Choosing the right lighting for an office space is crucial for productivity, comfort and creating an enjoyable working environment. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which light fixtures are best suited for an office. This article will examine the key factors to consider when selecting office lighting, provide an overview of the most popular fixture types and make recommendations for the best all-around office lighting.
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What Are the Lighting Requirements for an Office?
When evaluating office lighting, there are several key factors to take into account:
- Brightness – Light levels should be bright enough for work tasks like reading and computer use without causing eye strain or headaches. For most general office work, 300-500 lux is recommended.
- Uniformity – The lighting should distribute brightness evenly throughout the space without overly dark or bright spots.
- Glare Reduction – Choosing fixtures with diffusers and lenses can help reduce harsh glares. Positioning is also important – avoid fixtures that shine directly into workers’ eyes.
- Color Quality – Opt for lighting that offers warm white or neutral colored illumination (3000K-5000K range) rather than cool white or blue tones.
- Energy Efficiency – Look for ENERGY STAR rated fixtures to reduce electricity costs while maintaining proper light output.
- Control Options – Dimmers, occupancy sensors and individual task lighting controls allow customization for worker needs and preferences.
Balancing all these factors is essential for creating comfortable, productivity-enhancing office lighting.
Types of Office Lighting Fixtures
There are several common types of lighting fixtures well-suited for office spaces:
1. Linear Fluorescent
Long tube fluorescent lighting has been a commercial lighting staple for decades. This type uses fluorescent lamps within a slim rectangular housing to distribute fairly even illumination across large areas. While the light quality is not as high as newer options, linear fluorescents come in energy efficient varieties and are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain.
2. LED Troffers
LED troffers are now very popular replacements for outdated fluorescent troffers. Troffer style fixtures have a square or rectangular shape designed for dropping into grid ceilings. LED versions come in standard sizes for easy retrofitting. Benefits include:
- High energy efficiency – Use up to 70% less power than fluorescents.
- Long lifespan – Last over 50,000 hours before needing replacement.
- Mercury-free – Safer disposal than fluorescents which contain mercury.
- Improved light quality – Many offer a 90+ color rendering index for truer color rendering.
- Control options – Pair with sensors and dimmers to customize light levels.
3. Pendant Lights
Pendant fixtures hang from the ceiling and point light downwards. These often have an exposed bulb within a decorative shade. Pendants work well for providing direct task lighting over work areas or illuminating common spaces like lobbies and lounge areas. Choose bulbs and shades that diffuse light to avoid glare. Position pendants carefully based on the ceiling height.
4. Recessed Can Lights
Recessed cans containing directional spotlight or downlight bulbs are commonly used for ambient lighting. The can allows the fixture to sit flush with the ceiling. The beams can illuminate large areas efficiently while the recessed design keeps the fixture nicely hidden. Cans should include trim and baffles to prevent glare. Spacing and aim point placement are important for even coverage.
5. Track Lighting
Track fixtures involve a mounted track that spotlights or pendants attach to at adjustable connection points. This allows very flexible positioning and re-aiming of the lights. Tracks can also be bent into various shapes for customized layouts. The directional lighting works well for spot-lighting specific zones like workstations, display areas or reception desks.
How Much Lighting is Needed?
Proper office lighting requires enough fixtures and lamps to achieve recommended light level standards without overly bright or dim spots in the space. Some guidelines for appropriate lighting power density (LPD) based on office type are:
| Office Type | Recommended LPD (watts per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Private Office | 0.75-1.0 |
| Open Plan Office | 0.75-1.2 |
| Conference Rooms | 1.0-1.5 |
Higher LPDs may be needed for offices with high interior wall and furnishing densities which can obstruct light distribution. Installing controls like occupancy sensors in storage rooms, kitchens and hallways can improve energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary runtime in unoccupied spaces.
Positioning Considerations
Proper placement of lighting fixtures helps maximize uniform lighting, reduce glare and create a cohesive aesthetic:
- Space troffers and other ambient fixtures evenly apart to disperse light consistently throughout.
- Keep task and accent lighting at optimal heights and angles for their purpose. For example, desk lamps around 30″ above the work surface pointed away from computer screens.
- Layer ambient, task and accent lighting rather than relying on just one type to balance brightness.
