7 Tips for Incorporating Natural Lighting Into Your Home Office

If you work from home, creating an office that enhances your productivity and comfort is crucial. But what steps should you take to make that happen? Well, at Solatube, we recommend starting by incorporating more natural light into your workspace.

Following our advice will provide you with a host of benefits, including:

• Less Stress: Exposure to natural light stimulates the production of serotonin, improving your mood and lowering your stress levels.
• Improved Productivity: Natural light has been linked to higher levels of focus, energy, and creativity. In other words, it can help you get more done in less time.
• Better Sleep: By regulating your circadian rhythm, sunlight can help you maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Relying on sunlight reduces the need for artificial lighting – reducing your utility bills and making your home more eco-friendly.
• Better Eye Health: Natural lighting is gentler on the eyes compared to harsh overhead, artificial lights. As such, it can make it easier to work for long periods without discomfort or pain.

So, with all those benefits in mind, you are probably wondering how you can incorporate natural lighting into your office. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Install Skylights for Overhead Sunlight
   Skylights are a great way to maximize natural light, especially in workspaces where a traditional widow may not be a viable option. Because they draw in light from above, skylights flood your office with even, balanced lighting without casting annoying shadows or glare from the sides.
   Unlike standard windows, skylights also won’t be obstructed by furniture or walls. As such, they can provide a consistent light source throughout the day.
2. Opt for Skylights with an Adjustable Shade
   While skylights are an excellent addition for bringing natural light into your home office, adding adjustable shades takes their functionality up a notch. That’s because shades let you fine-tune your light levels – preventing harsh glare and allowing for a more pleasant workspace.
   All traditional residential skylights purchased from Solatube can easily be upgraded to include a shade that is adjustable by hand or with a telescoping pole.
3. Incorporate Glass or Open Interior Walls
   If your home office is in a space with limited access to natural light, you may want to think about incorporating glass or open interior walls. Doing so will allow sunlight from nearby rooms to flow into your office space – increasing your brightness without altering the structure of the property.
   Clear glass will provide you with maximum light, but you may want to consider opting for frosted glass if privacy is a concern in your workspace.
4. Install Light, Reflective Surfaces
   Maximize the natural light that enters your home office by incorporating light-reflective surfaces.
   Paint your walls in lighter tones, like white, pale gray, or soft pastels, which reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. You can also strategically place mirrors on walls opposite windows or skylights to bounce light around the room.
5. Avoid Heavy Window Treatments
   When it comes to windows, avoid heavy drapes or dark blinds that block out natural light. Instead, choose sheer curtains or light-filtering shades that allow sunlight to flow in while reducing harsh glare.
   Roman shades or light-colored roller blinds are great options for controlling light without sacrificing brightness.
6. Position Your Desk Near a Source of Light
   Sitting close to a window or skylight allows you to benefit from both natural light and views of the outdoors. This can have a significant positive impact on your mood and your ability to focus.
   However, you should be aware that setting your desk up next to a window or skylight may cause glare on your computer. If it does, installing an anti-glare screen protector should quickly remedy the problem.
7. Opt for a Minimalist Design
   A cluttered space can absorb or block natural light – making your office feel dim and cramped. Adopting a minimalist design approach that focuses on clean lines, open spaces, and very few decorative elements can help maximize the amount of light that reaches all corners of the room.
   Choose furniture that is sleek and functional without being too big for the space. By keeping the design simple and streamlined, natural light can flow freely within your home office.

Here at Solatube, we have been helping clients add light to their homes for years, and we would be more than happy to do the same for you. Get in touch with a dealer in your city today to learn more about our products and services.