Creating comfortable and visually appealing environments is a major focus of modern lighting design. Reducing glare from LED lights is essential to achieving that task.
As LED technology with improved brightness and directional light dominates the lighting market, addressing glare becomes increasingly important.
Whether your application is a commercial office space or industrial manufacturing floor or a residential home, there are several strategies you can employ to effectively combat glare and improve the environment.
First and foremost, if you are replacing or installing new LED fixtures you should research the installation locations, the fixture types and the product glare ratings if provided. You need to consider the different lighting products and how they can enhance the overall comfort of the illuminated areas. If you don’t have the ability to switch out your lighting fixtures to ones with better glare control, here are some other options.
Use a Diffuser or Frosted Lens for Softer Illumination
A diffuser is a material that scatters light in all directions and softens the output. This can help reduce the light’s intensity and make it more comfortable. Diffusers are available in various materials, such as fabric, paper, or plastic.
Use Dimmers / Controls to Reduce Light Output and Minimize Glare
Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your LED fixtures. This can help to reduce glare and eye strain.
Move Your Light Source
If possible, try to move your light source away from your workspace. Task lighting such as desk lamps or under cabinet lights can be a great source of glare because it is closer to the workspace than ambient light and directed to your task.
Adjust Your Space: Move Your Furniture to Reduce LED Light Glares
If your light sources are fixed in the space, it may not be possible to relocate them. Another possibility could be to try and rearrange or move your workspace or desk, so it is not in front of your light source.
Reduce the number of fixtures
If you have several lights in your home or office, try to reduce the number of lights you use. This can help to reduce the amount of glare that you experience. In many cases buildings use too many light fixtures and produce an over-lit environment. Reducing the number of lights in your home or office can be a practical step towards improving the overall ambient lighting experience while minimizing glare.
Use Blinds or Curtains
Blinds or curtains can help to block out some of the light from your LED lights. This can reduce the amount of glare that you experience in the room.
Blinds or curtains can help to block out some of the light from your LED lights. This can reduce the amount of glare that you experience in the room.
In addition to blinds or curtains, utilizing anti-glare film on windows can further diminish the brightness of the room and enhance comfort in the space.
As we look towards the future, the role of smart lighting systems, daylighting controls and dynamic lighting all will have a dramatic affect in managing glare. These systems can automatically adjust brightness and color temperature based on ambient light conditions or occupancy, providing a sophisticated approach to managing glare. These advanced lighting technologies are experiencing rapid adoption rates. By embracing these techniques, users can enjoy the benefits of LED lighting—such as energy efficiency and long service life—without the discomfort of glare.