Last updated: September 6th, 2024
As more people work from home, adequate home office lighting is essential. Great lighting can boost productivity, support well-being and health, and transform your workspace.
This guide will uncover the benefits of creating a functional lighting plan and show you how to do it, step-by-step.
We’ll discuss tips from industry experts on how to maximise your space and support your well-being through lighting.
Let’s get started!
(Related: 7 Budget Home Office Ideas).
How To Create A Layered Lighting Plan In Your Home Office.
It’s vital to create a lighting plan. A layered lighting plan that combines ambient, task, and accent lighting will assist your focus and productivity.
1. Set The Mood With Ambient Lighting.
Ambient lighting is the overall lighting in a space, usually supported by natural, bright, soft, diffuse light.
2. Illuminate Workspaces With Task Lighting.
Task lighting is focused, directional, but soft lighting that helps define specific workspaces in your home office.
It also allows you to continue working late without disturbing the sleeping members of your family with overhead lights.
Pendant lights directly above a desk are another great option.
(Related: Best Accounting Software For Solopreneurs).
3. Create Pools Of Light With Accent Lights.
Accent lighting adds visual interest and depth, highlighting specific areas or objects in a room, such as artworks or architectural features.
Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting in your home office can create a balanced and functional space that supports your productivity.
Expert Tip.
Explore LED strip lights – these can be placed subtly under cupboards or within bookshelves to infuse personality and character into the space.
4. Add Warmth By Softening Glare And Shadows.
It’s essential to control glare and shadows where possible:
- A light source behind your computer screen/monitor will create a glare that is hard to work through.
- Try moving your desk to face windows to reduce glare, where possible.
- When writing, shadows can be unintentionally cast by desk lamps or other items if your light source is behind your writing arm.
- Consider lampshades and upward-facing floor lamps that bounce light off walls and ceilings.
Important!
Install blinds to filter harsh natural light or add anti-glare protector film to your laptop to reduce eye strain.
Which Bulbs Are Best For Home Office Lighting?
There are several types of artificial light sources, each with its benefits. When it comes to choosing bulbs:
- Incandescent bulbs are a standard and affordable option, but they are not energy-efficient and produce a lot of heat.
- Fluorescent bulbs are more efficient (and cooler in tone) but can have harsh light.
- LED bulbs are the most efficient and versatile option, as they can produce a wide range of colours and temperatures but are more expensive.
Expert Tip.
Try matching LED bulbs with natural light to create a balanced and functional lighting plan that is well-lit at all hours of the day.
Which Color Temperature Is Best?
The colour temperature of a light source is an essential aspect of home office lighting that affects the space’s appearance:
- High colour temperatures (such as a cool white or blue light) can brighten the environment but create a harsh and clinical atmosphere.
- Low colour temperature (such as a warm white or yellow light) will subdue the clarity of the space but create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
To select the correct colour temperature for your home office, consider the activities you will be doing and the atmosphere you want to create. For example:
- Working on the computer – cool white.
- Reading and writing by hand – white light.
- Relaxing or reading – warm white or yellow light.
Expert Tip.
Consider a desk lamp! You can ‘task-light’ and use different colour temperatures for specific areas of your office space, depending on the function of each.
Which Lighting Is Best For Video Conferences & YouTube?
Home office setup with a gridded studio key light in the top left corner and window light acting as an accent from the right.
Let’s not overlook the importance of lighting for recording video and participating in virtual meetings.
Nothing is worse than being back-lit on a Zoom, leaving your colleagues unable to see your face and a large white glow from the window behind you.
(Related: How To Make Virtual Meetings More Engaging).
Options include:
- If using natural light, place the source (window) directly in front of you. The bigger the window, the better.
- If using studio lighting, place the key light above and to the side.
- If doing video work regularly, invest in a semi-professional microphone (e.g. Rode Procaster) and sound dampening that kills reverb (sound accounts for 50% of the video viewer’s experience).
- Create two-point lighting by combining two light sources. One natural light source in front of you and a desk lamp directed at the side of your face to add interest.
- Get creative with background accent lighting – place a warm, dimly lit lamp behind you to add interest and depth.
