Grey and beige are sometimes accused of being dull colours. Not to us. We think they’re timeless nuances that fit many homes and offices. And did you know they are colours that are kind to your eyes? At least if you spend many and long hours on the computer.

“When we develop work furniture, we always involve ergonomic experts. One challenge we’ve had is to figure out what colour of desk is best if you work a lot on the computer. Especially if you also have to peek at your phone several times per hour – a reality I think many of us recognise”, says Anthony Rotman, Product Developer.

Look out for your friends

When the eyes shift focus from the computer screen to the phone and then back to the computer again, they have to adapt to different backgrounds and contrasts. One way to get around the problem is to have a desk in a neutral tone. “There’s no absolute answer to which colour is best; it depends on what you prefer and what type of work you do. But, if you often experience that your eyes become tired and already have tried with an extra cup of coffee, there’s a good chance that a work desk in more muted colours can help”, tips Anthony.

Squint less for less headache

There are other details that can make the workday a little easier. A low-gloss surface can for example help to reduce glare. “Just like contrasts, glare can be straining to the eyes. It makes us squint, and when we do that for a long time, it’s not uncommon that a headache comes knocking”, says Anthony. From an evolutionary perspective, our bodies haven’t had the time to adjust to long hours with different digital screens. “The good news is that small, thought-out details that don’t cost a fortune, can make a huge difference in our daily work – and improve our health and well-being in the long run.”