- Align symmetrical fixture layouts with the architectural features of the space for a cohesive look.
- Don’t position overhead fixtures directly in line with windows or workstations to minimize glare from light shining into employees’ eyes.
Recommended Office Light Fixtures
Here are some top rated and recommended light fixtures to consider for outfitting an office:
LED Troffers
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Philips Day-Brite FluxGrid | ZGF Series | – Available in 2×2, 2×4, 1×4 sizes – Color options like 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K – High CRI (90+) for color accuracy – 0-10V continuous dimming driver |
| GE Current | Basic Bright Series | – Affordable option – 120 lm/W efficacy rating – Quick wire connector for easy retrofit install – 5 year warranty |
| Acuity Brands | Winona 4RC Series | – Extruded aluminum housing with rounded corners – Wide uniform illumination pattern – Minimum 90 CRI across CCT options – Job site programmable drivers |
Linear Fluorescents
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Philips | Daylight Advanced ALTO II | – T8 or T5 tube options – 104+ CRI for color quality – 3500K or 4000K CCT available – Ballast and lamp work together for efficiency |
| Sylvania | Octron FO32 | – 80+ CRI – Anti-glare frosted lens option – Shatter resistant T8 lamps – K12 Ecologic magnetic ballast |
| GE | Multi-Volt GEM Series | – Operates on 120-277 voltage – Electronic ballast with THD<15% – Standard 4 ft. lengths – Optional motion sensor |
Recessed Cans
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Lighting | Halo H7ICAT | – 6″ aperture new construction can – Trim options like baffle, lens, louver – Supports a range of beam spreads – Title 24 high efficacy compliant |
| Juno Lighting | Waveline Element 6WR | – Wet location IC rated for bathrooms/kitchens – Multiple finish choices like white, black, bronze – Locking adjustable elbow – Compatible with smart lighting systems |
| Prescolite | LytePro LED 6C | – Configurable CCT from 2700K-4000K – Optical designs for wallwash or downlight – 90+ CRI and R9 color rendering – Exclusive LyteProfile optical control |
Pendant Lights
| Brand | Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Lighting | Basko LED | – Modern low profile design – Glass and metal shade options – Field adjustable aircraft cable lengths – Lumens output from 1,500 to over 4,000 |
| WAC Lighting | Tiella LED Pendant | – Offered in 3 shade sizes – Machined metal or fabric shade styles – Gloss or matte metal finish options – Includes swag kit for hard to reach ceilings |
| Lumens Light + Living | Bolla Bubble Pendant | – Acrylic diffuser for wide light dispersion – 3000K, 3500K and 4000K color temperatures – Frosted white polycarbonate housing – Includes adjustable braided coaxial cord |
Smart Lighting For Next Level Office Lighting Control
Smart lighting systems take office illumination to the next level through networked fixtures, digital controls and software integration. Benefits include:
- Personalized Lighting – Employees can tune CCT, dimness and other settings for their workspace lighting from apps and connected devices.
- Automated Scenes – Preset lighting moods for activities like meetings, presentations and relaxation can be activated automatically or on-demand.
- Dynamic Schedules – Program lighting to mimic natural patterns by automatically adjusting CCT and brightness over the course of a day.
- Space Utilization Data – Occupancy and usage insights from sensors help optimize workflows and energy consumption as office needs evolve.
- Integration – Lighting can tie into other building systems for functions like daylight harvesting, HVAC optimization and real time footprint tracking.
Some recommended smart office lighting platforms include:
- Philips Interact Pro – Combines software, controls and connected LED fixtures for tunable lighting.
- Lutron Vive – Uses wireless fixtures and hub based controls for easy reconfiguration.
- Acuity nLight – Web based interface allows remote lighting management and monitoring.
- Cree SmartCast – Zigbee mesh network enables plug and play installation and expansion.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal office lighting ultimately depends on your specific space, usage needs, budget and aesthetic preferences. However, following the recommendations in this guide will help you select quality, comfortable and efficient fixtures. Combining ambient overhead illumination with ample task lighting and accent lighting is key. Smart controls also allow customization to enhance productivity, comfort and energy savings in the office. With so many advanced fixture and technology options now available, offices can enjoy the benefits of lighting that truly supports workers’ needs while creating an inviting, stimulating environment.