The desk and lateral natural light
Window on the left for right-handers, on the right for left-handers, never in front
A desk facing a window creates permanent contre-jour. Facing away creates screen reflections. The correct position is lateral.
How should you position a desk relative to the window?
Set the desk perpendicular to the window, never facing it (backlight glare) or with your back to it (screen reflections). Lateral light avoids both. Put the window on your left if right-handed, on your right if left-handed, so light comes from the side opposite your dominant hand.
§ 01The principle
Three possible positions, one is correct. Desk facing window: permanent contre-jour, screen appears black, immediate eye strain. Desk back to window: screen reflections, shadow on keyboard. Desk perpendicular to window (lateral light): no contre-jour, no reflections, soft natural shadows. This is the only correct position.
Window on the left for right-handers, on the right for left-handers. Light must come from the opposite side to the dominant hand to avoid casting a shadow on your own work.
Desk perpendicular to window · Window left for right-handers, right for left-handers
Lateral light, no contre-jour, no reflection.
§ 02Putting it into practice
Place the desk so the length of the desktop is parallel to the window wall, person seated facing another wall. Add a blind or sheer curtain for bright sunlight days.
Add a desk lamp on the side opposite the window (right for right-handers): Anglepoise, Tolomeo, Tala. This completes the lateral natural light without contradiction.
For a room without a window: use a lamp at 4000 K, CRI 90 minimum (see rules 02.2 and 02.4).
For two people sharing a desk: place desks back to back perpendicular to the window, one facing left, one facing right. Each gets their lateral light in the correct direction.
[VISUAL 3 · BEFORE/AFTER · Type B, comparison] Caption: Left, desk facing window, contre-jour. Right, desk perpendicular, lateral light.
- 01Place the desk perpendicular to the window
- 02Window left for right-handers, right for left-handers
- 03Add a desk lamp on the opposite side
- 04Install a sheer curtain for bright sun days
- 01Desk facing the window, permanent contre-jour
- 02Desk back to the window, reflections on screen
- 03Window on the same side as the dominant hand (shadow effect)
- 04Forgetting the desk lamp for dark days
§ 03Professional variations
Architectural drafting desks of the 18th and 19th century were systematically designed perpendicular to the window with the light from the left. This ergonomics has not changed in three centuries.
Lateral light, window left for right-handers, right for left-handers.
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