Types of office lighting
- Af Mette Bergholdt
- Last updated 1. March 2024
In business environments, lighting is not only a practical necessity, but also a crucial factor in employee wellbeing and productivity.
Most people who spend long hours in an office know the challenge of feeling tired and drowsy throughout the day and maybe even getting a headache. Of course, there can be several reasons for this, but one of them is incorrect lighting. At ANTIDARK, we understand the importance of proper lighting in office environments and we offer optimal solutions that combine stylish design with high quality. In this guide, we will explore different types of office lighting and their impact on the working environment.
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Mette Bergholdt
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Daylight - the best light source in office environments
Natural light is arguably the best source of light in any office environment. It helps improve employee mood and productivity while reducing energy consumption in the organisation. Designing office spaces where daylight can be optimally utilised should therefore be a priority.
Large windows and strategically placed workstations can maximise the use of daylight. If your office is designed for it, place desks against the window wall so that the line of sight is parallel to the windows. Of course, there should be a way to shield the sun so you’re not bothered by the light or heat. Especially if the windows are south-facing. The shading should be a flexible solution so that you don’t block out all the light and views.
What kind of artificial light is best?
Natural light alone is not sufficient, and this is where artificial light comes into play. It is important to choose artificial light sources that provide a comfortable atmosphere, reduce fatigue, and harmonize with the daylight.
LED: Energy efficient, long lifespan and good lighting
LED lighting has become popular in many modern office environments. This type of lighting is not only energy efficient, but also offers a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. LED lights can also offer a range of colour temperatures, making it possible to create the right lighting.
A common mistake is that the light is too ‘warm’. In other words – the kelvin is too low. Studies show that energy levels are negatively affected if you are exposed to warm light for a longer period of time. LED is therefore ideal for office lighting as it is easy to find variants with the right colour temperature or with the ability to adjust both brightness (lumens) and kelvin (colour temperature). This means that the light can also be adjusted to daylight according to season or during the day.
The challenge of fluorescent and halogen lighting in office environments
Fluorescent lighting has traditionally been a popular option in offices, mainly due to its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, while it can be an economical solution, fluorescent lighting often comes with challenges such as varying light quality and colour rendering. This can cause eye strain and reduce employee comfort and productivity.
Halogen lighting, on the other hand, is known for its sharp and clear light, making it ideal for detail-oriented tasks. However, halogen lamps fall behind in terms of energy efficiency and heat production, especially when compared to LED and some fluorescent light sources.
These challenges make both fluorescent and halogen lighting less ideal choices for modern office environments. Instead, it is worth considering more customized lighting solutions with LED, which can both improve the work environment and overall energy efficiency.
Read more about office lighting
Curious to know even more about how to create the optimal office lighting?
Check out the page below, where we’ve gathered a number of valuable tips and everything you need to know to create a functional and comfortable workspace.