

The EMBAR Puzzle Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Excited to use this with my next puzzle. I love that there are three light settings AND that it’s dimmable. I bought a couple so that we can also have them on hand in the event we have a power outage. The ability to recharge them with our power supply was a plus.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Simple, functional design. It can be used to light small rooms aside from good lighting for puzzles.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Great lamp! I was struggling with my puzzles in the evening, trying to find the right light. I was dragging over tall lamps with electrical cords across the floor , but the light was never quite where I needed it. I love that this has no cord and I can shift it around the table wherever I need it. It was easy to charge and has three light settings, tapping the top. I should’ve ordered two right away. It took over a week to arrive, but it came in perfect condition and it was worth the wait. I find the size perfect, and it looks decorative on the table when I don’t have a puzzle there

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer video review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

This lamp is pretty cool. Three different tones by quick touch, dimmable by long touch, and touch on and off by quick touch. Being cordless is perfect for games or puzzle tables. Also handy as a bed-side light.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Great little light. Helps me distinguish the colours. Gotta keep working on the puzzle.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Works great, rechargeable, light weight. Perfect for that little extra white

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

I bought this little lamp for puzzles at camp. It’s quite dark in there and i needed a lamp that doesnt need to use electricity. When I opened it i loved it and ended up using it on my little table where i drink coffee at home. I now have to order another for camp puzzles. Lol. I Love that it has 3 light settings. Great lamp. Might need one for camping too 🤔

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Provides some light without being too much.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Mine was unfortunately damaged in shipping. They are sending me a new one. I can’t wait to get it as our family is a puzzle challenged family. Always one going on the puzzle table. Great family entertainment.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

This lamp is such a game changer for me as I love doing puzzles in various locations around the house. I can use this lamp anywhere, with no wires. It charges up quickly. I love this purchase!

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Love this lamp and the 3 levels of light it gives. I'm working during a power outage on Manitoulin Island. No! I dont miss the TV🤣 (Do you make a 10" diameter lamp?) I'd buy that!

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Very nicely designed product. Simple to charge and use and helps with, in our use, tabletop gaming and artwork. Very nice product. I must comment that the shipping method was less than ideal. The two boxes were simple wrapped side by side in bubble wrap, then wrapped and taped in a shipping bag without any reinforcement. During transit, one of the two lamp boxes was partially crushed between lamp's base and lamp itself although as it turned out no damage was done to the shaft nor any metal part dented. The plastic base though was depressed slightly into the metal base and when I inserted the USB cord, it slipped and the socket moved out of place. After removing the base, and reinserting it, the socket was again in alignment and the cord could be inserted without trouble.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Lamps work well with my puzzle table. It is really nice to move the light where I need it the most, without a cord getting in the way.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

Was getting frustrated with my puzzle. Saw an ad for this lamp and thought maybe that’s my issue. Sat down and found some pieces in the first 5 minutes. Lighting was everything plus it looks beautiful in my area. Highly recommend.

The EMBAR Game Lamp

Customer photo review of The EMBAR Game Lamp

I was concerned the light would cause glare on the puzzle pieces. It doesn't! I love that it's rechargeable - no wires! I can move it wherever I need it.

The EMBAR Game Lamp