How To Block Overhead Light In A Cubicle: Top 7 Ways [2025]
Prolonged exposure to those bright fluorescent lights in the office can get a little uncomfortable for some people. This is especially true for those sensitive to light. If you are one of these people who are struggling with harsh overhead light from your office ROSI Office Systems has some tips for you to avoid this.
Ok, now let’s answer this question: How To Block Overhead Light In A Cubicle? Block overhead light in a cubicle by using light-diffusing panels to soften glare or attaching a fire-safe fabric over the cubicle. Desk lamps with adjustable brightness provide focused lighting, while blue light glasses reduce eye strain. These methods create a comfortable workspace without altering permanent fixtures.
You can also position reflective panels on cubicle walls to redirect light or set up a canopy to create a shaded area. Task lighting or desk lamps can replace overhead lights. You can alternatively advocate for an LED retrofit in your workplace for a more comfortable and energy-efficient lighting solution.
These solutions will enhance comfort and reduce eye strain while maintaining a professional workspace. Let’s look at them in detail.
About ROSI Office Systems
ROSI Office Systems curates the best office cubicles in Houston for a comfortable and productive workspace. We offer a wide selection of product options and currently provide affordable office furniture solutions in Houston, Austin, Stafford, and San Antonio.
We also make it easy for your business to upgrade, downsize, or move. Our team could also help you with furniture liquidation services.
Top 7 Ways To Block Overhead Light In A Cubicle
1. Use Light Filters or Diffusers
A light filter and diffuser are easy to install and most effective to counter harsh light coming to your cubicle. Filters and diffusers cover light fixtures to reduce the intensity of the light that reaches your workspace.
Light filters are typically made of translucent materials designed to diffuse the light emitted from fluorescent bulbs. They scatter the light rays and reduce their intensity therefore creating a uniform distribution of light. This reduces eye strain.
Types of Light Filters
- Fluorescent Light Covers: They fit directly over the existing light fixtures. Fluorescent light covers come in various materials including frosted plastic and fabric. Some filters come with designs that can be customized to match office décor.
For example, Octo Lights provides easy-to-install covers that attach directly to the light fixtures without requiring any permanent modifications.
- Clip-on Diffusers: If you prefer a less permanent solution, clip-on diffusers can be attached directly to the fluorescent bulbs. They are affordable, easily removable, and simple to use. They typically come in soft, translucent plastic that reduces the glare.
Diffusers reduce glare without sacrificing the overall illumination needed in the office. This prevents eye fatigue. Many office suppliers offer budget-friendly options for light diffusers, which makes them a cost-effective solution for any office setup.
Benefits
- Softens the intensity of fluorescent lighting
- Reduces glare, minimizing headaches and eye strain
- Improves overall comfort without compromising lighting levels
- Easy to install and affordable
2. Install Cube Shields or Desk Shades
Cube shields and desk shades are perfect for employees who need a more targeted solution to block the overhead light around their workspace.
They are designed to shield light from falling directly onto your desk and body, which is especially useful in an office where overhead lighting is fixed and cannot be changed.
Cube shields create a barrier that prevents direct lights from entering your personal space. On the other hand, desk shades are smaller and portable shields. They attach directly to your desk or computer monitor. These shades enable you to block overhead light without affecting the rest of the room.
Types of Cube Shields
- Collapsible Cube Shields: CubeShield products, for instance, are lightweight and portable. They are designed for easy attachment to cubicle walls. Block the light coming from overhead while allowing air circulation and easy access to your workspace.
- Fixed Cube Shields: For a more permanent solution, fixed cube shields can be installed around the top of cubicle walls. Fixed cube shields are made from opaque materials like polycarbonate or fabric panels. They can be customized to fit the size of your cubicle.
Benefits
- Specifically targets and blocks overhead glare
- Provides increased privacy and focus in your workspace
- Adjustable, allowing for both temporary and permanent installations
- Reduces distractions and increases productivity
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3. Add a Fabric Cover or Light Shade
Fabric covers or light shades are a stylish and customizable option to soften the lighting in your cubicle. The covers are made from flame-retardant fabric. They are typically draped over fluorescent light fixtures to reduce light intensity.