Josh Gillick (Creative Director, Webex) has an interesting view on using light to eliminate cognitive distractions – “by improving your lighting, you eliminate all of the things in the way of you and I talking to each other face to face.”
Important!
Be cautious when mixing lights with different colour temperatures in the space – this can lead to the video screen looking too blue or too orange!
Which Lighting Controls Are Best For A Home Office?
There are several control options, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
1. Dimmers.
Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights and can be a convenient way to create the right ambience for different tasks.
Expert Tip.
Not all lighting fixtures are compatible with dimmers, so check the specifications before purchasing one.
2. Timers.
Timers can automatically control your lights at pre-set times and are especially helpful for saving energy. You can schedule your lighting to match your sleep routine – switching off when you finish the work day.
3. Smart Systems.
Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lights remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands.
Whilst they offer advanced features, they tend to be more expensive than other lighting controls and require a stable internet connection.
Expert Tip.
If working late in the evening, schedule your harsh light to switch off or pre-set a transition to warm fixtures to best support your internal body clock.
Which Lighting Fixtures Are Best For WFH?
Selecting lighting fixtures will significantly transform your space! Don’t choose them without taking the following into account:
- Shape: Make sure the fixtures complement the design of your room.
- Size: The bigger the fixture, the softer the light. Soft light feels more pleasant and makes you look better on camera.
(Related: Top Benefits Of Working From Home).
How Does Office Lighting Affect Health?
Lighting can significantly impact your health, and it’s essential to consider this when designing your home office lighting plan.
Blue light is a high-energy visible light emitted by electronic screens and some light bulbs. It can:
- Interfere with your body’s natural circadian rhythms.
- Cause symptoms such as fatigue, eyestrain, and headaches.
To reduce the adverse effects of blue light, consider using light bulbs with low colour temperatures, using blue light filters on your screens, and taking regular breaks from screens and harsh lighting.
Most importantly, integrate natural light and fresh air into your space as much as possible.
Should You Rely On Natural Light Only?
Natural light is beautiful, soft and abundant. Maximise its availability by placing your desk directly in front of a large window.
The most abundant source of light comes from the Sun. The downside – it becomes challenging to control and can change throughout the day or seasons.
Use natural light as your ambient light source, but supplement it with artificial task and accent lights.
As David Warfel (Expert Lighting Design Specialist) highlights, you must ensure your home office “draws in natural light, is functional, adjusts to the time of day, and above all is comfortable.”
(Related: 13 Best Home Business Ideas).
Bottom Line About Home Office Lighting.
Excellent home office lighting is not a luxury but a necessity when working from home to create a functional, comfortable, and inviting space.
You can reconcile the above tips with your current workspace and begin designing a home office lighting plan that is supportive and inspiring!
Irene
Cody says:
Hi,
Do you know 9am HOME standing desks?
I want to know how about their desk.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Cody, I’ve never seen them before but I took a quick look for you and I’m 90% certain it’s another Jiecang desk. You can tell by the design of the feet and the lowest height (60cm). Desky, Omnidesk, Stand Desk are all pretty much the same.
Cody says:
Which one do you mean? Pesk or Robin series? I am interested in their Robin series, it looks unique and beautiful. I can’t find anyone like it in Desky.
Steven McConnell says:
I was talking about the Pesk Series. Robin series does look attractive and unusual, but I’m usually not a fan of tubular legs as they tend to be more prone to wobble. I can’t say whether this is the case in this instance, as I haven’t physically tested the desk myself. The 10 year warranty is reassuring, however. I wish they offered a risk-free trial to let you test out the legs!
Cody says:
Thank you very much, Steven; I will take your comments into consideration.
Erin says:
Do you know much about Kangadesks? There are Australian as well.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Erin, its another Jiecang standing desk. Same as Desky, Omni, Stand Desk etc. The design of the feet and 60-125cm height range gives it away. The desk appears to currently be currently on sale for $299, which is an absolute steal and I’m wondering why they’re selling their stock at 1/3 of RRP. Regardless, even if they’re about to go bust, I’d still buy one at that price.
