Office lighting levels are set by the task: general work, screen use, meetings, and circulation each call for a different target. These recommendations align with EN 12464-1 and IES guidance.
Levels by area
Most office work is comfortable at 300 to 500 lux on the desk. Demanding visual tasks want more, while corridors and break areas can be lower.
Glare and comfort
Beyond raw level, control glare to a unified glare rating (UGR) of 19 or lower, keep good uniformity, and use neutral 3500 to 4000 K light with CRI 80 or better.
| Area | Target |
|---|---|
| Open office | 300 to 500 lux |
| Private office | 300 to 500 lux |
| Conference room | 300 to 500 lux |
| Reception | 200 to 300 lux |
| Corridors | 100 lux |
See the Office Lighting Design and the Recommended Lux Levels.
Recommended office light levels
General offices target around 300–500 lux on the work plane, with 500 lux common for sustained reading and paperwork. Corridors and conference rooms can sit lower (150–300 lux), while drafting or fine detail wants 750+ lux, usually with task lighting at the desk rather than flooding the whole room. With screens everywhere, controlling glare matters as much as the level: choose well-shielded fixtures, avoid bright reflections in monitors, and balance ceiling light with wall and ambient light to soften contrast. Layering general lighting with adjustable task lights lets people tune their own level, improving comfort and saving energy.