3 Design Ideas for Better Home Office Lighting
Working from home can be both a blessing and a curse. If you have your own office space with a door and plentiful windows, you may lean more toward the blessing side of the spectrum. But if your at-home office space is dark, noisy, or depressing, you may find yourself coming up with excuses to work at a coffee shop or library.
If your home office feels more like a disaster than a sanctuary, don’t fear—it is possible to fall in love with your workspace. And it all starts with lighting. Here are our design ideas for better home office lighting.
Natural Light Is Key
Plentiful natural light is crucial in any workspace, whether it’s at home or in a corporate environment. Human beings need to see the sunlight—it brightens our mood, minimizes eyestrain, and boosts our energy.
When setting up your office space, consider placing your desk next to or behind a window. Or place your furniture in such a way that your computer faces north or south. This way, you can prevent a harsh glare.
Ceiling Fixtures
Whether your workspace has windows or not, there will be times when full illumination is necessary. Let’s face it: fluorescent lighting is depressing, hurts your eyes, minimizes productivity, and causes migraines. Consider replacing fluorescent fixtures with warm LEDs or traditional incandescent bulbs.
If possible, have fun with your overhead lighting. Consider handmade light fixtures that not only provide much-needed light but also reflect your personality (and add value to your home).
Oftentimes, home offices are still a bit dim despite existing or improved overhead lighting. There are plenty of options for filling an entire space with light instead of merely having small pockets of illumination.
Lamps
Desk lamps, floor lamps, and table lamps are excellent at diffusing harsh ambient lighting or filling in the gaps of inadequate ambient lighting. Lampshades add a soft glow to any office space, adding a level of comfort and serenity.
Task lamps are another option. However, it’s important to note that only using lamps can contribute to eye strain and also cast unwanted shadows. A well-lit office space incorporates many light sources, including windows, lamps, and overhead lighting.