EDIT: Be careful. Fakespot showed these warnings while browsing their website: “Multiple eCommerce scam experiences detected, Poor customer service”
Suzy says:
Hi – given all the desks are so similar, is it possible to mix a desk from one brand with a drawer accessory from another? I don’t like the UpDown desk metal drawer (hangs very low so likely to impede leg space) but don’t mind the Desky one – can these be mixed and matched?
Thank you for the reviews! Super helpful.
Steven McConnell says:
Yes, it’s possible to play switcheroo. But you may want to consider that UpDown design is curved, so it will hurt less if you do jam your thighs into it. Desky’s meanwhile, is quite angular. Pro tip: you can also find a bunch of inexpensive slimline desk drawers on Amazon.
jason says:
I’ve spent far, far too much time agonising over which desk to get haha, definitely more than a week. Very happy that you’ve added the omni-desk to your catalogue. That was the one I was considering the most untill you came you with a review saying that it was more wobbly!
Anyways, do you have an opinion on the new updown desk KLIK Series? Its advertises to be significanlty ligher while having better (on paper) specs
Thanks!
Evelyn says:
Hi Steven, great blog post – thank you! I’m also wondering whether you have any opinion or insights on the new UpDown Desk KLIK series…they come at $100 more expensive (for the same size/table top) but seem to be ‘better’ according to the UpDown website.
Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Evelyn, thanks! I will have a full review of the KLIK up around February 2025. It’s not necessarily a better standing desk – but it is lighter, less bulky and promises easier assembly.
Ben Clements says:
Hi. I’m interested to know more about whether I actually could fit the Desky cable management system in the Omnidesk? I’ve had a look at the omnidesks in person at the showroom and it looks like their cable management trays screw on (vs the clip in at the edges of the desk with the Desky tray). The desky system also has the power plugs that snap into place in the tray.
So I’m curious to know if you have you tried it, and if so how did you do it please? Or is your thinking that you’d just buy the power boards and plugs from Desky and rest them in the Omnidesk tray?
I’m stuck, because I prefer the Omnidesks but I really love the idea of a single power lead!
Thanks
Steven McConnell says:
I just had a new Omnidesk delivered to my house. Give me about two weeks to assemble it, test it out and report back.
Sunni says:
Thanks for your very helpful (and funny) review. I used the information to to buy a Desky standing desk in record time – no consumer agonising for weeks, as is my usual practice. It has a pneumatic up/down mechanism, so lets see how that goes.
Steven McConnell says:
Ha! You’re welcome, Sunni. Glad I helped you cut down on the agonising. The pneumatic mechanism is an interest choice – let me know what you think of it?
Amber says:
Hi Steven,
Really great and insightful review. It was refreshing to see something that wasn’t filled with ChatGPT affiliate link garbage!
I’m curious about your opinion on L-shaped standing desks? I know that Desky, UpDown and a few other retailers offer these types of desks and I would assume they are more strong and stable, but I’m not an expert and I can also imagine the opposite being true due to the irregular shape. I’ve been looking at these types of desks because I think their shape suits my space the best. Do you have any knowledge on this or do you only have experience with regular rectangular shaped desks?
Steven McConnell says:
Thanks, Amber. Did you know that I have a L-shaped standing desk review? Search for “arielle best corner standing desks” and you’ll find it.
Melissa says:
Hi Steven great article thank you!
I’ve spent way to much time on this, and I’m now leaning towards the Artiss thanks to your review.
I’m wondering if you have any insight into ergonomic chairs for the home office also?
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Melissa, thanks! The Artiss is a great budget pick. I’ve written numerous ergonomic chair reviews – Google “arielle best ergonomic office chairs” to find them 🙂
tania says:
hey are there any other manual desks apart from the ikea ones you don’t recommend, that you would recommend? I prefer the idea of not needing electricity to move between stand up and sit down but maybe that doesn’t really exist?
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Tania, all of the premium brands (UpDown, Desky, etc) offer a manual crank model. Definitely the way to go if you want to avoid electronics. But TBH I suggest you reconsider. Electronics are very reliable these days – and hand-cranking your standing desk is more annoying than you’d expect.
