Task lighting for comfortable work
Where to put the lamp, how bright to go, and how to avoid glare and shadows.
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What task lighting does
Task lighting adds focused light to the spot you are working on. It works together with room (ambient) light. The two add up, so a task lamp can bring your desk to a comfortable level without lighting the whole room brightly.
How much light at the desk
Lighting standards from the Illuminating Engineering Society suggest roughly 300 lux on the desk for routine work and about 500 lux for reading printed material, for adults aged 25 to 65. Older eyes generally need more light for the same task. You do not need a meter: if print is easy to read without squinting, you are close.
| Task | About |
|---|---|
| Routine work | 300 lux |
| Reading print | 500 lux |
Placement
- Put the lamp on the side opposite your writing hand so your hand does not cast a shadow on the page.
- Aim the light at the work, not at your eyes.
- Keep the bright part of the lamp out of your direct view. A shade or diffuser helps.
- For screen work, light the desk and keyboard, not the screen, and avoid reflections on the display.
Placement and glare, seen from above
- Avoid: Bulb visible at eye level
- Avoid: Light hitting the screen
- Avoid: Dark room around a bright desk
- Do: Shaded head aimed down
- Do: Light on keyboard and paper
- Do: Some room light on
Glare and contrast
Glare happens when a bright source or reflection is in your field of view. Very bright light on the desk in a dark room is also uncomfortable. Keep some room light on so the contrast between desk and surroundings is not extreme.
Screens and evening light
Screens give off their own light, so you need less desk light for pure screen work than for paper. In the evening, some people prefer warmer, dimmer light. Adjustable brightness and color make this easy.
Flicker
Some lamps flicker, especially at low dimming settings. If a lamp seems to shimmer or you notice flicker when you move your eyes, try another lamp or setting.
FAQ
General information, not medical advice. See an eye care professional about eye strain or vision concerns.
