Lighting Tips for the Perfect Desk or Office Work Space
Choose the right lighting to eliminate eye strain and fatigue and ensure the perfect environment for office tasks or schoolwork.
Here are a few tips to help you select the right light for creating the perfect work space.
Halogen, CFL and LED Bulbs
Halogen and fluorescent bulbs generally do a better job of illuminating reading material than normal incandescent bulbs. Today’s fluorescent bulbs and tubes are available in a wide range of colors, plus they use up to 80% less energy and last 20 times longer.
Energy-Efficient Desk Lamps from Lamps Plus
There are a wide range of halogen desk lamps, energy efficient CFL lamps and LED desk lamps now on the market that you can choose from.
Adjustable Desk Lamps – Where to Place
An adjustable desk lamp provides additional light to the desk and keyboard. Position the lamp so it will not reflect on the computer screen.
The lamp should be placed so that hand shadows don’t streak across your work. If you’re right-handed, this means placing the light source on the left side of your desk.
And when selecting a desk lamp, make sure the arm is long enough and flexible enough to shine light where you need it and out of your way when you don’t need it.
Another good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to measure a distance of 15″ from the desk top to the desk lamp shade’s bottom. A desk lamp that adjusts to or has a shade at this height keeps light focused on the desk top and reading materials.
USB Desk Lamps
Dorm rooms and small workspaces are notorious for bad lighting and a scarcity of electrical outlets.
Solve both problems by selecting desk lamps that feature a USB port.
Beyond the Desk Lamp
If you don’t want to fill valuable desk space with a lamp, consider placing a multi-functional floor lamp nearby that can shine direct light to task areas.
More Lighting Ideas and Advice
Getting the Best Home Office Lighting
Lighting Tips for College Students
5 Lighting Ideas for Teen Study Spaces