We’ve reviewed some of the most popular solutions to transform the workplace into a bright and enjoyable office in a previous article. As employees spend 8 to 10 hours in the office on average, it is important to design a space that promotes productivity, creativity, and well-being. Bright spaces naturally boost mood and mental focus, so it makes sense to brighten up the office for your team.
First of all, using the walls as a reflective surface, through bright paint, can help direct natural light further into the office. Some of the most popular shades are typically white, cream, and pale grey. However, you can also add some yellow, baby blue, powder pink, or even pale green without losing the brightness level.
Hanging artsy pieces can also create a focal point for the eye without compromising the light passage. Artwork can liven up the space significantly.
It is not uncommon to see houseplants inside the office. Green plants introduce more oxygen into the room, which can make the office feel brighter, bigger, and more welcoming. Additionally, plants also inject a touch of colour that enhances the decor.
Last, but not least, we’ve explained the importance of maintaining a tidy workplace through decluttering and strategic organisation.
But there’s a lot more you can do to brighten up your office.
Bright and natural-looking ceiling
Ceiling management and decorative solutions often come as an afterthought in the office. However, it is important to consider your ceiling as an additional surface that can bring brightness to the office. Rather than focusing on reflective paints and solutions that could create unpleasant glare effects on screens. However, using light-coloured timber panels, such as high quality timber cladding material for natural ceiling panels, can help emphasise the presence of natural light in the office. Opt for natural-looking materials that can elevate the space.
Open plan layout
Open plan layouts are growing in popularity in most office spaces. Indeed, an open plan design reduces obstacles by bringing partitions down. As a result, natural light can travel through the office more effectively, reaching into areas that would otherwise have been obstructed by wall partitions.
In an open plan layout, it is also necessary to consider anti-glare equipment to reduce discomfort for your team. Additionally, you also want to equip every window with blinds so that people facing the window or sitting next to it can control the light.
Better light distribution
Where should you place lighting solutions in the office? The answer varies depending on the need for brightness. Indeed, in an industry involving complex and detailed tasks, the appropriate lighting to reduce the risk of eyestrain is not the same as in the typical office.
Additionally, the type of lightbulb will also deliver a different level of brightness, so it’s essential to research the best option for your office. For instance, in an open plan layout, you will require fewer light fixtures to illuminate the work area. Yet, if you have partitions or obstructions, you may want to consider adding more lamps and lighting solutions.
Is your office brightness level sufficient to support productivity and creativity in the team? Monitoring the level of brightness throughout the day and how light reaches individual desks can help you figure out how to improve the workspace.
