Bad home office lighting causes eye strain, headaches and unflattering video calls. Good lighting is mostly about placement: where the window is, where the lamp sits and what's behind you on camera. This guide covers how to light a home office for focus, comfort and video calls.
1. Position the Desk for Daylight
Daylight is the best light for work, but it causes glare when it hits your screen or your eyes.
- Best: the desk perpendicular to the window, so light comes from the side.
- Avoid: the window directly behind your monitor (you squint into it) or directly behind you (it reflects on the screen and leaves your face dark on camera).
- Use sheer curtains or blinds to soften direct sun.
2. Add Ambient Light
A screen in a dark room tires your eyes. Keep the room evenly lit with a ceiling fixture, recessed lights or a floor lamp that bounces light off the ceiling. The light level around the screen should be close to the screen's brightness.
3. Use a Task Lamp the Right Way
- Place it on the opposite side of your writing hand, so your hand doesn't cast a shadow.
- Use an adjustable arm or shade so the bulb isn't visible from your seat.
- Aim it at paper and the keyboard, not at the screen.
A wide desk gives the lamp room without crowding your work. The Rounded Edge Wood Grain Desk with Metal Frame is 86.6" W × 35" D, and the Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Memory Presets and Digital Display adjusts from 29.6" to 44.9" H on a 63" W top. If you stand to work, use a lamp with enough reach or a clamp arm, since the desk surface moves. See standing desk height.
4. Pick Neutral Light for Work
Use 3500K to 4000K bulbs for task lighting in an office. They're crisp enough to keep you alert without the harsh blue cast of daylight bulbs. If the office doubles as a guest room or den, put warmer 2700K bulbs in the room's other lamps for evenings. Look for CRI 90+ if you work with color. See how to choose light bulbs.
5. Light Your Face for Video Calls
- Face the window or a soft light source; never sit with a bright window behind you.
- Put a soft lamp or light slightly above eye level and in front of you, a little to one side.
- Avoid a single overhead light, which creates shadows under the eyes.
6. Light the Background
A softly lit background adds depth on camera and makes the room feel finished. A lit display cabinet or bookcase behind your chair works well. The Relievo Arched Glass Cabinet lists an LED light and stands 86.6" H × 31.5" W with mullioned glass doors. Keep background lights dimmer than the light on your face. See how to style a bookshelf.
7. Reduce Screen Glare
- Tilt the monitor slightly and adjust its brightness to match the room.
- Use matte desk surfaces and avoid glossy items right in front of the screen.
- Shade overhead lights so you can't see the bulbs from your chair.
Home Office Lighting Checklist
| Need | Solution |
|---|---|
| Daylight without glare | Desk perpendicular to the window, sheer curtains |
| Even room light | Ceiling fixture or uplighting floor lamp |
| Focus | Adjustable task lamp, 3500K–4000K |
| Video calls | Soft light in front of your face, lit background |
See also home office ideas, how to organize a home office and our home lighting guide.
FAQ
What is the best lighting for a home office?
Side daylight, even ambient light and an adjustable task lamp with 3500K–4000K bulbs.
Where should a desk lamp be placed?
On the side opposite your writing hand, aimed at your work surface, not the screen.
How do I stop glare on my computer screen?
Keep windows to the side of the screen, shade overhead lights and match the screen's brightness to the room.
How should I light my face for video calls?
Face a window or a soft light slightly above eye level, and avoid bright light behind you.