How To Create The Perfect Lighting For An Office

The lighting in offices can sometimes be quite harsh and unpleasant, detracting from the decor of the space and can make social gatherings, such as office Christmas parties or summer work events, far less enjoyable.
Here, we will be discussing how you can create beautiful office lighting which enhances the overall aesthetic of the space, whilst still ensuring that all of the office workers’ functional lighting needs are met.
Indirect Is Best
When it comes to office lighting, indirect is almost always best, particularly if you want the lighting to flatter the decor of the space. Harsh, overhead fluorescent lights are too strong and can make even the most modern and stylish of offices look cold, drab and uninviting. In addition to this, direct light in front of a computer screen can also cause glare, which can lead to headaches. As such, make sure that both task lights and overhead lights have decent lampshades, which will give the office a softer look.
Natural Light
Make the most of any natural office lighting; sunlight can really warm up a dull-looking office and make it a more enjoyable place to work. If your budget allows for it, you may want to consider adding in a skylight (if you are on the top floor of a building) or an additional window. However, if you decide to do this, carefully consider the position of employee’s desks, as direct sunlight can be overwhelming, particularly during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Adding a simple standing screen or a blind will help to diffuse the light that comes in, without blocking it out entirely.
Accent Lighting
Although all office light fixtures can be both functional and decorative, it is a good idea to include a few which are there purely to add to the ambience of the space. These add character and style to the room. Things like wall scones and pendant lights are both excellent choices. Pendant lights are usually hung from a stem or a chain on the ceiling and are ideal if you need overhead lighting, but don’t want the office to look harsh or too bright. There are three main types of pendant lights; drum, bell and bowl.
Bowl pendants are excellent in larger offices, as they tend to diffuse the light across a wide area. Bell pendants work best in foyers and entryways and as their name suggests, these come in a bell shape and are ideal if you want to create a timeless, classic look in your office. Last but not least, there are drum pendants, which are particularly good for those who are trying to make a small space look bigger and brighter. Sites such as National lighting sell these in several different sizes and almost every fabric you can imagine, so it is easy to find one which fits in with the existing decor of your office.
Maria John is a freelance writer who has been published in many magazines and blogs. She frequently writes about interior design, offering tips and advice on how to decorate offices and homes and can often be found exploring websites like National Lighting when writing up a new decor piece.