Office Lighting: Desk Lamp, Daylight, and Glare
by Wiepa GmbH on Jul 06, 2026Ergonomics Guide
Office lighting: desk lamp, daylight, and glare
Good workstation lighting combines natural daylight, appropriate room lighting, and a flexible desk lamp. It is important that the workstation is bright enough without causing glare.
Light influences how comfortably and concentrated people work. Too little light causes fatigue, excessive glare disturbs the screen, and inappropriate shadows make writing and reading difficult.
Short Answer
For a good office workstation, daylight, ceiling lighting, and an individually adjustable desk lamp should work together. Direct glare on the screen or eyes should be avoided.
Why lighting at the workstation is important
A workstation can be ergonomically designed and yet feel uncomfortable if the lighting is not right. Especially for screen work, paperwork, and long working days, it is worth taking a closer look at light sources, shadows, and reflections.
- better reading and writing
- fewer disturbing reflections on the screen
- more pleasant atmosphere in the office
- more flexibility for different tasks
- better complement to ergonomic workstation design
What light sources does a workstation need?
| Light source | Task | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight | natural basic brightness | align desk sideways to the window |
| Ceiling lighting | uniform room brightness | avoid glare and harsh shadows |
| Desk lamp | targeted lighting at the workstation | choose flexibly adjustable |
| Indirect light | pleasant atmosphere | use as a supplement, not as the only light source |
Using a desk lamp correctly
A good desk lamp should illuminate the work area precisely without directly glaring into the eyes or onto the screen. Flexible arms, a stable base, and a light source that can adapt to different tasks are practical.
- Place the lamp to the side of the work area
- avoid direct reflections on the screen
- do not direct light directly into the eyes
- consider shadow casting when writing
- ensure stable stand and flexible adjustment
Matching: Setting up your desk correctly
Utilizing daylight, avoiding glare
Daylight is pleasant but can interfere with the screen if windows are directly in front of or behind the monitor. A sideways position to the window is better. This brightens the workstation without strong reflections.
For changing sun positions, blinds, roller shutters, or a slightly adjusted screen position can help.
Considering screen, monitor, and light together
Lighting and the VDU workstation belong together. Even the best lamp is of little use if the monitor is poorly positioned or reflects strongly. Therefore, monitor height, viewing direction, window position, and light should be considered together.
Matching: Monitor arm or monitor stand
Matching products in the Wiepa Shop
Checklist: Reviewing workstation lighting
- Align desk sideways to the window.
- Avoid direct glare on the screen or eyes.
- Check basic lighting in the room.
- Position desk lamp flexibly.
- Consider shadow casting when writing.
- Readjust monitor for reflections.
- Use light appropriate for the task and time of day.
More on this: Adjusting office chair correctly, Using a laptop ergonomically and Cable management at the desk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a desk lamp useful in the office?
Yes, especially when reading, writing or working concentrated at the workstation. It complements daylight and room lighting.
How to avoid glare on the screen?
The screen should ideally not be directly in front of or behind a window. Also, lamps should not shine directly onto the monitor or into the eyes.
Where is the best place for a desk lamp?
Usually to the side of the work area. The crucial thing is that the lamp illuminates the desk without causing glare or disturbing shadows.
Sources and Orientation
This article serves as a practical guide for ergonomics and workstation design. Crucial factors are room size, window position, screen position, work tasks, lamp type, and personal perception.
Related pages: Office furniture, Office supplies, Office supplies management and Desk lamps in the shop
Equipping workstations more comfortably
Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein Main with desk lamps, workstation lights, monitor arms, desk accessories, and ergonomic office equipment.
