Oh, the office. The first few images that pop into my head when I think “office” are cubicles, filing cabinets, and mass amounts of painful fluorescent lighting. Thank goodness there is far more to an office than that.

A desk lamp is a good place to begin but you’ll actually want a combination of lighting so you can work comfortably without major eye strain. Light well now…your eyes and doctor bills will thank you later! General lighting from a ceiling lamp or pendant will help to create fill in lighting areas that a desk lamp won’t cover. If you do plan to be working close to a lamp, consider a fluorescent bulb as it produces less heat than incandescent bulbs (this isn’t a buffet line…no need to cook the office workers!). Play with bulbs of different strengths to find one that is most fitting for your eyes. It may also help to choose a lamp with adjustable height or a pivoting arm to accommodate your height and various projects. Finally, light up the wall behind your computer. This produces less glare and your eyes will not tire as quickly. Perhaps a no brainer, but smart. Indeed.