In short
A practical summary of CIBSE LG7 for architects and interior designers, covering wall and ceiling brightness, uniformity and why direct/indirect linear lighting helps.
CIBSE LG7, Lighting for Offices, changed how UK workplaces are lit. Instead of focusing only on light at the desk, it asks designers to consider how bright the whole room feels.
The big idea: light the room, not just the desk
Older office schemes delivered plenty of lux at desk height but left walls and ceilings dim, creating a gloomy "cave effect". LG7 recommends that walls and ceilings receive a meaningful proportion of the task illuminance so the space feels bright, open and comfortable.
Key recommendations
- Task illuminance appropriate to the work, typically 300–500 lux for office tasks.
- Wall illuminance of roughly half the average task illuminance.
- Ceiling illuminance of roughly a third of the average task illuminance.
- Good uniformity across the working area.
- Glare control suited to screen work.
Why linear lighting fits LG7
Direct/indirect suspended linear luminaires send part of their output up to the ceiling, making it much easier to hit the ceiling targets without extra fittings. Continuous lines also give even, predictable uniformity along desk rows. Many of our linear and suspended systems are specifically designed to meet LG7 guidelines.
What to ask your lighting supplier
- An LG7-compliant calculation for your actual layout
- Wall, ceiling and task illuminance values, not just desk lux
- UGR analysis for the chosen orientation
- Controls strategy for daylight and occupancy
Send us your plans and we'll provide LG7 calculations with our proposal.
Further reading at 299 Lighting
Next steps on linear-led.com
Specifying a linear scheme?
Send us your drawings or brief. We'll come back with a shortlist, photometrics and LG7 calculations.
Start a project →Frequently asked questions
What is CIBSE LG7?
CIBSE LG7 is the Society of Light and Lighting guide to office lighting in the UK. It emphasises wall and ceiling brightness, uniformity and visual comfort as well as desk illuminance.
Does direct/indirect lighting help meet LG7?
Yes. Uplight from direct/indirect luminaires raises ceiling illuminance, one of LG7's main recommendations, while downlight serves the task.
