How can I get rid of glare?
Everyone is bothered by glare when looking at something very bright against a darker background. To minimize glare:
- Avoid placing very bright lights against dark ceilings or walls. Choose light-colored walls and ceilings to soften the effects of bright light.
- Use shades, blinds, or curtains to minimize glare from windows.
- Spread light over large areas by lighting ceilings and walls, or by using fluorescent tubes shielded from direct view.
- If you want recessed downlights or "cans" mounted in your ceiling, choose a deeply recessed fixture to minimize direct view of the bulb.
- Avoid clear lenses or shades on fixtures; they do not shield the light bulb from your view.
- Place task lights to your side, not in front of you, to avoid reflected glare from shiny surfaces, like polished wood or glossy magazines.
 |
 |
A. |
B. |
Place your task light to your side (a) to avoid glare bouncing off shiny surfaces (b). |
- Shield bright objects from your usual lines of sight. For example, if you can see a light bulb when seated at your dining table, hide the direct view of the bulb by adjusting its shade or
repositioning the fixture.
 |
 |
A. |
B. |
Block your direct view of light bulbs with a shade (a) or shielding board (b). |
 |
Aim lights on the object you want to see, not on your face. |