Lighting is an important part of interior design, it influences the mood in the home and prevents strain on the eye when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of over illumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the size of the pupil also decreases making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eye as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment which is exactly what you want for your well deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting is best for certain areas in the home.

Lighting options for seniors

It’s no secret that as we age certain things no longer work as well as they used to and our eyes are a key area of change. We depend on our sight for so much, they guide our path as we go from room to room, assist us in accomplishing most tasks, and give us balance as we move around. Poor lighting can hinder any of these things and even contribute to more falls. This is why your lighting selections matter in each area of the home. When choosing lighting for seniors, keep these things in mind:

• Glare-free shades
• Cooler lights
• Task lighting
• Dim control lighting

Knowing which lighting options are best for seniors ensures you will get the best lighting that gives you what you need. Light fixtures with opaque shades help disperse the light and avoid those awful glares that can aggravate the eyes. Warm and cool lights play a part in how things are seen in the home as well. For example, warm lights cause a more yellow hue and can make an area feel darker while cooler lights shine brighter making things easier to see. Task lighting is especially helpful in eliminating dark corners and shadows which can happen in the kitchen between upper and lower cabinets and other areas such as the laundry room. These shadowy areas cause a strain on the eyes and installing specialized task lighting can make a safer, more comfortable area for you to get those everyday tasks accomplished. Lighting strips and table lamps are some good examples of task lighting. The brightness of a light is important as well and adding dimmer switches can give you the control you need throughout the day. Be sure to check the light switches while you are at it, a good switch is important too. 

What lighting is best for areas in the home

Different areas in the home will require different lighting choices and are influenced by the amount of natural light in each room. Areas in the home that should be given extra thought on lighting needs include:

• Kitchen
• Living room
• Laundry room
• Home office

These areas are used more than any other area in the home and can cause eye strain and more accidents if not properly lit. Kitchens are an essential area in the home where we spend a lot of time and for seniors who are enjoying their retirement they may even spend a little extra time there. The kitchen is also one place where an abundance of shadows can happen due to upper cabinets and corners making it difficult to see. Food prepping can be made harder and strain the eye when there is no sufficient lighting so when designing your kitchen be sure to include sufficient lighting like under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, and pendant lighting. This will chase away the shadows and provide balanced lighting for your eyes. The laundry room is a regularly used area in the home and should also be given proper consideration when selecting the lighting choices there as well. When having to remove a stain or inspect clothing for damage, poor lighting can hinder this and make the task harder. Areas of the home where you read or have screens like the computer or TV, should have sufficient lighting to reduce eye strain. As we grow older this becomes a priority in the home. Living rooms and home offices need good lighting. Some great options for these areas include:

• Floor lamps
• Wall sconces
• Pendant lighting
• Recessed lighting
• Table lamps

Each of these choices work well together and also add warmth and layers to the home making it a welcoming and inviting place for you and your guests. Choose enough lighting that will eliminate or at least limit the number of shadows in your room. You deserve a home that gives you the very best in every area.

The benefits of good lighting for seniors

Investing in the right lighting for your home comes with a host of benefits such as:

• Reduced risk of falling
• Less strain on the eyes
• The ability to accomplish tasks easier

All of this matters and contributes to a home that is ready for you to safely age in place. Your eyes matter because they are a part of almost anything you do and most of our activities are spent indoors. Natural light is recommended as much as possible since it comes with its own host of benefits, but it will shift throughout the day leaving you with a need to supplement it. Whether it is cooking in the kitchen for yourself or with the grandchildren, doing a favorite hobby of yours in the craft room, or reading a good book in your home office or living room, good lighting makes all the difference. If your home is beautiful but hinders you from doing your daily routine or the things you love it is poorly designed and will only compound the problems later.  A good home is both functional and beautiful, both working together to provide you with a place you love to be every day. Good lighting focuses on giving you all you need to effortlessly transition into your golden age so you can keep living your life to the fullest potential. By knowing exactly what lighting is perfect for each area in the home and even what type of lighting is better for certain tasks you can ensure that your newly renovated or updated area will give you the best service for years to come.

Lighting choices for seniors matter

A well-lit home is important no matter what age you are but its value increases as you mature as it is one of the simplest ways to maintain a home that is perfect for you. Sometimes all you need is a few simple upgrades such as different light bulbs or a few additional lamps. If you are considering a remodel for your home be sure to talk to your designer about including sufficient lighting in your project. For more lighting ideas and options we invite you to visit our showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby, NC where you can browse through our many displays and have the opportunity to ask questions. We also have access to numerous lighting vendors where you can find that perfect style or size. We look forward to seeing you soon and assisting you in finding the lighting you need for your home.