How do you light an office?

What a well-lit office needs

Lighting an office is not “more lux”. It is combining illuminance, UGR, colour temperature, CRI and control so people can work at screens for hours without fatigue. The reference is EN 12464-1, applied by zone, not as one number for the whole building.

A good project separates desks, meeting rooms, circulation, reception and break areas. Each needs a different lighting package.

Colour temperature and CRI in the office

4000 K is the productivity standard. 3000 K fits if the brand wants a more hotel-like feel. Mixing both in the same visual field without intent generates complaints.

High CRI improves faces, materials and brand. In video calls and product showrooms, CRI 90 and a decent R9 are noticeable.

Zones: desks, meetings and circulation

At the desk, the priority is no glare and no screen reflections: optics, UGR and layout. In meetings, scene control matters more than maximum lux. In corridors, occupancy sensors avoid full light when the space is empty.

Daylight should be integrated: dimming with the day, not only a master switch.

Frequently asked questions

How many lux does an office need?

As a guide, 500 lx on the task plane for typical office work under EN 12464-1. Archives, circulation or break areas need less. Calculation confirms it with real geometry.

Linear, downlight or stretch ceiling?

It depends on the architecture. Linears and luminous ceilings often give good uniformity and UGR in open plan. Downlights work in reception, rooms and accents if the optic is office-grade.

Can you refurbish an office without replacing the whole ceiling?

Yes: replace luminaires, add control and, if needed, retrofit existing bodies. Recalculate lux and UGR; do not just “fit LED”.

How Celux can help

We manufacture office luminaires and can integrate control. If you are designing or refurbishing a workplace, we help define levels, optics and scenes so the floor is actually usable, not just bright.