Why do people put a light above their monitor?

People often place a light above their monitor for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

1. Reduce Eye Strain

• Ambient Lighting: The primary reason is to reduce eye strain caused by the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room. A light above the monitor provides ambient lighting, which helps balance the brightness of the screen with the surrounding environment. This reduces the stress on your eyes, especially during long gaming or work sessions.
• Minimizing Glare: If placed properly, the light helps diffuse glare, making it easier to see the screen clearly without overexposing your eyes to the harsh light from the monitor.

2. Create an Optimal Viewing Experience

• Even Lighting Distribution: Lighting placed above the monitor helps distribute light evenly around the room or desk, which contributes to a more comfortable viewing environment. It can also prevent the dark spots around your workspace, giving your eyes something more neutral to focus on.
• Eliminate Shadows: A well-placed light reduces harsh shadows that can be cast on the desk or keyboard, improving visibility while gaming, working, or typing.

3. Improve Focus

• Enhance Concentration: Having a light above your monitor creates a soft, non-distracting glow in your peripheral vision, which can help you focus on the screen without feeling overwhelmed by excessive lighting. This creates a balance between bright and dim spaces, which can help with concentration.
• Reduce Screen Flicker: For those who suffer from screen flicker or harsh lighting conditions, having a light above the monitor can alleviate these issues by providing consistent, diffused lighting.

4. Aesthetic and Atmosphere

• Ambiance and Style: A light above your monitor can be used to enhance the aesthetics of your setup, especially in gaming or creative spaces. Some people opt for RGB lighting or LED strips that change colors and add visual interest, making the entire space feel more immersive.
• Backlighting: Backlighting behind or above the monitor can make the screen look sharper and give a more professional and stylish look to your gaming or work station. It adds depth to the room and can complement other lighting features in the space.

5. Reduce Nighttime Discomfort

• Gentle Light for Night Use: When gaming or working at night, having a soft light above your monitor provides a calming effect and makes the space feel less stark compared to a completely dark room. This can help you avoid feeling fatigued or uncomfortable after long hours in front of the screen.

6. Help with Lighting for Video or Streaming

• Lighting for Streams: For gamers and content creators who stream or create video content, good lighting is essential. A light placed above or behind the monitor helps illuminate their face and workspace, ensuring clear, high-quality visuals for their audience.

Conclusion:

Overall, placing a light above the monitor is a simple but effective way to enhance your gaming or working environment. It reduces eye strain, improves visibility, adds to the overall ambiance, and creates a more comfortable space for prolonged periods in front of the screen. Whether for function, comfort, or aesthetics, this small adjustment can make a significant difference in your overall experience.