4 Tips for Better Home Office Lighting

You spend a lot of time in your home office, so why put up with inadequate lighting? Here are a few tips for improving the lighting in your Sarasota, Florida, home.

Consider the Source

Even in your home office, location is everything. Consider where you’ve set up your work desk and computer. Do you notice any annoying glares on the screen? What about unintended shadows cast from objects in front of nearby lamps? Are you even taking full advantage of natural light?

One of the most desirable locations for any work space is near a large window. Not only does this position give you great lighting during the bulk of your workday, but it also cuts down on the amount of artificial light you need to use, reducing your energy costs. Consider where the light is coming from, however, since even your arm can cast an unwanted shadow across your work planner and other documents.

In general, natural light sources should be in front of your work surface or adjacent to it to help avoid any glare on your computer screen. It’s also nice to optimize your view outside, giving you a welcoming break when needed.

Unfortunately, natural light isn’t always an option in a home office. If you’ve set up shop in your basement, walk-in closet, or other area that lacks natural light, you need another option. In general, you want to keep your office lighting indirect. In other words, avoid harsh overhead lights that cause glare and induce headaches. The more indirect the lighting, the more natural it is.

Choose Ambient Lighting

Next to natural light, ambient lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere without any harsh effects, which best mimics the light you’d enjoy from a large window. If you work mostly at night or find yourself stuck in a windowless office, ambient lighting is the low-intensity solution you need.

Ambient lighting fills an area with illumination, radiating a comfortable level of brightness throughout the space without any glare. Rope lights, holiday lights, and other types of string lights can provide the coveted illumination you need without any headache-inducing effects. Simply drape the lights around your workspace, behind the desk or computer monitor, and overhead to get that must-have glow. You can also invest in ambient table lamps to transform your work space and infuse it with a sense of style.

Rethink Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting tends to be too harsh and unflattering, especially when you consider offices primarily lit with fluorescent lights. In your home office, however, you have the flexibility to choose softer options that enhance the space while providing adequate illumination for every task. Rewiring the space can make a world of difference.

Recessed lighting is a great option that provides the ambient illumination you want without creating any annoying glares. Recessed lights make a room feel bigger because they don’t take up any space or display unsightly fixtures, and their timeless style outlasts trends. Best of all, recessed units are waterproof and provide total room coverage, so you’ll enjoy even, natural-quality light throughout your home office.

Add Task Lighting

While your goal should be to keep your home office lighting as natural and ambient as possible, you may find yourself needing a dedicated light for more concentrated tasks. Task lighting provides the direct illumination you need right at your desk. Plus, modern desk lamps equipped with LED lights emulate the look of natural light, so you don’t have to put up with those overheated incandescent lamps any longer.

Task lights provide an extra layer of lighting to enhance your home office and serve various roles throughout the room. Use an LED desk lamp or floor lamp next to your desk when you work at the computer or read and write to avoid eye strain. You can also utilize task lamps for corrective lighting behind your computer screen.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you create the perfect atmosphere in your home office — one that promotes productivity and overall health. For more lighting solutions or to schedule an installation appointment with one of our contractors, contact Luminous Electric.