Improving the Home Office
by Deborah Burnett

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Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a special work area, but most folks tend to overlook this fact. They solve immediate darkness problems by plugging in a cheap lamp instead of giving a little thought to the situation. Keep in mind that what you need most from lighting is TO SEE BETTER WHILE YOU WORK, so why use a regular incandescent household lamp? These were designed to give attractive general illumination and not specific or task lighting. Instead, select a swing arm style or a enclosed halogen lamp. These give the necessary light EXACTLY where you need it the most, overtop of your papers, desk pad, and computer keyboard.

But a word of CAUTION concerning the halogen type lamps. Because the halogen bulbs burn much hotter than regular incandescent light bulbs, be sure to select a lamp that has been approved by the Underwriters Lab (UL listing). Also be careful not to position the lamp so as to be in contact with fabric draperies or your clothing..yep, that’s right, now there is a safety reason why you don’t throw your clothing around the room!

Another thing…turn out the light when not in use! It gets really hot, plus, by leaving the lamp unattended, the bulb doesn’t last as long so you’ll have to change the bulb more ofter. Believe me, changing a halogen bulb is not something you want to do everyday. It is a tricky procedure requiring a little planning and practice. Because the oil on your finger tips can coat the delicate glass housing of the bulb causing it to burst, you’ll always need to wear gloves or a protective wrapping whenever handling the bulb. I like to use a baggie or piece of plastic wrap around my fingers, this way I can still “feel” where the bulb needs to go into those little bitty slots where only a person with X-ray vision can see (or is it just anyone with eyes under the age of 40??)

Another area of home office lighting that is often overlooked is windows. Not the regular type of window where you can see outside causing you to daydream instead of work, but a window that will let in natural lighting without causing you a daydream excuse or one that necessitates in a window covering expense. What I’m talking about are roof skylights and wall openings filled with glass blocks. Both of these allow for great task lighting as well as give privacy, energy efficiency, and attractive good looks. There are lots of styles and brands on the market today, and some that you can even install yourself! However, I really recommend that before you tackle a project like this you really evaluate your free time and skills level…this is not the time your want to test your hand at home repairs.

Also, whenever considering this most effective and attractive source of work space lighting, be sure to look for product upgrades that will protect against the sun’s damaging rays. Tinted panes and LOW E glass are well worth the extra $$$$ because these features ensure you won’t “cook” on hot summer days…you are planning to work in the summer aren’t you?