It is well known that light has an effect on our moods and even our personalities, primarily via it’s affect on by hormonal production. In turn, this affects our productivity. For most of us that’s something we would definitely like to improve!
When deciding how to light your home office it is best to understand how different types of light affect you. Using the right light in the correct space can have a much bigger impact than you may imagine. One of the most interesting factors influencing how we work is the color temperature of the light sources we are exposed to most often.
These temperatures are measured in Kelvin, or (K) and can be categorized into three main ranges. These 3 are listed below and defined by their accompanying light color temperature:
Lower color: range from red to yellow/white – warm colors (3,000K)
Middle color: less range – cool white colors (3,000-4,600K)
Higher color: blue-white – daylight colors (4,600k +)
Studies have shown that warm colors from the lower Kelvin range promote a sense of relaxation and comfort. These should be used in intimate settings and areas in your home to relax- think the bedroom, or a cozy den. The middle color range was measured to be more welcoming, similar to the lower range, yet still cool enough in light to promote alertness.
Think dining room, or living room. The higher color range is shown to improve alertness, productivity, and mood. Part of this is due to the lowering of melatonin production, which usually prompts sleepiness and fatigue.
As such the higher color range is the optimal light temperature color to use in your work areas, like your home office desk. Within the higher color range, research finds cool blue light is the best for increasing these benefits.
