Hanging Mirrors in Offices Alleviates Eye Strain
For white-collar workers, working long hours in cramped cubicles inevitably leads to feelings of oppression and irritability, lowering productivity. However, clever use of mirrors can improve the office environment and relieve work stress.
Zhang Si Jia, Secretary-General of the Environmental Protection Committee of Beijing Building Decoration Association, explains that offices are typically small and crowded. Hanging a large mirror on the wall uses reflection principles to visually expand space, broaden visual range, and thus help relieve stress.
Ms. Zhang advises attention to the following points when installing mirrors:
1. Placement: best facing windows to increase indoor lighting; avoid direct sunlight exposure, as reflected light may cause dizziness; avoid reflecting people or work areas directly, as this makes the room feel even more cramped.
2. Place green plants where mirrors reflect—they can help alleviate visual fatigue.
3. Use float glass mirrors with good flatness and uniform reflective coating; uneven surfaces distort light and worsen eye strain.
4. Avoid overly thin mirrors; don’t place them where they’re easily hit; ensure they match the office decor style.