7 Lighting Solutions Every Office Should Have

Having good office lighting takes more than just hanging rows of fluorescent tubes over a workspace. The best-looking offices use light in layers, with each layer serving a particular purpose when illuminating your office.

Not sure where to start? We’ve listed down seven basic lighting solutions your office in [city] should have.

1. Overhead Lights

Also called ceiling lights, overhead lights provide general illumination in office spaces. They’re the backbone of your lighting system upon which your other lighting solutions are based on. Where most offices get things wrong is by making their overhead lights too bright, which creates glare and results in an overall unpleasant working environment. Remember, it’s not just about having more light, but it’s also about having right in the right areas, which is where the next lighting solution comes in.

2. Task Lights

As the name suggests, task lights are designed to provide light for particular tasks. In the office, that can be anything from writing, reading, drawing, to using the computer. Desk lamps are the perhaps the most common example of office task lights due to their portability and flexibility for different situation. With task lights, employees have enough light to see what they’re doing without having to rely on general lighting.

3. Pendant Lights

For a modern look in the office, consider getting pendant lights. These fixtures, which can serve as both general and task lighting, come in a variety of designs that match any office interior. A cluster of pendant lights is great for general lighting while single units can be used as task lights over a workspace or as decorative lights for hallways and lobbies.

4. Track Lights

Track lights are placed or mounted on metal racks on the ceiling or walls. If you have a long hallway or one side of a wall that you want to illuminate (think a wall with art), these lights are perfect for the job. Track lights can also be used as task lighting, shining light on individual workspaces.

5. Decorative Lights

Decorative lights like sconces and chandeliers may not be super bright, but they can still add life and character to your office. These light fixtures serve a primarily aesthetic purpose, so don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative. Consider using neon signs and colored bulbs for decorative lights.

6. Cove Lights

These fixtures are hidden behind ledges or recesses on walls or ceilings, giving your office a modern and sophisticated look. As a general lighting solution, cove lights provide an indirect and soft light that’s gentle on the eyes.

They’re great to use in lobbies, meeting rooms, and boardrooms.

7. Emergency and Exit Lighting

Employee safety should be one of the foremost concerns in any office. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to beef up your emergency lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting that can run on batteries should the power go out. For example, you can install emergency LED spotlights to add brightness to stairwells and exit points.

Remember these lighting solutions the next time you make improvements to your office. When in doubt, talk to a professional lighting designer to create a comprehensive lighting plan for your workplace.