5 Lighting Techniques That Support Wellness at Home

According to a recent study by Flinders University, lighting has a measurable impact on your wellbeing, from your circadian rhythm to your overall health. The science is catching up to what lighting designers have known for years: how you light your space directly affects how you feel in it.

With a few strategic design moves, you can reduce eye strain, improve sleep quality and create a home that actively supports your wellbeing. 

Here are five lighting techniques our experts use to enhance wellness at home. 

1. Avoid harsh glare

Overhead glare is one of the quickest ways to ruin comfort. Frosted downlights in compact spaces can feel like staring into the sun - leading to eye strain, fatigue and general unease. We recommend using directional fittings that let you aim light where it’s needed, not where it’s intrusive. Uplights are another good choice, bouncing light off the walls for a softer, more diffused glow. Always avoid placing lights directly over areas where you relax, to help protect your eyes and encourage restfulness.

Avoid harsh glare by opting for directional lighting. (Image credit: Rachel Bickerton, Dale Alcock Homes)

2. Introduce areas of darkness

Too much light can be just as uninspiring as too little. Darkness gives your eyes a chance to rest and helps create a more comfortable, balanced space. Instead of flooding a room with downlights, softly illuminate key areas and leave others low-lit to add depth and ease. The contrast not only improves comfort but also creates visual interest and a sense of drama - a technique often used in art galleries to great effect. 

3. Layer your lighting

Layered lighting is a simple but powerful way to support wellbeing at home. By combining ambient, task and accent lighting, you can match light to your mood - whether it’s brighter, focused light for busy moments or softer, dimmer light to help you wind down. The right lighting at the right time makes it easier to concentrate, relax and feel at ease in your space. Step lights or wall lamps in hallways, wall washers in living areas, and pendants over tables can all play a part. Flexible options like floor or table lamps can move with you, adapting to your routines and needs throughout the day. 

Layer your lighting to create flexible lightscapes that support different activities and moods. (Image credit: Kingsbridge Homes, Hallbury Homes)

 4. Dim it down

Dimmers are your best friend. They give you control over brightness, making spaces multi-functional and easy on the eyes. If you’re planning to use multiple fittings in one room, lower the wattage to maintain balance. 

5. Plan with purpose

A curated lighting scheme creates a more harmonious home. It will ensure key surfaces like dining tables are properly lit, paths of travel are safely illuminated and the overall flow of light supports your lifestyle, not disrupts it. For instance, thoughtfully positioned lighting in a walk-in robe can brighten your morning routine without spilling into a bedroom where someone is still sleeping. Map out furniture and artwork locations early so your lighting works with these features, rather than against them. 

Plan your lighting with purpose to create harmony and avoid over-lighting a space. The goal is light where you need it, and none where you don't. (Image credit: Dale Alcock Homes)

Curious about which fittings help achieve these techniques? We break it down in our next article: Lighting products for wellness-focused homes - coming soon!