With the rise of the pandemic, so too has the number of people working from home. This new norm has undoubtedly left many of us searching for inspiration as we create a space that is both productive and comfortable.
You may not believe it, but the style and quality of the lighting choices in your workspace can directly affect your productivity. While proper lighting can encourage creativity and boost your motivation, poor office lighting can reduce energy levels, dampen moods, cause eye strains and headaches, and ultimately impair your ability to work effectively. With that in mind, here are our top tips for lighting a home office that is sure to inspire a productive work day!
Access to Natural Light
Before deciding on the lighting additions you need in your home office, it’s important to get a feel for the natural lighting already available. Do you have a large window or windows that let in ample amounts of daylight? If your office space is blessed with natural light, take advantage of it and place your furniture accordingly. Spaces with natural light have the greatest freedom when choosing light fixtures as the room is more forgiving in terms of fixtures being too bright, not bright enough, or when considering glares and shadows.
If you don’t have a lot of natural light, then lighting becomes even more important when making your plan for proper illumination. Overhead lights alone may not suffice in this situation, and it’s important to consider other functional sources including table lamps, wall sconces, etc.
Have Fun, But Don’t Overdo It
One of the greatest delights as a homeowner is getting to put your personal stamp on each room – colors, fabrics, furniture, lighting. However, keep in mind that there is such a thing as “too big” a statement and a light fixture could very well be detrimental to your productivity. Don’t get us wrong, you can still make a statement, and we encourage homeowners to have fun with their lighting selections, just keep in mind that too much light, or fixtures that cast distracting shadows can cause your eyes to strain, potentially leading to headaches and an overall unpleasant workspace.
Keep Office Lights Indirect
A smart lighting plan takes into consideration potential glares and shadows – both of which can be annoying and a distraction in your workday. We recommend trying to avoid working under the direct glare of overhead lighting alone, and instead, utilize layers of lighting. Diffuse ambient lighting sources to illuminate your workspace. Table lamps, floor lamps, task lighting, sconces, etc. all offer alternative sources of light that work to help eliminate glares and shadows regardless of the time of day.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is an easy and important element in the functionality of a home office. They help ensure you have just the right amount of light to easily see your workspace without overdoing it. Be sure to keep the placement in mind, as task lighting has the potential to cast shadows or create glares when positioned in the wrong spot. Our suggestion? Try moving it around throughout the day to find the perfect placement for it.
Decorative Lighting Elements
Most homes with a well thought out lighting plan will feature layers of lighting – including ambient lighting that is diffused throughout the space, task lighting specific to designated work areas and a statement piece that is visually appealing. Beyond the functional purposes lighting serves, accent lighting can elevate the character and visual appeal of your home office. Accent lighting, such as mantel and picture lights, highlight objects, artwork or other architectural elements in the space, while decorative lights, like wall sconces, can stylishly elevate any design.
Nashville’s Lighting Specialists
If you are looking to elevate your home office, then the friendly and knowledgeable team at Graham’s Living is here to help! Call to schedule an appointment with one of our lighting specialists, or swing by the showroom. We look forward to seeing you!