5 Features to Look for in Natural Office Lighting

Natural lighting creates productive workspaces

Natural light makes virtually any room more inviting, increases engagement and enhances productivity. Yet despite the overwhelming demand for natural office lighting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach managers can implement. Each workplace needs to weigh building design, ambient office lighting and other crucial elements to find a bespoke solution.

With that in mind, let’s explore the key factors business owners and facility managers should look for when making sure their offices are properly lit.

1. Choose a room with a view

If you’re just starting your search for office space—or simply trying to figure out where to set up your home office—prioritize windows facing east. These rooms capture the most natural light during the day. It’s also smart to find spaces with a great view—or more specifically, fewer disruptive objects and buildings that create shadows. When combined with a sunny day and a cup of coffee, these room positions make mornings at the office far more enjoyable.

2. Go big with your windows

If your office lacks natural light, you may want to consider new windows. Each square foot of window space in a room contributes ten square feet of natural office lighting. Installing or expanding windows can be a cost-efficient way to brighten a space, especially when you account for reduced long-term electrical bills.

The principle of window space to lit floor space doesn’t only apply to exterior windows. Glass walls can extend the reach of natural light into an office, further reducing the need for artificial lights. For example, adding transom window panes on a door or surrounding frame allows natural light to enter a room while still providing a degree of privacy.

If you live in a warm climate, windows that allow direct sunlight could cause the office to heat up beyond your comfort level. Specialized window liners and films can redirect the worst heat while still brightening up a room. As an alternative to window films, tinted and glazed windows (more on that below) limit heat while reducing glare—a significant benefit for any office.

3. Lighten up your walls

If a room feels dark regardless of the available window space, it could be that the office doesn’t effectively reflect natural light. A room’s color and shade can completely change natural light movement. Dark walls and flooring absorb light and decrease brightness, but white, near-white and light gray shades reflect light across the room. A new coat of paint might be enough to brighten an office by enhancing the impact of existing natural light sources.

4. Redirect daylight with window glazing

If your office windows aren’t adequately catching sunlight, daylight glazing may be an alternative. Glazing technology uses various exterior appliances to redirect daylight into interior spaces. Tubular lights, for example, use mirrors to reflect sunlight into light fixtures. Alternatively, businesses can attach daylight redirectors to windows, shifting light to the ceiling where it can brighten the entire room. Daylight glazing may require some retrofits, but the right model can increase natural office lighting while reducing energy costs.

5. Optimize room brightness with daylight harvesting

Most offices operate under some combination of natural and artificial light, although distribution varies throughout the day. Daylight harvesting techniques make it easier to balance these sources. For example, automated control systems and sensors can turn artificial lights down as daylight increases and raise them as evening approaches. If rearranging your space and glazing your windows aren’t viable options, daylight harvesting systems help maintain consistent light distribution while maximizing the impact of natural light sources.

Enhance your natural office lighting with Walmart Business

Whether you’re installing soft office lighting or finding the perfect furniture, Walmart Business can help brighten your workspace. Already have an account? Get even more benefits with a Walmart Business+ membership. Sign up today for access to free shipping,¹ free delivery from store on orders $35 and up² and 2% rewards back on purchases over $250.³ Those savings could add up to over $500 a year!⁴ Learn more here.

¹Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

²Restrictions apply. 

³Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.

⁴Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).