Let There be Light

Maximising natural lighting in a workspace does far more than enhance its visual appeal – it plays a significant role in improving productivity, employee wellbeing and sustainability

For employees, exposure to natural light has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes. It improves mood, sharpens focus and even promotes better sleep cycles, all of which contribute to higher overall productivity. Research supports this, revealing that access to natural light can enhance creativity by as much as 15%.

From an environmental standpoint, increasing the use of natural light translates to lower energy consumption. By relying less on artificial lighting during daylight hours, businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills while also lowering their carbon footprint.

Integrating more natural light into a workspace doesn’t have to involve a major renovation. Here’s how dealers can guide customers in optimising the natural light within their space effectively and efficiently.

Moving Light Around

The best way for dealers to help customers enhance natural light in their workspace is by advising them on the most suitable materials and décor choices for their office interiors. The right selections can significantly impact how light interacts with the space.

To maximise light, recommend materials that reflect rather than absorb it – high-gloss paint or laminate finishes on furniture can reflect more light, amplifying its effect while glass surfaces, such as desks or partitions, allow light to flow freely around the room. Dealers can also recommend accessories with metal or chrome finishes, such as desk lamps and organisers with act as subtle reflectors. Adding indoor plants with shiny leaves, such as rubber plants or fiddle-leaf figs, can also have a similar effect.

Colour Perception

While white paints and lighter palettes are commonly regarded as the best choices for maximising natural light, the impact of colour schemes can vary significantly depending on a room’s orientation. Dealers can play a key role in helping customers understand how the direction of natural light affects colour perception.

North facing rooms, for example, receive cooler, softer light that can make colours appear muted or bluish and require warmer tones such as oranges and yellows. South facing rooms, however, benefit from lighter colour palettes, such as whites, pale greys, or soft blues, to enhance natural warmth.

By suggesting complementary products, such as coordinated soft furnishings, window treatments and décor elements, dealers can provide comprehensive recommendations that not only enhance lighting but help customers to create more inviting spaces.

Artificial Lighting

In many work environments, artificial lighting is essential for certain spaces. Dealers can play a pivotal role in guiding customers toward lighting solutions that are both energy-efficient and conducive to employee health and productivity. Recommending task-specific lighting is a practical way to reduce over-illumination and unnecessary energy consumption. For instance, adjustable desk lamps with variable brightness and under-cabinet lighting provide focused illumination tailored to workstations or storage areas.

Human-centric lighting (HCL) systems are another excellent option, replicating the natural daylight cycle by offering cooler, brighter light during the day to enhance productivity and warmer, softer light in the evening to support circadian rhythms. Smart lighting controls, such as motion sensors and zoned systems, further optimise energy use by ensuring lights are only active when and where they are needed.

These strategies not only enhance the functionality of a workspace but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment. By leveraging natural and artificial lighting strategically, businesses can create work environments that are brighter, more inviting and better for both people and the planet.