Creating the ideal home office space goes beyond having a comfortable chair, organized desk, and cozy reading chair – it requires optimal lighting to make your office a space for productivity and positive energy. Home office lighting that caters to your daily routine is essential, and takes a little more thought and preparation than you would assume. Here are five home office lighting ideas and tips on how to get the most out of your office, all throughout the day.

1. Start With Your Natural Light Situation

Before adding in your own lighting to your home office, consider the natural lighting you’re working with in order to create an ambience that will give you that energized daytime feeling. There is some strategy to desk placement in relation to your windows. Avoid placing your computer in an area where direct sunlight will be in your eyes or glaring off your computer screen, as this brightness will strain your eyes as you work. It’s best to place your desk perpendicular to the source of natural light for the most comfortable and energizing work experience. If the natural light becomes a little too harsh throughout the day, soften it with sheer curtains.

2. Avoid Harsh Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting is your main source of light for the entire space and will illuminate your office, even late into the night. Focus on home office lighting fixtures that create a warm ambience and don’t create any harsh lighting, especially over your desk. Avoid exposed bulbs that may cause excess heat and look for warm LED lightbulbs to create even lighting. A chandelier, recessed lighting, or flush-mount fixture provides just the right amount of lighting to keep you focused and comfortable all day.

Pro tip: For home office lighting, try to keep your lighting fixtures no longer than 24" in length so that they don’t hang too close to your workspace and cause you to overheat or feel overwhelmed by the light source.

3. Task Lighting Is a Must

Task lighting directly illuminates your desk to help keep you focused. This lighting prevents you from straining your eyes and is easily adjustable based on where you need to direct your attention. Choose home office lighting for your desk that has a thin arm and smaller base so it doesn’t take up coveted space. Make sure your task light is adjustable and dimmable so you can focus the light on your current task, whether that’s paperwork, reading, or working on your computer.

4. Avoid Glare With Proper Placement

Glare can become a major distraction while working and cause you to strain your eyes. Avoid glare by placing your lighting on your nondominant hand’s side – this will eliminate the chance of your arm casting an unwanted shadow as you write. Make sure your laptop is in line with your light source to avoid glare or blocked lighting.

Learn more about building your personal workspace with this guide on 4 Ways to Create a Home Office.

5. Don’t Forget Accent Lighting

After your main sources of lighting have been established, add to the decor and mood lighting of your office with some accent home office lighting. Focus these lights around the office: They can be table lamps on bookshelves, floor lamps by sofas, or wall sconces to highlight artwork. Choose finishes and shapes that match your style: Metals and long, sleek arms are great for glam and modern spaces, while glass or resin with a rounder body are great for a coastal or transitional style.

Ready to achieve the perfect lighting?