Tips for Home Office Lighting That Inspires (or Distracts)
Lighting in your home office is a lot like the weather. When it’s good, you feel energized and productive. When it’s bad, you feel lethargic, frustrated, or distracted. What makes lighting good or bad while working from home? Let’s dive in and take a look.
Lighting while working from home affects concentration/focus
Most of us have never given much thought to lighting while working from home. We’re aware that organization influences mood and productivity at work but tend to overlook lights for a home office. We just want to be able to see what we’re doing.
While working from home, you probably have a desk lamp and maybe also a floor lamp or table lamp by a cozy reading spot. Access to natural daylight is ideal but not always available, so that affects your lighting choices too.
Relying on misplaced lighting, overhead or too far away, can cause shadows that make it hard to work, ultimately influencing your ability to work effectively and efficiently.
Take the time to check that lighting in your home office works for you. Get creative in your space. A lamp in a design that appeals to you will make you happy every time you turn it on.
Web conferencing relationships
Currently, one of the most neglected considerations while working from home is lighting during video conferences. Did anyone see this coming in home decor trends?
Web conferencing online enables us to build relationships while social distancing. Video calls have been vital to both large and small businesses during the pandemic. Home office lighting is critical for fostering connection from afar.
Consider the last time you were on a Zoom call and the other person’s home office lighting was dim. It’s really hard to connect and communicate with someone who’s in a dark room. Consider these points when you get ready for your next call.
- Ensuring your face is bright and clear allows others to see and connect with you. (Use the “improve my appearance” filters if you’re more comfortable with that. Not all of us love the camera!) A good light behind your monitor or attached to your laptop is a good investment in your home accessories.
- Be aware of any glares or shadows that are happening. Glasses and glass picture frames behind you will reflect your monitor. The sun in your eyes will cause you to squint. These are distracting and make it difficult for others to focus on what you’re saying when they’re studying what’s visible in that glare (or just shielding their eyes if it’s too bright).
- Notice how it can be challenging to virtually connect with someone who appears to be in a sterile pod. Having an interesting light in a modern design behind you in your home office will add some ambiance. Showing a little personality allows others to get to know you better and helps bridge the gap of not meeting in the same room together.
Home office lighting is a beacon for productivity
At the end of the (work) day, be mindful that lighting affects our mood and overall health. Poor lighting is distracting and often causes headaches while bright and cheerful lighting uplifts our spirits and can improve our outlook.
If you’re looking to boost your productivity and improve your ability to connect with your remote colleagues, check out Domanda Design’s made-to-order lighting options where you can pick a pattern that lights you up.
This blog post was written by Kara Stefancik.
