Lighting setups is one of the most important factors for focus and productivity while working from home. As most of the workforce continues to work remotely, one perk is getting to design your home office however you like. People often focus on the desk setups, but work from home lighting setups is just as important. Gone are the days of getting stuck in a cubicle under fluorescent lights or having a windowless office. Your home will still have some limitations, but you can have total control over the lighting.
When you’re setting up the lighting for your home office, it’s important to keep in mind the way lighting can affect your productivity and focus. Type of light bulbs, color temperature, and lighting placement are all factors that can increase productivity and focus while you’re working from home. So, let’s look at what you can do for your work from home lighting and how it impacts productivity and focus.
Work From Home Lighting Basics
To start, the lighting in your home office can and will affect your focus and productivity. Setting your desk setup for productivity and focus would be incomplete without the right lighting setup. Lighting can magically affect your mood, physical health, and circadian rhythm. Lighting is everything! Not all lighting will work for the entire day, either. According to UNC the type and coHome Desktop Setup and the Psychology of Colorlor of lighting has a huge impact on productivity.
When you’re working from home, you spend a lot of time staring at a screen and probably spending your breaks staring at the smaller fun screen you keep in your pocket. All of this screen time can cause eye strain and potentially migraines, so choose your lighting carefully. Color temperature and the type of lightbulbs you use will make a huge difference in productivity and how you feel throughout the day.
Home Office Lighting Color Temperature And Focus
The color temperature of the lighting you choose can make or break your focus while you’re working. We’ve evolved as humans to the rise and setting of the sun. Daylight has a blueish hue, and Sunsets have a yellow hue, hence golden hour. Our bodies take a cue from the light and respond accordingly.
Blue and Daylight Tones For Focus
As mentioned before, blue or cooler lighting is best for focus during the workday. Cooler temperatures and “daylight” help you to concentrate and are less distracting during the workday.
Warmer Light Tones For Relaxation
Warmer lighting such as orange or yellowish lights is better for calm and relaxation. Think of trendy Edison bulbs in a dim bar or fancy kitchen. That type of lighting will not make you want to work; it’ll make you want to sip a cocktail in a comfy lounge chair.
Chose The Right Color For The Right Time
If you are going to be working long hours, you might want to adjust your lighting color temperatures as the day goes on. For example, you could start your morning with cool blue lighting and adapt to a warmer setting as you get closer to the end of the workday to help you wind down before it’s time to relax. There are plenty of options to buy adjustable lighting these days to help you achieve this lighting style if it sounds like it will work for you.
Different Types of Home Office Lighting
LED Vs. Fluorescent Lighting
Let’s talk about the different types of lightbulbs. The two main choices you will have when deciding are LED bulbs or fluorescent bulbs. LED lighting is the most popular choice because it is energy efficient and saves money. These bulbs can last years without being replaced, so they are a budget-friendly option. They are more expensive up front, but you get your money’s with them since they don’t need to be replaced as often.
Fluorescent lighting is what was once traditionally used in offices. It can be bright, harsh and if you stay at work late, the lights could interfere with your sleep, keeping you awake longer. This serves its intended purpose while you’re in the office. If you choose LED lights, they will typically have a dimming feature or different settings so you don’t have to have them on full blast all day.
Natural Lighting For Concentration and Focus
We’ve talked about different types of lights but there is no better lighting for focus than natural sunlight. If it’s possible, try to set up your home office in a room with plenty of natural light to get you through the day. Have you ever taken a walk during the workday and come back refreshed? That’s the Vitamin D from the sun talking! Being able to access that light all day is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
If natural light is unavailable to you, try to take walks or go outside at least a few times a day to soak up some rays and get your mind going.
Proper Lighting Brightness For A Home Office
There is such a thing as too bight when it comes to lighting. You’ll want to consider the light you’re getting from your computer, tablet, and phone screens when deciding on lighting options. Obviously, your computer screen isn’t going to be able to light the entire room, and you may have a dimmer on it to alleviate eye strain as it is.
Think about the type of focused work you’re doing. Is everything on the computer? If you are printing out documents and handwriting notes, consider a dedicated desk lamp that focuses on that work to keep it well-lit.
For other office lights, it’s all up to you. Indirect light is recommended to keep you from having too much light on you that can impact your circadian rhythm and potentially cause migraines. Natural light is going to be your best friend, so you may be able to get away with no artificial lighting during the day in the right room.
Set Up The Perfect Work From Home Lighting for Focus
To sum it up, your home office lighting is essential to have a productive and focused day. There are many different options on the market for lighting, but with your home office, you have total control.
Choosing LED lights will give you control over the lighting during the day and will save you money by being long-lasting and energy-efficient. When you can, it’s best to rely on natural light for Vitamin D and the optimum lighting without being too harsh. Avoid glares and shadows by strategically setting your office up.
Having control over your home office is one of the many perks of working from home, so make sure you take the time to choose the right options for you!