Volumetric vs. Flat Panel: Office Glare Reduction

Why Office Glare Is an Optics Problem, Not a Brightness Problem

In open offices, complaints about “glare” usually come from screen reflections and high-angle brightness, not from insufficient light levels. Two fixtures can produce the same foot-candles at desk height while creating very different visual comfort outcomes. The difference is optical design—how light is controlled at angles that interact with monitors and glossy surfaces.

Volumetric luminaires and flat LED panels behave differently in how they distribute light, how they present brightness to the eye, and how they control high-angle emission.

Related resource: For a system-level breakdown of LED panels, troffers, recessed, and linear ceiling fixtures—covering lumen selection, spacing, glare control, and retrofit considerations—reference the Commercial Ceiling Lighting Buying Guide.

What Volumetric and Flat Panels Actually Are

“Volumetric” generally refers to fixtures with an optical cavity that shapes light—often with a deeper profile, internal reflectors, lenses, or baffles. Flat panels typically use shallow edge-lit or back-lit constructions with a diffuse face.

Design Type	Optical Construction	Practical Result
Volumetric	Deeper optical chamber; controlled optics	Better high-angle control, less direct glare
Flat panel	Shallow lens/diffuser with wide emission	High uniformity, higher high-angle brightness risk

Why Computer Screen Glare Happens

Monitor glare is primarily a geometry issue: the fixture emits light at angles that reflect off screens into the viewer’s eye. Wide-emitting optics increase the chance of visible reflections.

Glare Mechanism	What Causes It	Optical Fix
Reflected screen glare	High-angle light reflects into viewing angle	Lower high-angle brightness / better cutoff
Discomfort glare	Bright source visible in peripheral view	Lower luminance lens / shielding / baffles
Veiling reflections	Ambient reflections reduce screen contrast	Better distribution control; reduce over-lighting

Optical Tradeoffs: Uniformity vs. High-Angle Control

Flat panels can deliver excellent uniformity, especially in low ceilings, but may emit more light at high angles (closer to horizontal). Volumetric optics can reduce high-angle brightness, which helps screen comfort, but require correct spacing and lumen selection.

Office Condition	Better Default Choice	Reason
Dense open office with many screens	Volumetric	Improved high-angle control reduces reflections
Low ceiling with limited plenum	Flat panel	Shallow depth fits; uniformity is easier
Executive / conference zones	Volumetric	Lower perceived glare and better comfort

Spec Checklist for Open-Office Visual Comfort

Select optics with documented glare control (don’t assume “diffuse lens” equals low glare)
Target appropriate CCT for office tasks (commonly 3500K–4000K) and avoid over-lighting
Use dimming and zoning so screen-heavy areas can be tuned down without affecting circulation
Align fixture layout to workstation orientation when possible

Common Causes of Glare Complaints in Panel Retrofits

Replacing parabolic troffers with wide-emitting panels without adjusting lumen package
Using a high output setting on selectable fixtures “just to be safe”
Poor zoning: same light level for screen work and circulation
Ignoring the effect of glossy monitor finishes and workstation angles

Open-office visual comfort is influenced by optical distribution, ceiling integration constraints, and retrofit strategy. The following resources expand on adjacent specification decisions that frequently impact glare performance and occupant experience.

For open offices with heavy screen use, volumetric optics often reduce high-angle brightness and screen reflections compared to flat panels. Flat panels can work well when lumen packages and layout are tuned to avoid high-angle glare and over-lighting.

Brandon Waldrop

As the lead technical specialist for our commercial lighting technical operations, Brandon Waldrop brings over 20 years of industry experience in product specification, outside sales, and industrial lighting applications.

His career began in physical lighting showrooms, where he focused on hands-on product performance and technical support. He later transitioned into commercial outside sales, working directly with architects, electrical contractors, and facility managers to translate complex lighting requirements into energy-efficient, code-compliant solutions.

Today, Brandon applies that industry experience to architect high-performance digital catalogs and technical content systems, helping commercial partners streamline the specification process and deploy lighting solutions with total technical confidence.