Lighting & design > Lighting and design at home
Lighting and design at home
Making the best use of lighting is important for everyone, but even more so if you are blind or partially sighted. Good lighting in the home is essential, and yet it is often overlooked.
The information in this section is taken from a joint publication by Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Thomas Pocklington Trust, titled Make the most of your sight: Improve the lighting in your home.
Through it, we want to demonstrate good lighting practice by giving ideas, hints and tips on how to light your home more effectively with the different types of household and task lighting that are available. The benefits of each type of lighting are outlined.
Eye health facts and figuresMaking the best use of lighting is important for everyone, but even more so if you are blind or partially sighted.
Why is lighting important?Everyone needs good levels of light and as we get older we all need more. Light entering the eye is focused on the retina at the back of the eye, which transmits the visual signal to the brain. As the eye ages, less light reaches the retina. Most people at 60 years old need three times more light than when aged 20.
Choosing general light fittingsChoice of light fitting or lampshade affects the amount and direction of light. Ceiling lights are normally the main light source for most rooms in the home. These light fittings are mounted on the ceiling, often centrally, but two fittings or more may be used in a larger room. There are large ranges of fittings, bulbs and light shades available.
Different types of light bulbsA range of light bulbs (referred to as lamps by lighting professionals) are used in both general and task lights. Different bulbs will give different types of light and effects.
Lighting recommendations for the homeCareful consideration of the different lighting needs of different rooms and areas in the home can make a huge difference for people with sight loss.
The full publication -
Make the most of your sight: Improve the lighting in your home - is available to
download as a PDF.
