So, how can we gain sufficient control over the lighting quality of our homes to support our constantly changing sensory and practical needs?  Here, we will discuss four strategies you can implement to have greater control over both natural and artificial light in your home.[1]

1. Incorporate dimmable lighting. 

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Consider putting your ceiling lights on dimmer switches to have better control over lighting intensity.  You don’t necessarily need dimmable lights in every room of your home to make a difference.  Try to think about what areas in your home you may benefit most by being able to alter brightness levels.  In the kitchen, for example, you may require full brightness for alertness and concentration when cooking but want to dim the lights to create a calmer environment when not using the kitchen for a specific task. 

Light bulbs and dimmer switches that are not compatible with one another may cause a low buzzing sound that unsettles individuals who are hyper-sensitive to noise.  Hiring a qualified electrician will avoid this issue and, most importantly, ensure that the dimmer switches are installed safely.   ​​​​

2. Implement layered lighting. 

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Implementing multiple types of lighting into one space that can be controlled separately works to meet differing needs of individuals and support a sense of personalisation. [iii]  For example, don’t rely solely on overhead ceiling lights, which will limit a rooms level of adjustability.  Instead, try to incorporate eye level and/or low-level lighting as well, such as lamps, wall sconces or hanging pendants to have greater control over how much light is in the room, and what direction it is coming from.  Task lighting is a useful inclusion in spaces you use to complete specific tasks and activities, such as reading or working.  If looking for a lamp or task light, consider purchasing one that is portable and adjustable.  There are also many cordless lamps on the market that allow you to reposition lighting without the restriction of needing a power outlet.  Many of these also having a dimming function and the option to change the colour temperature between light and cool. 

3. Mitigate natural light with window treatments. 

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Incorporating appropriate window treatments is possibly the most important method of controlling light in the home.  For example, if you are hyper-sensitive to light and prefer a dim lighting quality, it is hard to achieve this in the middle of summers day when there is bright sunlight blaring through the windows.  One of the best ways to mitigate how natural light enters a room is to install a double curtain rod that has a block-out curtain, as well as a sheer curtain behind it.  This gives you maximum control to either block out sunlight completely, filter it through the sheer curtain, or draw both curtains open and let all the sunlight in.  Double roller blinds with a sheer and block-out layer are another great option to achieve a similar effect.  If you are particularly bothered by light that seeps in, even at night from sources like streetlamps, we recommended opting for curtains over blinds, as they are the most effective at blocking out light.  Plantation window shutters with adjustable panels are another option for mitigating natural light and can be paired with block out curtains if desired.  If you are highly sensitive to visual stimulation, however, curtains or blinds are advisable over plantation shutters as they may cast distracting shadows.   Likewise, venetian blinds should always be avoided as the multitude of thin slats cast an overwhelming shadow and pattern glare for those who are visually sensitive. [v]

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4. Choose light absorbing materials. 

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If you are choosing new furnishes and finishes for your home and are hyper-sensitive to light, avoid glossy materials that will create unwanted light reflectance and glare.  Rather, opt for matt finishes that will absorb light and make it easier to mitigate the overall lighting quality. 

Appropriate materials if hyper-sensitive to light:

Timber, matt tiling, matt stone finishes, matt laminate, floor rugs, matt paint, wallpaper and plaster finishes.

Materials to avoid:

Stainless steel, brushed metal, glossy tile, shiny paint and wallpaper, polished concrete, mirrored surfaces.​​​