How They Work
Fabric covers are designed to fit directly over the fluorescent bulbs. They diffuse light evenly and can even be customized to match your cubicle décor. Additionally, fabric covers absorb some of the light energy, preventing it from reflecting off surfaces and causing unwanted glare.
Types of Fabric Covers
- Simple Fabric Panels: These are thin, flexible panels made from a variety of materials, including cotton and polyester. The panels can be draped over light fixtures and are easy to replace if needed. Some come with Velcro strips for a tight and secure fit over the light fixtures.
- Pre-made Light Shades: These are specially designed for commercial office spaces. They are available in various designs, from solid neutrals to more colorful patterns that match your office décor. Pre-made light shades are typically fitted directly over fluorescent bulbs and provide excellent light diffusion.
4. Use an Umbrella or Canopy
An umbrella or canopy inside your cubicle is a creative way to reduce exposure to direct overhead lighting. Canopies are particularly great in open-plan offices or cubicle setups where the light directly above you may be too intense or uncomfortable.
Canopies/ umbrellas will create a shaded workspace that reduces glare and softens the lighting. This will improve the comfort and perhaps productivity of those under the shade.
An umbrella or canopy can be attached to cubicle walls or office ceilings using adhesive hooks or clips. Essentially, they create a physical barrier between you and the overhead lights. The shade blocks or redirects light, therefore, creating a softer, more pleasant working environment.
5. Switch to Task Lighting
Task lights are another solution for blocking harsh overhead lighting. They produce a focused light source that gives you better control over the intensity and direction of illumination. Desk lamps with adjustable brightness are a good example of this.
The idea is to turn off overhead lighting fixtures and replace them with a focused lighting source. Dimming controls and movable arms allow you to direct the light where you need it in the cubicle.
Practical Example
Let’s say you’re a graphic designer working in a Houston office. The overhead lights are causing you eye strain and distraction. You can switch to a desk lamp with adjustable brightness. This will help you minimize the effects of the harsh overhead lights and direct soft light on your desk.
Benefits
- Reduces reliance on harsh overhead lighting
- Provides more control over light intensity and direction
- Helps minimize eye strain and headaches
- Ideal for focused tasks that require precision
6. Request LED Retrofit or Adjustments
Another way to reduce the harsh light discomfort caused by overhead lighting is to advocate for a workplace LED retrofit. While common and cost-effective, fluorescent lights can cause irritating glare and are less energy-efficient.
LEDs, on the other hand, are a better alternative. They produce a softer and more consistent light that is easier on the eyes. They also typically come with adjustable settings.
Retrofitting means that your office may opt to replace the existing fluorescent lights with LED bulbs. They come in various color temperatures and brightness levels. LEDs also produce a more natural, less harsh light that reduces glare and enhances visibility.
Today, many workplaces are opting for LED retrofits because they improve the lighting quality while also reducing energy costs.
7. Using Desk Lamps
Adjustable desk lamps produce a focused and controllable light. Desk lamps can complement any of the light shields and diffusers mentioned above. They are especially useful when overhead lighting is too dim – yes, dim light is also not that great for your eyes!
Conclusion: Practical Solutions to Improve Office Lighting
Harsh overhead lighting, whether bright or dim, has negative long-term effects on employees. Whether you’re working in a cubicle in Houston or a similar office environment. There are simple and affordable ways to block or diffuse overhead lights.
Businesses often choose Fluorescent because it is an affordable solution. The downside is that it comes with drawbacks like eye strain that impact employee comfort and productivity.
Fluorescent glare can also lead to headaches and difficulty in concentrating. Flickering can also be disruptive. The cold, sometimes unflattering light can contribute to a less inviting atmosphere in the workplace.
Get More Out Of Your Office
As you have seen, there are tons of ways to mitigate the harsh overhead light in the office. Most of these options are free or affordable. Light filters and diffusers are portable and can be used in different office environments.
As the world moves towards an energy-efficient future, this might be a good time to start advocating for an LED retrofit. LEDs use less energy and are adjustable. It is an excellent long-term solution to reduce the overall cost of energy for businesses.
Studies have shown that LEDs are also more durable than Fluorescent lights. Although they are cheaper, it is important to balance cost with employee well-being.
If you need more information about office furniture in Houston, schedule a call with ROSI Office Systems. Here are some great reading materials to improve efficiency in the workspace.
