A major trend in the last decade is the use of a home office from which to conduct your business. Some of these offices represent part time work used to supplement the primary income earned at a job outside of the home. However, more and more individuals are earning their primary income (and spending the entire workday) in a home office. My wife, for example, works for a company doing outside sales. The company accepted her request to transfer her base of operations to a home office. While there was an initial outlay of capital expenditures on furniture, a fax and a copy machine, the company provided the computer system and pays for the internet connection. Everyone wins. My wife’s commute to work is 35′ and she is available for over time, which the company frequently needs.
I have found that she is not alone in this arrangement. More and more companies are finding it to be more cost-effective to set-up a trusted employee in a home office rather than have them commute to an often over-crowded office.
Whatever the arrangement, many people are spending a considerable part of the workday in a home office and it is essential that the area be designed to promote a comfortable work environment, including just the right kind of lighting configuration. A home office that is too dimly lit will eventually lead to eyestrain, lower production because of the fatigue factor and even the possibility of developing of a medical condition. On the other hand, lighting that is too bright or that is placed in such a way that too much glare or reflection occurs, can also lead to fatigue and even headaches. The wrong lighting configuration can create distractions and can contribute to disorganization.
A rule of thumb is to start with overhead lighting positioned in such a way that your primary workspace is illuminated and without shadows. Fluorescent fixtures that are energy efficient are usually your best bet. Even though they are somewhat more expensive, using bulbs that are also used as grow lights for plants, provide artificial sunlight and make it easier and more comfortable to work longer hours during the winter or on those days that are overcast.
It’s a good idea to use two light fixtures placed on either side of your work area and position them so that you don’t actually see them when you are working.
Take a good look at the prospective layout of the home office room before investing in lighting fixtures. Take into consideration any ambient lighting that is available from windows or other places in the room. Keep in mind that as the day progresses the kind of ambient light that is available will change so plan accordingly. Find the best place for the desk that will house your computer terminal, printer, copier, fax and other necessary equipment. Your lighting should be planned around this equipment since that’s where you will be spending your time.
Many people find plants to be a beneficial addition to a home office. Include them in your lighting plans.
If you receive clients or customers in your home office, you will have to decorate the space accordingly. In addition to comfortable furniture, you want to have the kind of lighting that will make your visitors comfortable and as much the center of attention as your desk and primary workspace.
Most major home centers cater to the home office user and will be able to help with your lighting plans. Keep in mind, however, that their primary business is to sell furniture and they may not be your best resource in terms of good technical lighting advice. By the same token, computer super stores aren’t generally in the business of helping customers set up a home office. They sell the equipment and peripherals and sometimes the furniture. Most aren’t design experts that can help you maximize the ergonomics of your office.
Because this is such a new area in home design, you may need to find someone that has expertise in determining what you need. Ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone has a home office. See if they will let you take a look. Ask them what mistakes (if any) they made in getting set up the right way and if they hired outside professionals (If so, by all means find out who these professionals are.)
Your home office can be a show place just like other parts of your home. In fact, it should be. I’ve been in lovely homes whose home office rivals the black hole of Calcutta! You definitely don’t want your workspace to look like a factory or somewhere you’d rather not be. One of the ways to avoid this is to consider your home office to be a den. Make it part of the overall ambiance your home generates.
