What should I consider when choosing lighting to help with sight loss?

Entrances and external lighting

Consider placing lights over front and back doors and over any external steps. Placing lighting alongside garden paths will help you navigate your way at night and on dark evenings.

Halls and stairs

Lighting should be placed to improve the contrast between your stair treads and risers. Having a light at the top of the staircase will only light the treads and will leave the risers in shadow, which could be more hazardous than helpful.

Living and dining areas

Plenty of ceiling lighting, wall lighting, and lighting above pictures is important. Additional general lighting can be created by using free standing lamps, these are really useful for darker corners. You should also make the most of any natural light coming in through your windows during the day by avoiding net curtains and ensuring curtains are tied back.

Bathrooms, showers and WCs

Using strip lighting or circular diffusers (which help spread out light) on the ceiling can provide an even level of uniform light. Placing extra lights above any mirrors is always a good idea.

Kitchens and utility areas

Fitting lighting strips along the bottom of wall cupboards and above working surfaces will help when preparing meals. You can use self-adhesive LED strip lights to achieve this. Fixed task lights can also be used to add extra light in task areas such as above cookers, washing machines and sinks.

Bedrooms

Lighting that illuminates dressing tables and chests of drawers or the interiors of wardrobes and cupboards is helpful. Movable bedside lamps, that allow you to adjust where the light hits are also a good idea.

Further information can be found in Thomas Pocklington Trusts Lighting in and around the home: A guide to better lighting for people with sight loss which can be found on the Thomas Pocklington Trust website.