How To Choose The Right Sort Of Lighting For Reading

If you do not use the correct sort of lighting when trying to read – regardless of whether it is a book, magazine, manual, cookbook or even the TV guide – you could cause some serious damage to your body, such as eyestrain, blurred vision and headaches. Whilst the younger generation does not require as much lighting to read as the older generation does (when you are 30, you will only need half the illumination that you will when you are 60), prevention is the best form of treatment.

So, how do you choose the right type of lighting for reading without causing eyestrain, headaches or other problems?

• Most rooms in our homes are fitted with general lighting that is designed to make the space feel attractive and inviting; for the rooms where reading most often occurs, however (such as the bedroom, lounge room and kitchen), this should be supplemented with directed or task lighting.
• Many people will recommend the use of spectrum (or natural) lighting in areas where reading is likely to occur, as it is easy on the eyes, brings out the colour in whatever we are reading and actually relieves eyestrain.
• For directed lighting, the gooseneck lamp is said to be the best fixture to use for reading purposes. These days, lighting designers have realized that this is the best fixture for reading and have created a range of attractive gooseneck lamps to suit any décor.
• Directed or task lighting should be positioned behind you as you read, if at all possible (this is easiest to achieve with a movable lamp), based on your leading hand. For example, if you are right handed, place the lamp behind your left shoulder.
• Use a white or light coloured shade, as this will help to illuminate whatever you are reading; a black or dark coloured shade actually absorbs light instead of reflecting it.
• Many homeowners find it beneficial to install lighting that also includes dimmer switches, as this allows them to control the intensity of the illumination in a room.
• Indirect lighting has also become popular, as this can diffuse the illumination and reduce glare (which is the common factor in many vision problems).

By using some of the above tips when choosing the lighting for areas of your home where reading is most likely to take place, you can protect yourself and your family from many health problems, including eyestrain, blurred vision and headaches. This sort of lighting will cater for young and old readers alike, so you can rest assured that everyone in your home will be able to read with ease.