Adam says:
Hi, do you know much about the UpDown Klik vs Pro system?
Steven McConnell says:
The company has shipped their new Klik standing desk to me yesterday. Stay tuned!
Scott Long says:
You mention in your review of the Up Down Pro that you would get the cable holes and grommets done, but it looks like your (very pretty) Messmate desk doesn’t have them. Is your recommendation a hindsight reflection, or did you choose not to spoil the look of the desk with the grommets? Without the grommets can you can still run the cables behind the desk and into the cable management tray? Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Scott, I said in the review that grommets and holes are a great idea, not that I have them. They’re less important if your standing desk faces a wall. But if you have an open-plan style home office like mine, they’ll make your workspace look much cleaner. PS You can still run cables into the tray without the holes and grommets – the cables will simply run behind the desk.
Isaac Jenkinson says:
Hello,
Have you had a chance to try the new UpDown Lyft model? Curious about its stability vs the pro.
Steven McConnell says:
Isaac,
Not yet. On first glance, it looks like a budget alternative to the “big brothers”. It’s probably pretty good (UpDown has a reputation to maintain), but I’m of the opinion that buying cheap means you pay more in the long term. I’d save up another few hundred bucks and get the Pro. You can often get a melamine or bamboo-topped model on sale for around $900.
David says:
This is a great site and will help me decide on which desk to buy. Have you heard any good/bad reviews about the Blacklyte Atlas Lite or Ergo-Rise II from BDO furniture?
Steven McConnell says:
David, thanks for the kind words. Never heard of the Atlas Lite until you mentioned it. Looks like a decent gaming desk that borrows heavily from Secretlab Magnus – but why not just buy a real Magnus instead?
As for the Ergo-Rise – looks like a decent desk, but its height controller is outdated. The best standing desk brands have upgraded to OLED controllers.
Ben says:
Thank you for writing this review Steven; really helpful to break through the BS.
By any chance have you used or hold an opinion on Vertilift desks?
Steven McConnell says:
You’re welcome. God, I haven’t even heard of them – but thanks for the heads-up. There are too many standing desks on the Australian market. Obviously I haven’t used these in person, but I’m almost certain they’re yet another Jiecang variant (i.e., frames are identical to Desky). You can tell by the identical max and min heights, as well as the design of the foot.
Eloise says:
Hey Steven, I was recommended the Alwyn or Octavia (Living Fusion) 140cm sit and stand desks from Temple and Webster which don’t even get a mention in your review. Would you bother with any of their brands ? (I may have dodged a bullet by finding your review!)
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Louise, I haven’t had first-hand experience with the T&W standing desk (must add one to my list!).
However, I had a look through the specs for you.
It doesn’t look too bad, actually – considering the price. If you can’t stretch your budget to ~$950 for an entry-level UpDown or Desky, this could be a good option.
Jordan says:
Hi Steven, Thanks for the review! I am starting out with a home office set up and need a new chair and sit stand desk. I’m a student but I prefer to buy things I know will last, but I don’t have too much experience with sit stand desks. I initially thought to buy the Artiss but have considered buying the Acacia UpDown Pro+ so I know it lasts and I don’t have to buy another desk in a couple of years. Is it worth the price jump for me? Thanks!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Jordan, the Artiss and the UpDown desks sell at two very different price points. If you have the budget, I suggest you stretch to the UpDown standing desk – you won’t regret it.
jason says:
I know you’ve disqualified the flexispot e7 pro so the e7 max plus would probably also be disqualified, but a quad motor 4 column desk frame at a prices competitive with UpDown desk is incredibly tempting. Plus 15 year warrenty (if the company lasts that long)
Have you had a chance to take a look? Its like half the price of the desky quad!
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Jason, great observation. I haven’t included quad standing desks here because they’ve traditionally attracted a niche consumer – someone who needs to place a tonne of gear on the desktop and doesn’t mind paying 2X the usual price. But Flexispot’s sharp pricing on their quad desk certainly changes things. I haven’t seen one in the wild yet – but the specs look promising.
Steven