Design Considerations for Office Lighting

There are several key factors that must be considered while designing or updating any office space, and lighting is at or near the top of any such list. From safety and liability concepts to basic themes like employee productivity and office aesthetics, lighting is vital – and there are a few areas to be thinking about here.

At Premier Office Design & Furniture, we’re here to offer comprehensive office design and furniture services to clients around Salt Lake City, from office desks and other high-quality furniture products to space planning services and more. We help clients with every part of their design during space planning appointments, including visits to your location to view your space and assist you with every nuanced detail – lighting included. Here are some basics on why office lighting is so important to consider during office design planning, plus some lighting themes to keep in mind and some office lighting options to be thinking about.

Why Office Lighting is Vital in Design

There are a few key reasons why lighting is such a vital factor during office design or updates:

• Safety and liability: First and foremost, your office’s lighting will play a big role in keeping employees safe. Properly-lit areas make occupants less likely to trip, fall, or experience other accidents that might result in injury claims.
• Productivity: Proper lighting can also improve employee productivity. Dimly-lit offices make it harder for employees to read, write, and focus on tasks at hand. Providing adequate lighting will help your team stay energized and focused.
• Aesthetics: Finally, the aesthetic appeal of your office is directly related to its lighting design. The workplace should be an inviting space that reflects the company’s brand and culture, and lighting plays an important role in achieving this.

Office Lighting Themes

When considering your office lighting, there are a few main themes to keep in mind. These include:

• Natural light: One of the best sources of light is natural sunlight. Not only does it provide a sense of openness and warmth, but it also offers significant health benefits for employees. So while this area definitely includes attention to specific light fixtures (more on this in a bit), it also includes themes like window placement and natural light energy conservation.
• Energy efficiency: Speaking of energy conservation, your office lighting should also include designs that are cost-effective and eco-friendly. LED bulbs, for example, are a popular option for their low energy consumption and longer lifespan.
• Task lighting: Task lighting focuses on specific areas or tasks in the office, such as individual desks or conference tables. This is an important theme as it can help reduce eye strain and fatigue in employees.
• Light placement: Like any other element of office design, placement is key. Effective light placement will help achieve balance and harmony between natural and artificial sources of light. For instance, consider installing dimmers for overhead lighting to allow employees to adjust as needed.
• Intensity and color temperature: Two additional elements to consider are the intensity and color temperature of your office lighting. Studies have shown that cooler light colors (such as blue) can increase productivity, while warmer light colors (such as yellow) can create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Office Lighting Types

When it comes to specific office lighting options, there are several to choose from. Some popular choices include:

• Drop ceiling lights: These are recessed into the ceiling panels and offer a sleek, modern look.
• Track lighting: This type of lighting includes an adjustable track with multiple light fixtures attached, allowing for versatile placement and direction of light.
• Pendant lights: A popular option for conference rooms or other gathering spaces, pendant lights hang from the ceiling and provide ample overhead lighting.
• Wrap lighting: This is a type of fluorescent lighting that provides even, shadow-free light throughout the office.
• Task lighting: We referred to task lighting earlier as a theme, but it can also be implemented in the form of specific fixtures such as desk lamps or under cabinet lights.
• Acoustic lighting: There are also modern light fixtures that incorporate sound-absorbing materials. This can be a great option for reducing noise and improving sound quality in open office spaces.

At Premier Office Design & Furniture, we offer a variety of lighting options as part of our complete office design services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a well-lit, functional, and visually appealing office space anywhere in SLC.