of older houses that I visit that are bathed in gloom. When we were kids leaving
the lights on when we left a room was
considered a grievous sin. I am sure
that a lot of our thrifty ideals are carry-overs from those days. It is
hard to break old habits, but being able to see is important to your safety,
health and well-being. You aren’t doing yourself or anyone else a favor if
you think that pinching pennies and living in a world of darkness is a good
idea. Good lighting really does helps
you see and function better.
The average person spends 90
percent of their time indoors so it is important to let as much light into your
house as possible. Install abundant lighting and redesign your house to make it airy and filled with light. Fill
your house with light by using skylights and have windows everywhere. Consider updating outdated fixtures with
energy-efficient ones. Use natural
daylight to your own advantage and look at how light colored walls, floors, and
ceilings reflect more light than dark colors.
Did you know that that we
need a lot more light as we grow older? Eye specialists say that we need three times
more light in order to see well than we did when we were in our 20s. We also have a harder time compensating for
glare.
You are already aware that
when moving from bright to low light levels (like entering a dark foyer on a
bright sunny day) that your eyes need time to adjust. It takes longer for older eyes to adjust.
Adjustable light levels using three-way bulbs or dimmer switches can
make it easier to customize lighting to meet your needs. In certain situations,
too much glare can make it difficult for you to see. You can filter bright light using blinds,
sheer curtains and shades, while still enjoying the benefits of natural light.
Night
lighting plays an important safety role.
It is also wise to use rocker light switches so you aren’t fumbling for
light switches in the dark. Nightlights
serve to protect you from night time accidents.
I don’t know about your house but my 100 pound dog likes to sleep in the
hallway leading to the kitchen. For the
most part she hears me coming and gets out of the way, but I have tripped over
her a time or two.
Never underestimate the
convenience of hands-free light sensors
that turn on a light when you pass through its detection range, or tabletop
lamps that you can turn on by simply tapping the base. You can choose from
dozens of different kinds of light
fixtures depending on if you need a faint glow for walking around purposes
to close up task-lighting. Tall table
lamps with light colored shades and a wide bottom shade opening enhances over
all-lighting; the shade bottom should be at eyes level when you are sitting. Pick floor lamps with fluorescent bulbs that
direct light toward the ceiling.
Lighting is a key design element but also promotes
healthy living because you can see and function better. Configure abundant lighting into your
design. Get the right bulbs. Research CFLs, recessed lights, task lights,
and full spectrum bulbs that filter out yellow light. Let the light shine.
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