5 Tips for Lighting a Study Space

Great reading and study habits start in childhood, and one of the most important elements of a comfortable place to read and write is adequate lighting. It's essential to provide ample illumination in your kids' study space to ease eye strain and help them focus.

5 Tips for Lighting a Study Space

  • Take shadows into consideration.

    Don't forget that when your child is seated at their desk, they'll cast a shadow on the work surface if the main light source is behind them. Make sure that there is a lamp or sconce whose illumination falls directly on the desktop.

  • Consider adaptability.

    A simple tabletop lamp may be perfect for your child's desk, but think about the kinds of things they'll do there. If they like to build models, a lamp with an adjustable gooseneck might be a good idea so they can focus on small details. If they use every square inch of their desk's surface, a bright sconce or a clip lamp can provide bright light without taking up any room.

  • Look at the room at different times of day.

    If the main workspace is near a window, it may need less lighting during daylight hours. A lamp with different levels of brightness can help kids adjust accordingly.

  • Remember that kids love the floor.

    Inevitably, kids will end up spreading out some projects on the floor, so make sure there's enough light to focus there, too, either from a bright overhead fixture or a nearby floor lamp.

  • Plan a reading space.

    A lot of homework includes reading assignments, so it's a great idea to set up a comfortable chair with its own source of light in the area you're designating for study.