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Computer Ergonomics 101: Where To Put A Desk?

By Igor Ermakov February 11, 2018 No Comments 3 Min Read

One of important things in the computer ergonomics is a desk location and workplace light. The desk should be as much illuminated as possible. Try to use the natural daylight, so that your eyes do not get so overstressed. The conclusion we can draw from this - try to work during the day. It's clear with the light, but where to put a desk?

Where To Put A Desk?

The ideal desk location is a place illuminated from one side. If you sit in front of a window, then the light will dazzle your eyes and you'll have to strain them for reading the information on a monitor.

If the window is located behind your back, then the light will be reflected from the monitor and you'll see this reflexion on the screen, which will tire your eyes as well.
Therefore, the best arrangement is when the window is found on one side from you and the screen.
Thus, it is recommended to dim the light a little with help of a shutter or a curtain to make it slightly subdued. Try to attain uniform illumination of the entire premise.

Where To Put A Desk depending on the light

Do not work with too bright light. In order to reduce the brightness you can use a shutter when working in hot sunny days.

Workplace light

The second important part of computer ergonomics is a workplace light.
Ideally, you should use a natural light. Artificial illumination should be uniform as well.
It is advisable to use cold white light. Avoid luminescent lamps as they blink with certain frequency, which entails certain inconveniences.
As a rule, the main illumination is not enough and you should use a desk lamp. The "light temperature" of the desk lamp and the main illumination should be the same.
LED-lamps have recently acquired a good reputation.

The ideal location of a desk lamp is when the light from it falls on the monitor from above and is not reflected from
the monitor's surface. If your table stands directly at a wall, then you can turn the lamp to the side of the wall.
Thus, the light will scatter.

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Haven't decided what is the best location for the lamp? Read this article: Where to put a Desk Lamp.

Choose a lamp the bowl of which hides the bulb - you should not see it.

You can also install a LED strip on the back side of your monitor. It too will enhance the illumination near the monitor.

If you work late in the night it is recommended to choose warmer light tones. Do not use daylight lamps. This recommendation applies not only to work place.
The matter is that the bright light in the evening will take off the sleepiness. As a result you'll face difficulties with falling asleep. It's also reasonable to use warm colours on the monitor in the evening. If you have one of the latest mac os versions you can enjoy a gradual and automatic regulation of illumination, depending on time of the day, by integrated software.
Otherwise, you can download and install Flux app: https://justgetflux.com

If you have a glossy screen it can reflect the light and glare. If you don't manage to eliminate these reflexions by moving the illumination source, then you can use anti-glare screen filters. If you are just planning to buy or upgrade your screen - pay your attention to matte models:

I hope you've got some useful information about desk location and workplace light

Take care about your computer desk. Here are some examples of standing desks.

One of the popular question about the light is: where to put a desk lamp?

What else should your office have? Here is a home office ergonomics checklist

Be healthy

Written By

Hey, I'm a software engineer and spend a lot of time working on the computer. I'm passionate about computer ergonomics. I truly believe we could improve our health and performance by setting up our workplace properly.

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