Home office lighting should light your desk with no glare on the screen. Combine even general lighting with an adjustable light aimed at your documents.
A well-lit workspace
A ceiling light alone isn't enough: it lights the room but often leaves the page in the shadow of your head. Add a directional light that delivers 300 to 500 lux on the desk.
- Desk lamp: with an articulated arm or an adjustable head, it can be set close to the task. See our desk lamps.
- Adjustable wall light: a home office wall light frees up the desk and can also light a bookcase or a picture.
- Reading floor lamp: next to an armchair, one of our floor lamps with an adjustable head places the light slightly above and behind your shoulder.
Many designs have integrated LEDs, compact and long-lasting, often 15,000 to 25,000 hours; others take an LED bulb. Check the CRI, at least 80, to see the colours in your documents accurately. For a work corner in the living room or bedroom, a lamp whose finish matches your other lights blends into the decor; for the other rooms, see our lighting by room.
Home office lighting: styles and materials
Metal leads, in black, chrome, white or gold-tone brass, alongside acrylic and glass, with a few touches of wood. Modern and industrial lines, with articulated arms and architect lamps, are the most common, followed by classic, vintage and retro and Scandinavian designs. Our home office lighting tips guide adds further pointers.
Frequently asked questions about home office lighting
How many lux do you need to work?
Aim for 300 to 500 lux on the work surface, towards the top of the range for reading or writing on paper. A ceiling light alone rarely achieves this, so add an adjustable desk lamp next to the desk. General lighting is still useful to reduce the contrast between the bright screen and the rest of the room.
Which side should the desk lamp go on?
On the opposite side to your writing hand: on the left if you're right-handed, on the right if you're left-handed. That way your hand doesn't cast a shadow on the page. Angle the head towards the document, slightly in front of you, and check that the bulb isn't visible from where you sit.
How do I avoid glare on the screen?
Place the desk at right angles to the window and light the screen from the side, never from the front. Avoid a bright light behind you that reflects in the screen, such as a badly placed spotlight or ceiling light. Choose opal diffusers on the ceiling and a lamp aimed at the keyboard rather than the screen.
Does whiter light help you concentrate?
Yes, up to a point: during the day, neutral white at 4,000 K helps you stay focused and renders colours well. In the evening, a lamp in warm white at 2,700 K softens the room. Avoid cool white at 5,000 K and above, best kept for garages or technical lighting, as it is tiring over long hours.
