Simple solutions include:
- providing good general lighting to ensure safety in moving around, cleaning and taking part in daily activities
- providing good task lighting in different rooms
- providing in-cupboard lighting
- providing external lighting
- reducing glare from wall and ceiling lights and shiny surfaces.
The following sections outline the key features of good lighting at home.
General lighting
This is achieved through good light levels from ceiling or wall fittings that may include:
- more than one ceiling light in each room to increase light
enclosed ceiling light fittings with fluorescent lamps (round or strip) and good diffusers to prevent direct view of the lamp and to spread light pendant filament lamps or downlighters that use round paper moon or frosted shades to give good, diffused light and reduce glare wall mounted, ceiling and freestanding uplighters to create even lighting lighting fitted in ceiling coving or soffits to direct light onto ceilings, create even light levels and reduce glare. Consistent lighting levels across and between rooms reduces adaptation difficulties and makes movement from room to room around the home safer. These are achieved through evenly spaced, diffused lighting. Independent switches and dimmer switches allow light levels to be adjusted to meet individual needs.
Task lighting
Additional to general lighting, task lighting can increase brightness by up to 10 times. Task lighting should be:
- adjustable
- positioned to prevent shadows
- shaded to prevent glare and a direct view of the lamp
- cool to touch.
Task lighting can support everyday activities such as medication, choosing clothes, shaving, preparing and eating food, reading and writing.
Freestanding table or floor lights are the most common form of task lighting.
Other task lighting includes:
- shaded downlighters over tables or work areas
- under-unit lights directed onto kitchen work surfaces
- lights inside cupboards and wardrobes
- mirror and shaving lights.
Consideration should also be given to lighting different rooms to best effect.
