Lighting design plays a big role in how comfortable and inviting a room feels. Many people struggle with glare from light sources or harsh shadows that make spaces look uneven or create eye strain. To avoid glare and shadows in interior lighting, use indirect and diffused light, position lights carefully, and avoid shiny surfaces that cause reflections.
Placing lights so they are not directly in your line of sight and using soft, overlapping beams can help make the room feel balanced. Indirect lighting, such as hidden LEDs or uplighting, spreads light more evenly and reduces strong contrasts. By thinking about both where the light comes from and how it reflects off surfaces, anyone can create a more pleasant and welcoming space.
Glare and shadows affect both how a space looks and how comfortable it feels. Proper lighting design can reduce eye strain, improve visibility, and create a more inviting room.
Glare happens when a light source is too bright compared to its surroundings. This is common with high-intensity bulbs, shiny surfaces, or poorly placed fittings. Glare can cause eye strain, headaches, or even temporary blindness, making it hard to relax or work.
Direct glare comes from uncovered bulbs or strong task lighting aimed at the eyes. Reflective glare occurs when light bounces off glossy tables, floors, or mirrors. Ambient lighting with low brightness can help reduce these effects by creating even light distribution.
Rooms with high glare often feel uncomfortable and less practical. For example, intense overhead lighting in kitchens can make food preparation harder by creating sharp contrast and unwanted reflections.
Smart lighting plans use layers of light—ambient, task, and accent—to balance brightness. Ambient lighting, such as recessed LED lighting with diffusers or matte finishes, helps reduce harshness. Task lighting should be positioned below or behind eye level to prevent direct beams.
Table: Common Ways To Avoid Glare
Dimmers and warm colour temperatures (CCT around 2700K-3000K) improve visual comfort, making spaces feel softer. Consider window placement, as natural light can also cause glare if windows face bright outdoor surfaces.
To reduce shadows, light should be even and overlapping from multiple sources. Recessed ceiling lights, combined with wall sconces or floor lamps, spread brightness and minimise dark corners. Under-cabinet task lighting in kitchens prevents hand shadows on work surfaces.
Bulb placement matters. Placing LEDs at different heights—above and side lighting—lowers shadow contrast. Choosing fixtures with wide beam angles (like 120° LED bulbs) provides broader ambient coverage.
Accent lighting, such as cove or strip lights, helps fill in gaps where shadows might form. Light layering is key—a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights creates a balanced visual environment and improves both visibility and comfort for daily tasks.
Good lighting should illuminate, not irritate. Let us help you create the perfect balance in your space – get in touch with us via design@moonlightdesign.co.uk or call 020 8925 8639.
