Ensuring you have sufficient lighting fixtures is important in an age where increasing numbers of the working population have the option to work from home. Even if it is only for one day a week, it has become more important than ever to ensure that the working environment at home is optimal.

Working, as many of us do these days, in front of our computer for long stretches of time is taxing on our eyes and if we do not have sufficient lighting to aid us we run the risk of suffering from eyestrain, glare, dry eyes and headaches.

In the study or if part a room is used for work, then the most important requirement is to have effective task lighting in place. And effective task lighting does not mean an excess of lighting. It is vital to ensure there is a correct balance between the task lighting which is focused on the working area, such as the desk, as well as the general lighting used to light the room.

Adjustable table lamps are extremely useful because they can be pulled and directed at whichever height and angle is most effective for the worker. As well as having a portable lighting fixture, such as a reading lamp, it might be an idea to also incorporate low-voltage downlights that are recessed into the ceiling, over the desk area. These are highly effective because they would throw general light over the working area only, keeping it separate from the other areas in the room.

Desk lamps are very adaptable and so are lamps fixed to nearby shelves above the desk, as these provide effective task lighting and the beam of light from these can also be adjusted as wished.

With regard to the general lighting, it is better to use an uplighter rather than a central ceiling-mounted lighting fixture. This is because light from the uplighter will be diffused, being directed upwards, and hence will not cause problems from light reflecting from the computer monitor. This is a common problem with working areas which have computers and downlighting is used.

Further ideas to transform your study into a wonderful and efficient working environment is to use a row of dimmable downlighters for your shelves. Most studys will have storage for books and ideally this will be in the form of shelving. This can be enhanced by making it look attractive and using dimmable downlighters positioned a little way in front of the shelves is a way of bringing more light into your working area whilst at the same time gently highlighting the books on the shelf.

Generally, with a little creative thought it is possible to transform your nondescript working area into a warm and well-lit place which is conducive to productive work.

Simply by using a variety of light sources such as adjustable desk lamps, hanging pendant lighting and free-standing uplighters, you can revolutionize your study area.