Home Lighting Ideas For Your Office & Desk
For any working professional, having the right type of lighting during their workday is very important.
For example, most people have given up on the antique fluorescent lighting we all used a decade ago. They are choosing modern LED lighting as a way to perk up their daily routine.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some people want their home offices to have the same look as their office workplace. Friends and family want to work in a space where they can feel happy and comfortable to get their job done. There are many different combinations available to help you create a light plan that fits your needs.
Allow Natural Light to Shine Through
The sun is a free source of light that’s available just about anywhere. We may not always be able to use it, but it’s there when we need it.
Allow natural light to enter your workspace by keeping the curtains or blinds open when the weather allows it. Set your desk or table close to the windows so that you get natural light during the day.
Even spending a few hours working near a window can make a significant difference in your mood. It will boost your energy and help you more effectively react to the challenges in your day.
Choose the Best Ambient Light
According to a 2010 study, the overhead fluorescent lights in office buildings are a contributing factor to the high levels of stress and illness in office workers.
If you have an office job or you are a freelancer, a few tweaks to your office lighting can reduce stress, improve concentration, and provide a few other health benefits.
Fluorescent lighting is overhead lighting in most offices. Fluorescent (or compact fluorescent) light bulbs are long, skinny tubes that radiate light.
Halogen lights are used for special accent lighting or task lightings like desk lamps, spotlights, and track lighting.
Incandescent lighting is old-fashioned everyday light. It's the common light bulb in your overhead lighting fixtures, desk or floor lamps, and decorative fixtures. These bulbs are identifiable by their orangey-yellow glow.
Spotlighting is often used for reading or task lighting at home or the office.
Track lighting and puck lighting are low-voltage lighting options. They’re hung or integrated on the ceiling. They’re best for spreading light around your work area.
The Right Task Lighting is Very Important
There are many varieties of work-desk tasks and lighting needs. Consider the type of activity that you do, the way you work, and the environment.
Most of our favorite lighting solutions are based on LED lighting. That’s because it’s a cool and sustainable light source. It’s also power-efficient, long-lasting, and durable.
You must invest in good task lighting. It’s not always the case that one fixture can handle all of your work tasks. If you have a desk set up for doing several different tasks simultaneously, you may want dedicated fixtures for each function.
It All Revolves Around Angles
One important thing you need to understand about lighting for your home or work office is that light is measured in “lumens.” Lumens are a measurement of the amount of visible light that a certain type of bulb produces. Lumens that are above 2300 are considered bright enough for a home or office.
Now, think about an incandescent light bulb. Incandescent bulbs are old-style lights. They are cheap to purchase and cheap to operate because they draw very little power. However, their light is uneven and harsh. They are also very hot.
Compact fluorescent bulbs are an excellent option. They produce more light than incandescent bulbs and for a lot less power. However, you can’t just drop them in. You will need to purchase a new light fixture or convert your old-fashioned one.
LED lighting is the absolute winner. It is energy-efficient, and you can find several types of fixtures adaptable to most of your needs.
Winning the Battle Against Glare and Gloss
A desk lamp is usually the most necessary (and sometimes the most overlooked) piece of furniture in any home office. It is one of the pieces that you interact with at the start and end of every working day. With that in mind, it's great that many desk lamps add style and luxury to your awesome working space.
But as important as a right desk lamp is, many office workers often forget that how and where to place your lamp can be just as important. Before you decide to buy a new desk lamp for your home office, make sure you think about several factors.
Consider placing a desk lamp that has an adjustable arm near your display monitor, but keep it far enough away to avoid the glare. If you share the room with others, make sure the light is not shining in their eyes.
What if You Have Limited Space?
Whether you’re struggling for space at work or home, you can still create a productive workspace no matter the size. In fact, a smaller space may require you to be a bit more creative and is often a good catalyst for innovating and simplifying your home office.
Use Shades to Combat and Tame Natural Light
How you feel when you work in your home office is strongly influenced by the light. I’ve found that people who enjoy working from home have learned the art of arranging their desks and home office to grow their productivity.
One of the most important rules of arranging your home office desk for optimal productivity is placing the computer where the brightest natural light is.
If the brightness is too powerful, you might need to close the shades on the windows that reflect the light from the sun on your face to take the glare and light off your eyes. Also, it’s important to keep direct sun off the computer and monitor.
Conclusion
Creating the proper home-office environment is an essential step in finding your way around remote work. Lighting is one of the most important elements to keep in mind, and it shouldn't be left unaddressed. Take your time to consider all the relevant aspects and choose the best lighting solution for your needs.