If you’re designing a new office building or want to upgrade the existing lights, consider making the switch to LEDs. Your employees need the best lights to maximize productivity — and you need a way to keep overhead low. Choosing LED lights for office use does both of these things and much more.
In this Birddog Lighting guide, we’ve taken a look at how modern LED office lighting can add to your building. From small dentist offices to multi-story complexes, there’s an LED lighting solution that fits your needs and is within your budget. Many of these principles also apply to hotels, restaurants and event centers.
Advantages of LED Lights
Many people reading this already know some of the reasons to use LED lights: they’re energy-efficient, lower electrical costs, produce less heat and are low-maintenance. However, many other benefits exist for office and business use. Studies have shown that LED lights increase productivity and improve the work environment compared to lighting. Conversely, older lights that are hard on the eyes or not bright enough mean less gets done.
Furthermore, modern LED lighting can help regulate a person’s circadian rhythm, leading to a further performance boost of up to 25%. Other benefits include fewer carbon emissions, no distracting noises, more durable designs and more control over when they’re on or how bright they are. LED lights even reduce the presence of bugs since they don’t produce as much insect-attracting heat or UV rays.
LED Office Lighting Options
Depending on the floor layout, ceiling height and other factors, several types of LED office lights might be best for your building. Here are some of the most commonly-used fixtures and bulb types:
- T8 LED Tubes: Many offices already use tube-style fluorescent bulbs, and in many cases, the fixtures can be retrofitted with LEDs. In new installations, they’re excellent for individual offices, hallways and reception areas.
- LED Flat Panel Lights: These fixtures are common for “open office” layouts and other large areas. These low-profile lights seamlessly lay into shallow drop-style ceilings to emit bright light without taking up much space.
- LED Troffer Lights: Troffers are similar in functions to panel lights. The biggest difference is that troffers surface-mounted LED office lighting that attaches to the ceiling instead of sitting inside it. A troffer light is more efficient while panel lights cost less upfront.
- LED Light Bars: Small but reliable, a light bar is ideal for desks, closets, break room counters and other areas that don’t have room for a larger fixture.
- A19 LED Bulbs: Keep some of these bulbs on hand as a longer-lasting, brighter alternative for traditional desk lamps.
Many things go into setting up your office lighting system beyond what fixtures and bulbs to use. Let’s look at a few of the biggest factors.
LED Office Light Positioning
Where you place office lights has a big effect on productivity and comfort. Position fixtures so they aren’t directly facing screens or work surfaces. Instead, try aiming the light at ceilings and walls. This “indirect lighting” layout prevents light from reflecting into workers’ eyes while also making the office feel bigger.
Light Color Temperature
In the main employee areas, the best LED color temperature for office lighting is 5000K. This mimics natural daylight to brighten worker’s moods and enthusiasm. It’s also a good option for lobbies and reception areas to help visitors feel good. In corridors, break rooms and bathrooms, options for lights in the 3000 to 4000K range will make occupants feel more comfortable and lower stress levels. All lights should have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 85 so people see objects as they actually are.
Task Lighting
Your overhead lighting is enough for most duties — but if you need to read important documents or examine machine diagrams, some extra light helps. Add some LED task lights such as lamps, light bars and hanging lights for when a few more lumens come in handy.
LED Office Lighting Controls
Even small offices can save money and increase comfort from a few light controls. Motion sensors and timers ensure areas are only lit when needed without constantly flicking the on-off switch. If your office has windows, install a dimmer switch so you set the right illumination level for sunny or cloudy days.
Get More Done at Your Office
Keep the lights on for higher output, better morale and lower utility bills with the best LED lights for office and business applications from Birddog Lighting. Learn more about why LED lights are the right choice on our YouTube page, or call Monday through Friday for experienced live support. We have the lowest prices guaranteed plus free return shipping if you’re not satisfied with a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions about LED Office Lights
Is LED lighting good for office?
There are many benefits of LED lighting in offices. The obvious ones are that these lights are more energy-efficient and last longer than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. They also can boost productivity, improve physiological function and even reduce the presence of bugs.
What is bad about LED lights?
Some evidence has been found that prolonged exposure to LED lights may impact one’s health. The light they emit is from the same end of the visible spectrum as electronics, which speeds up the mind. While this “blue light” is great for staying alert on the job, excessive use can disrupt one’s sleep patterns, especially at night. Other potential effects include eye strain, redness and mild headaches, though there are primarily seen in people with pre-existing eye conditions. There are eyeglasses that can filter out blue light as well, so bear that in mind if your team needs a solution to the presence blue light.