Every home office working environment is different. In some homes, an entire living room becomes a workstation. While in others, cramming yourself into a corner of the kitchen, dining room, or guest room might be your only option. That’s why equipping them with concentration-enhancing home office lighting that’s perfect for your circumstances, and doesn’t tire your eyes, is crucial. Read all about the best lighting for the home office on this page.
Must-have lighting, from cosy niches to big offices
The classic desk lamp is an indispensable part of every desk job, whether you work in a large open office or a small corner of your spare bedroom. Sure, the general lighting might be comfortable to work by. But when placed correctly, a desk lamp doesn’t cast shows - allowing you to work without distraction.
Positioning desk lamps to avoid shadows and glare is essential, but so is making sure your computer screen is positioned sideways to a window. This way, you get all the benefits of natural light without straining your eyes. Facing a window means your eyes will strain against the brightness, causing you to close curtains and blinds, even when the sun isn’t shining.
The study as a separate home office
If you have a separate room at home that you use exclusively as a study, it means you can concentrate on work. And because it’s a dedicated space, there’s no need to choose space-saving home office lighting. You can choose the proper lighting - whether that’s floor, ceiling or pendant lamps - to suit your needs.
The most basic home office lighting needed is ceiling lights, which is excellent news because our range is massive, ranging from LED panels and spotlights to classic ceiling lights. Most models allow for individual light temperature changes to suit your circumstances. And to make sure there are no annoying shadows while you work, we’ve got lots of desk lamps to choose from too.
You can make a real design statement with a floor lamp if you have enough space in your study. Or, if room is tight, office floor lamps with feet that disappear under the desk can provide a pleasant, ambient light to work by.
Pendant lights are placed above the desk to provide pleasant light, with universal white or warm white light suitable for the home office. Many models can also change the light colour. Also, anyone who spends a lot of time at their desk should consider Human Centric Lighting (HCL). A pendant light with HCL technology adapts to the light conditions during the day, meaning you’ll never feel discomfort while working.
Those who spend most of the day in closed rooms can help their well-being and concentration with health-promoting lighting design. The latest approach: HCL technology, supports the chronobiological rhythm with lighting similar to sunlight.
HCL lights also adapt to the lighting conditions during the day.
The integrated work area
If there’s limited space available at home, a little improvisation might be needed. If you work on a small desk in the corner of a room or at the dining table, a table lamp or a clamp light, depending on the size, might be the best way to shed more light during working hours.
Or, if it’s possible, a slim floor lamp next to your desk is a great space-saving alternative.
If the circumstances suddenly make it necessary to work from home, you have to improvise. So, if there’s a lack of space and you have to work on a small folding table, chances are there won’t be much room for a lavish home office lighting setup.
If that’s you, clip-on lights are the best choice because they only require a tiny area on the edge of the table or shelf.
If you only have room for a tiny desk, it’s advisable to use wall lights. Wherever you’re sitting, there’ll be a wall nearby, making the space above the desk the perfect place for a wall lamp. Just make sure it’s above your eye line, so it doesn’t dazzle you.
Anyone who creates an area to work in the living room will want to keep clutter to a minimum. So, lush tables, lavish chairs and grand floor lamps are a definite no-no. Fortunately, slim floor lamps are the ideal option that provides pleasant light for working. And their stripped-back design means you can make the most of the limited space.
Which light colour is suitable for which light in the home office?
The light colour - also known as the colour temperature (Kelvin) - determines whether the ambience is more homely, functional or sombre. Warm white light is ideal for living rooms. Universal white light for corridors, kitchens and offices. And daylight white for basements, stairwells and garages. Depending on your taste, warm white light can also be used for the home office.
How many lumens is ideal for lighting the workplace?
In a professional work setting, the standards for office lighting is calculated by how much light actually hits a desktop. This is measured in lux. For an office workplace, 500 lx is considered appropriate lighting. In the private sector, this calculation isn’t mandatory, and, to be honest, it isn’t easy to measure the appropriate brightness without expert knowledge.
Instead, pay attention to the lumen value. A standard value for a desk lamp, for example, is a luminous flux of around 500 lumens. Lights with a dimmer are a good option too because, in the end, everyone decides for themselves how bright they like the home office.
How can you prevent your eyes from getting tired at the computer?
Appropriate lighting that doesn’t dazzle, cast annoying shadows or cause reflections on the screen is vital for the work area. Wall, table and floor lamps should be placed so that your body or hands don’t cause shadows. And the screen should be at the side of the window to prevent glare and reflections.
When it comes to light colour, universal white and daylight white can be used depending on your taste. And lamps with a colour change function or HCL technology that adapts to the lighting conditions during the day should also be considered.
How do I create a good working atmosphere in the home office?
As well as home office lighting that gives off sufficient brightness and light colour, a pleasant room temperature is key to productive working. Around 20 ° C should do it, combined with good ventilation. Air filters can make the room less stuffy too. It’s also advisable to take short breaks regularly, during which you stand up briefly and look away from the screen into the distance.
Does the VDU workstation ordinance also apply in the home office, and what does that mean for the lighting equipment?
There are currently no regulations for lighting design in the home office. Still, anyone who does can learn about professional office lighting under the European standard DIN EN 12464-1 - but is not obliged to do so.
Is there home office lighting with automatic light regulation?
Yes, lights with new Human Centric Lighting (HCL) technology that adapts to the lighting conditions during the day are available. They have an activating effect in the morning and allow people to remain productive and focused throughout the day.
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