If you work or study on a laptop, you know the moment: you switch the light on and a bright patch appears right in the middle of the screen. It is rarely the lamp's fault; it is where the lamp sits. This guide explains where to put the light so you can see your desk without turning the screen into a mirror.
Why glare appears
A screen is a smooth surface: any light that hits it head-on bounces back into your eyes. That is why lights behind you, like the ceiling light or a window at your back, are the ones you notice most. The rule is simple: the light should fall on the desk, not on the screen.
Where to place the light
- Above and in front of the screen. A light that starts over the screen and points down lights the keyboard and your notes without touching the glass.
- To one side, if you use a desk lamp. Put it on the side opposite your writing hand so you do not cast a shadow, and turn the head towards the desk.
- Never behind you. If the only light in the room is at your back, switch it off or move: that is the one that ends up drawn on the screen.
Which light tone to choose
No tone is better than another; what helps is being able to change it through the day.
- White: for daytime and detailed tasks, like small print or handwritten notes.
- Warm: for the night. It is softer and feels more pleasant when the rest of the room is dark.
- Mixed: a middle point for long afternoons.
Three common mistakes
- Working by screen light alone. The contrast between a bright screen and a dark room becomes uncomfortable after a while. Add some light to the desk.
- Turning the brightness all the way up. More light is not better: you only need enough to read a sheet of paper comfortably.
- Forgetting the window. During the day, place your desk side-on to the window, not facing it and not with your back to it.
If you do not want to give up desk space
Light bars that clip above the screen are made for exactly this: the light comes from above and forwards, and the desk stays clear. The Cenit lamp is a bar that comes in two sizes, 33 cm for laptops and 50 cm for monitors; it is held by a thumbscrew you tighten by hand, has three light tones and is USB powered (USB-A to USB-C cable included).