4 Steps to Getting Your Home Office Lighting Right
Learn the mix of lighting types you can use to create a productive and comfortable workspace
If you’re among the many people who work from home, it’s important to get your home office or workspace lighting right. Even if you use your home office for less frequent tasks, the right lighting can make you more efficient and effective. Consider these ideas for ensuring that your home office draws in natural light, is functional, adjusts to the time of day and is comfortable.
Windows and skylights provide views of outdoors that can reduce eyestrain and make the work environment more enjoyable and productive. When possible, position your desk near a window with a view that can be seen from the desk chair.
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Find a lighting designer near you
This alcove home office in Los Angeles didn’t have any windows, so JWT Associates strategically added a skylight above the desk nook.
Pro tip: Consider adding window shades to filter light and adding antiglare film to your computer screen to reduce glare from the sun and overhead lights.
Pro tip: Consider adding window shades to filter light and adding antiglare film to your computer screen to reduce glare from the sun and overhead lights.
2. Add Task Lighting
We need directed light to help us see what we are doing, often referred to as task lighting. Adjustable lamps can bring light right to where you need it most. Other task lighting, such as undercabinet and recessed lighting, can help brighten desk alcoves too.
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We need directed light to help us see what we are doing, often referred to as task lighting. Adjustable lamps can bring light right to where you need it most. Other task lighting, such as undercabinet and recessed lighting, can help brighten desk alcoves too.
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3. Embrace Change
Spending long hours in a static lighting environment can be harmful to our health and can mess with our circadian rhythms. Our bodies require lighting environments that change — we need more light in the mornings and less in the evenings. If your work at home occurs on a varied schedule, consider adding lighting that adapts to your needs and changes based on time of day. Having multiple layers of light, including indirect light and task lighting, as well as dimmers can help you customize your lighting environment.
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Spending long hours in a static lighting environment can be harmful to our health and can mess with our circadian rhythms. Our bodies require lighting environments that change — we need more light in the mornings and less in the evenings. If your work at home occurs on a varied schedule, consider adding lighting that adapts to your needs and changes based on time of day. Having multiple layers of light, including indirect light and task lighting, as well as dimmers can help you customize your lighting environment.
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4. Make the Space Comfy
Just because many of us use our home offices for work doesn’t mean they should be cold, sterile and inhospitable, like some office spaces of the past. A home office should be comfortable, and proper lighting is key to setting the scene for a relaxing work environment. Accent lights, lamps, pendants and wall sconces all can improve a room’s mood and comfort level.
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Just because many of us use our home offices for work doesn’t mean they should be cold, sterile and inhospitable, like some office spaces of the past. A home office should be comfortable, and proper lighting is key to setting the scene for a relaxing work environment. Accent lights, lamps, pendants and wall sconces all can improve a room’s mood and comfort level.
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
It’s easier than ever to get great lighting that helps you feel more productive and relaxed in your home office. Check out this illustration that reviews what to do and not do when lighting your home office.
Is Smart Lighting a Smart Choice for You?
Is Smart Lighting a Smart Choice for You?
Tell us: What types of lighting do you have in your home office or workspace? Share in the Comments.
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The best commercial office designs tend to include large windows, atriums and skylights to bring daylight to as many desks and their occupants as possible — your home office should be no different.
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