Good lighting has always been an integral part of home design, but it is even more important when you’re planning a mobility remodel. By integrating different light sources into your home, you can make it safer and more accessible for those of advancing age. A premier bathroom remodel company in the area, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC, explains more about why lighting is crucial in a mobility remodel.
Helping Seniors to See More Clearly
Did you know that people over 60 need twice as much light to see well as those in their 30s? As people mature, their visual acuity (the ability to see small details) and contrast sensitivity (the way they perceive differences between light and dark surfaces) are reduced. The eyes may also take longer to adapt to sudden light brightness. That’s why if you’re planning an accessibility home renovation, you’ll need to pay close attention to lighting. Here are some of the ways to incorporate better lighting into your home:
1. Increase access to natural light. You can do this either by adding larger windows or having skylights installed. Sunlight not only improves the overall mood of any room, it also gives it the illusion of being a larger space. In addition, it allows for better daylighting, meaning you won’t have to rely on artificial lights to illuminate your home during the daytime. But here’s the most important part: greater access to natural light allows older family members to navigate the space more safely.
2. Add quality task lighting. This is especially important in areas where focusing on details is important. These include the kitchen, bathroom, home office and living room. By using task lighting to increase light levels in these spaces, older adults can easily and safely prepare meals, read and use bathroom amenities.
3. Use even lighting. As mentioned before, mature adults may have trouble differentiating light and dark surfaces inside the home. This can be mitigated by using bright, uniform light that allows for a smoother transition from well-lit areas to dimly lit ones. Incorporating high-contrast color surfaces can also help with this.
4. Reduce glare. Unshielded lighting can create glare, which has potentially harmful effects to eyesight. For this reason, use lampshades to disperse light and prevent glare, and consider adding matte finishes on walls and surfaces to reduce light reflection.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
You can incorporate lighting effectively into your accessibility home remodel with the help of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC. Our professional designers will make sure your project is done to your complete satisfaction. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Friendship Heights and Washington, DC. Schedule a virtual or in-home design consultation by calling us at (202) 933-7196 or filling out this contact form. We’d love to hear from you!
