The emergence of meeting booths and pods represents a big step towards creating more private, focused, and productive work environments.
They are a sanctuary from the bustling open-plan office, providing a quiet spot for individuals or small groups to collaborate without distractions.
But, there’s an often overlooked yet crucial element that plays a significant role in maximising the effectiveness of these spaces: lighting.
Here at Max Furniture, we have worked with a wide range of businesses, supplying industry-leading booths that are ideal for any workplace.
In this blog, we’re going to look into the pivotal role lighting plays in enhancing meeting booths and pods, ensuring they’re not just functional but also conducive to well-being and productivity.
Let’s take a look.
The Role of Lighting in Workspaces
Lighting in work environments does more than just help us see; it significantly impacts our mood, energy levels, and overall health.
Good lighting can boost our productivity, reduce eye strain, and even keep our circadian rhythms in check, leading to better sleep patterns.
Conversely, poor lighting can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a drop in work performance.
It’s clear that lighting deserves careful consideration in any workspace design, but it becomes even more critical in the compact, enclosed settings of meeting booths and pods.
Unique Lighting Challenges in Meeting Booths and Pods
The confined spaces of meeting booths and pods come with their own set of lighting challenges.
Without proper planning, these areas can suffer from inadequate lighting, leading to a cave-like feeling that can stifle creativity and alertness.
This is the opposite effect that is required from meeting booths, especially when it is extensively used for long-lasting sessions.
Glare from overly bright lights or screens can also become an issue, causing discomfort and reducing visibility.
Addressing these challenges is key to creating a space that feels open, inviting, and conducive to productive work.
Solutions and Strategies for Optimal Meeting Booth Lighting
So, how do we overcome these lighting challenges?
The solution lies in a blend of natural and artificial lighting, coupled with smart design choices.
Natural light, where available, should be maximised to enhance mood and energy levels. This is why many of the meeting booths in our range contain glass-panelled doors, such as the Askia Kameleon 4 and the HushMeet.
However, direct sunlight can cause glare, so using diffusers or adjustable shades can help manage light levels throughout the day.
For artificial lighting, LED lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and the broad range of options available.
Adjustable and dimmable LED lights allow users to customise the lighting to their needs, reducing eye strain and creating a more comfortable environment.
The design should avoid placing lights directly above seating areas to minimise glare on screens and provide a more evenly distributed light.
Examples of Lighting Technology in Our Meeting Booths
We wanted to show you how many of the leading meeting booth and pod manufacturers are tackling the need for superior lighting in meeting booths and pods, and to do this we’re going to take a deeper look at three of our range.
But before we dive in, let’s look at three units of measurement that are important when it comes to this topic.
- Light Temperature (Kelvin, K) – Light temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and refers to the colour emitted by a light source, ranging from warm (lower values) to cool (higher values). Warm light (around 2700K to 3000K) creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for relaxed discussions or brainstorming sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, cool light (around 5000K to 6500K) mimics daylight and can increase alertness and concentration, making it suitable for tasks requiring focus and precision. A mid-range temperature of around 4000 K is nice and balanced for a good meeting booth environment.
- Brightness (Lumens, Lm) – Brightness, measured in lumens (Lm), indicates how much light a bulb emits. Unlike wattage, which measures energy use, lumens measure the actual amount of light produced. You should aim for lighting fixtures that offer sufficient brightness to illuminate the space effectively without overwhelming it. An average of 300 to 500 lumens per square metre is typically adequate for focussed work tasks. However, incorporating dimmable lights can allow users to adjust the brightness to suit their personal preferences and the task at hand, providing flexibility and comfort.
- Intensity (Lux) – Lux measures the intensity of light as it falls on a surface, which is a crucial factor in how we perceive the brightness of a space. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. Proper lighting intensity can make reading, writing, and other visual tasks easier without causing discomfort. For office work, an intensity level of around 500 lux is often recommended to support visual tasks efficiently without causing glare. This is great for a focussed lighting on a specific area, which can ensure tasks can be performed comfortably without increasing the overall intensity unnecessarily.
So, now you know the science behind it, let’s look at the booths.
HushFree.M
This booth is top of the range, as expected by a HushOffice product.
In terms of lighting, there is a new system in place, which provides a light temperature of 4000 K and an intensity of 500 lux at the level of the tabletop.
This provides the perfect illumination when working on something, and leaves a warm glow which is sure to be comforting and relaxing.
Bejot 4-Person Treehouse
Bejot always provides stylish and functional booths, and the Treehouse range is no different.
This product provides some great lighting technology, with a focus on reducing energy usage.
Motion sensors are installed so the lights are never on when not needed, and the booth always lights up when someone enters.
It’s also really flexible, with lighting angles able to be adjusted by 20% so you can always be sure the important locations are well illuminated.
With a temperature of 4300 K and a brightness of 390 Lm, you’re sure to always find the lighting just right in the Bejot Treehouse.
Max Calma Pro
The Max Calma Pro is another stylish booth that perfectly combines style with substance.
The lighting in this pod is spread throughout by six lights, which can be be triggered when the occupancy sensor is turned on (this is a light outside the booth showing the availability)
Another great feature here is that these lights are dimmable, and therefore can be altered to suit the preference of the person (or people) inside.
Simply switch the light button when turning them on and hold to dim or increase the intensity of the light. Once you find the perfect level for you, then double click to save it for later.
Lighting and Aesthetics
Lighting isn’t just about functionality; it also plays a crucial role in the aesthetic appeal of a space.
Warm, soft lighting can make a space feel more welcoming and comfortable, while cooler, brighter lights can enhance alertness and energy.
The key is to strike the right balance, ensuring the lighting complements the overall design and purpose of the space.
Future Trends in Lighting Design for Meeting Spaces
Looking ahead, the future of lighting in meeting spaces is bright, with innovations in technology paving the way for even more adaptable and personalised environments.
Smart lighting systems, which adjust automatically based on the time of day or the presence of people, are becoming increasingly popular.
These systems not only improve energy efficiency but also enhance the user experience by seamlessly adapting to their needs.
Biophilic design elements, like integrating natural light and greenery, are also on the rise, promoting well-being and a connection to nature even within enclosed spaces.
Meeting Booths from Max Furniture
The importance of lighting in meeting booths and pods cannot be overstated.
It’s a critical element that impacts not only the functionality and comfort of these spaces but also the well-being and productivity of their users.
By addressing the unique challenges of lighting in small, enclosed spaces and exploring innovative solutions, designers can create environments that are both effective and inviting.
Here at Max Furniture, we work with industry-leading brands to supply booths that have everything covered, including the lighting.
As we move forward, the integration of technology and design will continue to transform how we think about lighting in workspaces.
The aim will always be to create environments that not only meet our practical needs but also enhance our overall quality of life at work.
If you want to know more, then get in touch with our team today.
Or alternatively, why not see what we have to offer by checking out our collection of meeting booths and pods?
