In this article, you will learn what lighting is ideal for the workplace, how to avoid eye strain, and which lamps are best suited.
Why desk lighting is so important
Light has a direct influence on your concentration, motivation, and health. Lighting that is too dark or too bright quickly leads to fatigue, headaches, or poor posture.
The right lighting in the workplace, on the other hand:
- relieves eye strain,
- increases concentration,
- improves mood,
- and makes the workplace much more pleasant.
Lighting plays an even greater role in the home office, as there is often no professional lighting concept in place.
Optimal lighting for the workplace: the 3 lighting levels
1. General lighting
Provides basic brightness in the room – for example, through ceiling lights or LED panels.
→ Uniform, glare-free light without harsh shadows
2. Desk lamp / work light
Light exactly where you need it – on documents, the keyboard, or the work surface.
→ Ideal: dimmable LED desk lamp with flexible arm
3. Accent and background lighting
Creates atmospheric points of light and prevents harsh contrasts.
→ LED strips or wall lamps create visual balance
Tip: A combination of these three levels ensures the best light and a harmonious room atmosphere.
How bright should a desk lamp be?
For concentrated work, experts recommend at least 500 lux at the workplace.
This corresponds to approximately 800–1,000 lumens for an average table size.
- General room lighting: 200–300 lux
- Desk/PC work: at least 500 lux
- Precision work (e.g., drawing): 750–1,000 lux
A dimmable LED light is ideal here—it adapts perfectly to the activity and time of day.
In terms of color temperatures, for desks and home offices, we recommend neutral white light (4,000 K) – it appears bright and clear and promotes concentration. In the evening, warm white light can create a more cozy atmosphere.
Glare-free workplace lighting
Glare is one of the most common distractions in the office. It occurs when light shines directly into the eyes or onto the screen.
How to avoid glare:
- Position the lamp to the side of the screen
- Use frosted shades or diffusers
- Avoid shiny table surfaces
- Turn the screen so that no light is reflected
👉 Tip: If you are right-handed, place the lamp on the left; if you are left-handed, place it on the right – this will prevent shadows from falling on the paper.
The perfect position for your desk lamp
- Lamp head approx. 40–50 cm above the work surface
- Light shining diagonally onto the table from above
- Flexible tilt and swivel lamp
- An angle of around 60° ensures glare-free working
Flexible swivel arms or clamp lamps are ideal if you frequently rearrange your desk or move your table.
Which desk lamp is right for me?
💡 Classic LED desk lamp
- Adjustable arm
- Dimmable & energy-saving
- Ideal for home offices and schools
💡 Architect's lamp
- Long, flexible arm with spring joints
- Long reach and precision
- Popular with designers and engineers
💡 LED panel or workstation lamp
- Flat, glare-free illumination
- Particularly suitable for large tables
💡 Clamp or battery-powered lamp
- Saves space, easy to move
- Ideal for height-adjustable tables
Home office: cleverly combining daylight
Daylight is the best source of light – but it is not always sufficient in everyday life.
How to make the most of it:
- Place your desk parallel to the window
- Let daylight in from the side
- Supplement with artificial light in the evening
Lighting in children's and teenagers' rooms
Children also need good lighting for learning and crafts.
Look for:
- Sturdy, glare-free lamp
- Neutral white light (3,500–4,000 K)
- Flexible arm
- Dimmability for evening hours
This will create the ideal learning environment for homework and creative projects.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Modern LED lights save up to 80% energy compared to conventional lamps.
They have a service life of up to 50,000 hours and are therefore extremely low-maintenance.
When buying, look for:
- Energy efficiency class A–C (EU label)
- Sustainable materials & replaceable LED modules
- Timers or motion sensors for additional energy savings
Conclusion: Lighting that supports you
The right desk lighting combines function, comfort, and style.
Pay attention to:
- Sufficient brightness (at least 500 lux),
- Neutral white light (approx. 4,000 K),
- High color rendering (CRI > 90),
- glare-free alignment, and flexible adjustment.
This will help you create an environment where you can work in a focused, relaxed, and productive manner—whether in the office or at home.
✨ Discover now:
In our web shop, you will find desk lamps, LED lights, and lighting solutions for every workplace—from classic to modern. Let your home office shine!
