Focused light for a workspace

Working at a desk for hours is easier when the light near the hands is brighter than the light behind the screen. The eyes then adjust to one dominant level instead of switching between them.

Place a table lamp to the side of the working hand so it casts no shadow across paper or keyboard. Height matters more than output; a shade that sits near eye level will glare.

Add a softer source further back, such as a picture light mounted high on the wall behind the desk. This lowers the contrast between the desk and the wall, which reduces the feeling of working in a pool of light.

Both sources should be warm enough to stay comfortable late in the day, and both should be dimmable so the room can drop gradually as the evening goes on.