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There is a lot of science to support the benefits of good office lighting. According to several studies over the years, proper lighting helps us stay energized, productive, and efficient throughout the workday, while poorly lit office spaces can cause eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and lead to general job dissatisfaction.
Some of the most prevalent features of office lighting affecting health and performance at work include lighting brightness, color temperature, quality of light, and natural light. While professional office environments aren’t always kind to the eyes (think fluorescents), we also tend to stare at screens all day, which isn’t healthy either.
If prioritizing your health—especially eye health—is a goal this year, we have a few ideas and tips to get you started by improving the lighting in your home office.
Prioritize Natural Light
Not everyone has natural light in their home office. But if you do, whether from a window or a skylight, make the most of it. Sunlight emits warm lighting that lightens the mood as well as the space. Ideally, you’ll want to position your desk and workstation where they receive indirect sunlight to minimize glare on your screen while maximizing the outside view. Positioning your screen to face either north or south helps you avoid shadows at certain times of the day.
According to a Cornell University study, natural light significantly improves health and well-being at work, resulting in a 51% reduction in eye strain, 63% fewer headaches, and 56% less drowsiness.
In best practice, keep your lighting as natural as possible and give your eyes a break from screen time every few minutes. When we stare at screens all day, we tend to get what ophthalmologists call digital eye strain—a phenomenon in which we blink less, causing our eyes to dry out and get irritated.
Ambient Ceiling Lighting
Though natural light can’t be manufactured, there are lighting design techniques you can use to improve home office health and well-being with light. One of the most essential aspects of good office lighting is ambient light. Ambient light is indirect lighting that’s reflected off the ceiling and walls. Sunlight can be ambient, but in the absence of sunshine, we can use ceiling fixtures to create the same effect.
When choosing ambient light and deciding on a position for the fixture, think about the direction light comes from to avoid shadows and glare. Indirect lighting should illuminate all areas of the room and reflect evenly on all surfaces. They scatter and diffuse, unlike a more directional light source, like a desk lamp. Dimmable fixtures allow you to brighten or soften the light to balance the room’s natural light.
For example, Sparkle is a ceiling fixture that is both decorative and practical as it covers large room areas with warm ambient light.
Kendall is another example of whole-room ambiance, as is Chloe. Choose a warm light temperature option for a soft glow.
Task Lighting
Paperwork and detail work requires lighting that’s a little more up-close, personal, and directional. For this type of activity, you’ll want a lamp that lights your workspace brilliantly without being too harsh. You might also need task lighting for your desk, by the file cabinet, or to light up your printer or other office equipment.
Angelica Table Lamp is an excellent option for the desk, as it’s both stylish and practical. It’s also a great alternative to conventional desk lamps, which tend to be more directional, only illuminating objects within a defined and directional space. Angelica is highly functional with a soft, diffused effect on the rest of the room, providing extra light where you need it without casting shadows or creating blind spots. Pair it with a ceiling fixture from the Angelica collection, design a unique pendant motif with Jewels and Pearls, or mix and match to suit your style.
Active Desk Lighting
Architects and designers using large desk spaces or drafting tables will want a fixture that lights up the entire workspace without having to place additional lamps. A pendant light bar like Luka makes this possible, combining a minimalistic profile with a powerful yet dimmable light source to help you take in every detail. Luka is Powered by an LED light band and offers the versatility of LEDs with the practical elegance of a hanging fixture.
Final Thoughts on Improving Your Home Office Lighting
We’re all looking for ways to stay energized and productive throughout the workday, and good office lighting can achieve those goals. For more ideas and expertise on improving the lighting in your home office, speak to the MOD Lighting team today. We’ve got simple, practical, and stylish tips to help ease the strain on your eyes and improve your overall well-being.
