A simpler setup can definitely still help, even without going full smart-lighting. Have you tried just swapping out bulbs to experiment with color temperatures? Sometimes just having a cooler bulb in a desk lamp and warmer ones in surrounding fixtures can create a similar effect. Or maybe even dimmers—those are pretty affordable and easy to install. I've found small tweaks like that can make a surprising difference in comfort and productivity... worth a shot, maybe?
I've tried dimmers myself, and honestly, they weren't quite the productivity boost I expected. Sure, they were easy enough to install, but I found myself constantly fiddling with the brightness instead of actually working—kinda distracting. What ended up helping me more was just repositioning lamps and fixtures to reduce shadows and glare. Sometimes it's less about color temp or brightness control, and more about strategic placement... at least that's what worked best in my experience.
"I found myself constantly fiddling with the brightness instead of actually working—kinda distracting."
Totally relate to this... I spent way too much time adjusting dimmers too. Ended up just swapping out my overhead fixture for a softer lamp placed behind my monitor. Simple fix, huge difference.
I had the same issue a while back—dimmers and overhead lights drove me nuts. I'd set it one way in the morning, then by afternoon it felt all wrong, and I'd end up fiddling again. Eventually, I realized it wasn't just brightness causing problems, but also the angle and type of lighting.
What I ended up doing was ditching the ceiling fixture altogether (at least during work hours) and using a couple of smaller lamps instead. One lamp behind my monitor like you did, and another one off to the side with a warmer bulb. It sounds simple, but having two different sources of softer, indirect light really helped reduce eye strain. Plus, it made the room feel a lot cozier overall.
Also, found out that bulb type makes a huge difference. I swapped out my old bulbs for some warmer LEDs rated around 2700K. Before that, I had cooler daylight bulbs (around 5000K), and they always felt harsh and clinical. The warmer tones made working long hours way easier on my eyes.
Funny thing is, I didn't even realize how much lighting was affecting me until I changed it. Now when I walk into rooms with harsh overhead lights, I immediately notice how uncomfortable it feels. Kinda weird how our brains adapt like that...
Anyway, glad you found a solution too—sometimes the simplest tweaks make the biggest difference.
Interesting points about bulb temperature—I had a similar realization when I switched to warmer LEDs. Initially, I thought brighter, cooler bulbs would help me stay alert, but they just ended up giving me headaches after a few hours. Eventually, I experimented with indirect lighting too, but I also found that natural daylight made a huge difference. I rearranged my desk to face a window (not directly, but at an angle), and it really improved my mood and productivity.
One thing I'm still curious about though: has anyone else noticed how different wall colors interact with lighting setups? My workspace walls were originally painted a cool gray, and even warm bulbs felt oddly sterile. After repainting to a softer beige tone, the same bulbs suddenly felt much more comfortable. It's fascinating how subtle environmental factors can influence our perception of comfort and productivity...