For employees to be satisfied with their work environment, it is crucial that the space feels and looks good. Lighting plays an important role in ensuring that the office is welcoming. In this blog, we evaluate what makes the best office lighting.
Boost natural light
Before you consider installing artificial lighting in your office, it is important to try and maximise natural light. If you are simply redecorating or refurbishing your office space, this may not be an option. However, if you are undertaking a complete office fit-out, you may want to consider replacing windows or adding a window to an existing wall.
Floor-to-ceiling windows or skylights are the best to include in the office, they are bright and allow the most amount of light in. However, these are not always practical and there may be logistical issues with installing these in your office. Our advice is to try and maximise natural light in any way possible, no matter how small the window.
If your office does have lots of big windows, remember to also install sheer roller blinds to reduce glare. This is especially important if there are lots of computers or other screens used daily in your office space.
Desk lighting
Desk lighting is a great option if you only have a few desks in your office and it is a relatively small space. It can also add a personal touch as each desk has been considered individually.
Designed to be placed on desks and side tables, task lights provide focused light for reading, drawing and other activities. This improves your efficiency and comfort by reducing eyestrain. Most desk lamps are also adjustable, allowing your employees more control over the amount of light at their desks.
They can be dimmed or angled depending on their requirements. Desk lamps are highly versatile and can be also used to illuminate specific areas of the office and add depth to the space.
Desk lighting is especially useful for architects, artists or designers who create drawings on pen and paper at their desks. As they will have to work on detailed projects up-close, having adequate lighting is vital.
The best office lighting combines multiple types of lights. Dimmable wall lights, especially those with a movable arm, are also excellent for adding ambient lighting and functional task lighting. Having a desk lamp as well as a wall lamp can provide you with maximum flexibility.
Ceiling lights
Ceiling lights may not be your first thought when it comes to designing an office. However, pendant light fixtures can elevate and bring a great ambience to any modern workspace. They can be directly installed on the ceiling and give the office a clear and bright feeling.
Ceiling lights are incredibly versatile and adaptable. They can be installed to suit your space and can easily be changed or switched out with a different style to suit your office as it changes and grows over time. They also save space by removing the need for floor lamps.
Spotlights
Spotlights are a great option for a large office space. Their purpose is to illuminate certain areas of importance or to highlight specific objects. Generally, spotlights are ideal in most of their uses. They are capable of providing ambient, task, and accent lighting. You can also introduce a dimmer switch to lower the intensity of the light in the room when necessary.
Spotlights use LED bulbs that are incredibly energy efficient and can run for tens of thousands of hours without failing. Another advantage of spotlights is their placement. You can cluster placement and create zones within your room, which can be really handy when it comes to functional areas, such as an office.
LED lighting
When it comes to choosing the type of bulbs you want to light up your office, it is best to go with LEDs. Cooler blue and white lights are good for working and concentrating. If possible, the lighting temperature and colour should vary based on the time of day. LEDs usually have a colour-changing feature, so are a great, versatile choice.
LED lights are also an ergonomic choice for businesses. LED lighting is more energy-efficient, the bulbs last longer and the lights can be dimmed, put on a timer, or motion sensor so they use less energy.
LEDs are also one of the best office lighting choices as they allow design flexibility. Whatever the size, shape and function of your office, LEDs are easy to incorporate into any fit-out or refurbishment. Because they are smaller than other bulbs, LEDs are perfect for small areas that are in need of bright lighting.
Add colour and interest through lighting
An office doesn’t have to have a bland corporate style. A lamp in an unusual colour, shape or material will make the space your own and sit stylishly in a modern office.
Statement lighting can also make a positive impact on your clients. Why not add a statement lamp to a meeting room? This will not only brighten up the space but will showcase a bit of creativity. It could also make your business stand out from the competition!
Colour can also be incorporated into lighting design. Purchase standing or desk lamps in your brands’ colours to foster your company values. A space that represents your business and everything it stands for leads to employees feeling a connection with the organisation. This sense of ownership encourages them to work with dedication, therefore boosting productivity.
If you have been inspired by these best office lighting ideas and want to revamp your workspace, talk to us. We are here to bring your interior dreams to life.
