Creating a safe, efficient, and productive workspace is essential for the success of any business, and lighting plays a central role in achieving that.
Often overlooked, the right lighting can make all the difference in how your team works, communicates, and feels.
Today, we’ll guide you through a world of lights, angles, and smart tricks that can transform any office into a more comfortable and inspiring space.
OFFICE luminaire application
What roles can lighting play?
Lighting in business settings is a strategic ally—it conveys values, guides movement, and influences decision-making.
– Visual identity: on façades, reception areas, and entrances, lighting should reflect the brand’s personality—be it innovation, modernity, or approachability.
– Wayfinding: lighting guides users through a space, highlights circulation areas, and makes navigation more intuitive.
– Enhancing focus: neutral lighting (4000K), evenly distributed, boosts concentration, reduces fatigue, and adapts to different tasks.
Layered Lighting
A professional secret
Here come the practical tips. Did you know the most balanced environments don’t rely solely on general lighting? Lighting professionals use the layered lighting technique, which combines:
– Ambient lighting to create overall uniformity;
– Task lighting, such as desk lamps with articulated arms, which are essential for workstations. Widely used in office projects, they stand out for their functionality and flexibility;
– Accent lighting, with spots or LED strips, to highlight architectural features or social areas.
This combination lets you tailor the space to mood or function, without wasting energy.
SCUTT 63 S luminaire application
Color temperature
Setting the mood
The color temperature of your lighting directly impacts how a space is perceived and how well your team performs. Measured in Kelvin (K), this value defines the tone of the light: lower values produce a warm, yellowish glow, while higher ones give off a cool, bluish-white light.
At the center of the spectrum is neutral light, the closest to natural daylight—ideal for creating visual balance.
Lighting temperature should align with the purpose of each area:
– Work zones: above 4000K to stimulate focus, boost productivity, and help keep your team alert.
– Break areas: neutral to warm lights promote a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
What’s the superpower of lighting?
Natural light is one of the most powerful elements in office design.
Exposure to it enhances focus, improves well-being, and reduces eye strain.
Whenever possible, desks should be placed near windows – just be mindful of screen glare.
In offices with limited natural light, opt for LED lamps with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) above 90 to create a more “real” and daylight-like feel. You can also use a tunable white lighting system that dynamically adjusts color temperature throughout the day to mimic natural light. This helps promote alertness in the morning and relaxation by the end of the day.
SCUTT 47 S luminaire application
Smart lighting: your new best friend
The new generation of offices is replacing switches with apps and sensors.
Smart systems like Casambi let you adjust brightness, automate lighting scenarios, or manage light remotely, while reducing energy usage.
Pro tip: combine motion sensors with automatic light adjustment based on natural light levels. In large spaces, this can save up to 40% in energy.
An office that works with you
Well-designed lighting isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategy. It impacts well-being, productivity, and how people feel in the space.
If you want to create a smarter, more inspiring workplace, start by rethinking your lighting. At KATOA, we’re here to help you build a customized plan that fits your needs.
