Lighting different rooms
Consistent lighting levels across and between rooms reduces adaptation difficulties and makes movement around the home safer. However, different rooms will have different lighting needs.
Hall, stairs and landing
These areas need good illumination to reduce the risk of falls. Light coloured walls and carpets are especially valuable where daylight is limited. Fluorescent lights that are energy efficient and can be left on for very long periods are appropriate. Older-style low energy lamps (which are heavy and often look like jam jars) are particularly slow to warm up. New electronic low energy lamps are better and reduce risks associated with adjustments to different lighting levels.
Bathroom
Bright, uniform and shadow-free lighting in all areas eases movement, cleaning and comfort. Task lighting provided by shaded lights over basins and in shower areas assists washing and shaving. Fittings suitable for wet areas are essential. Bedroom
Good general lighting eases movement and cleaning and reduces risks of trips and falls. Task lighting helps people to select clothes, dress, take medication and read, while bedside lighting can reduce the risk of falls.
Cupboards, wardrobes and drawers
Internal lighting makes access easier to wardrobes, kitchen, bathroom and storage cupboards. Adjustable task lighting illuminates open drawers.
Dining room
Lighting must illuminate the table with the minimum of glare and shadow. Shaded downlighters direct light to the table. Good general light can be achieved with wall lights and uplighters. Colour and contrast in tableware makes the most of lighting and vision. Task lighting can also be used at the table.
Kitchen
Good light for food preparation and cooking can be achieved through under-unit lighting concealed from direct view, and ceiling downlighters directed to work surfaces and appliances. Enclosed fluorescent ceiling lights provide good general lighting.
Lounge or sitting room
Wall and ceiling uplighters can maintain a homely atmosphere. Independent controls and dimmer switches for lamps allow adjustments for changes in mood, wellbeing and variable daylight. Additional floor and table-based lights support reading, writing and other activities.
Outside the house
Lighting that reduces shadows and glare will reduce the risk of falls and assist navigation. Day/night activated lamps will also increase security. Light-pollution legislation requires careful positioning to confine illumination within the boundary and restrict light in the sky.
You can further increase the effectiveness of lighting in different rooms by following the principles for good general lighting and task lighting.
