How to Reduce Glare on Your Television and Computer Screens

My husband sat down to watch the game the other day after a hard morning of working in the yard. After sitting down and getting comfortable in front of our new television, he became irritated. He couldn’t see the game because of the glare from the window behind the couch. Working together, we found a way to solve the immediate problem so he could watch the game and made a plan for a more long term solution.

Look at the placement of your room.

Look at the placement of your television in relationship to the sources of exterior light. Is there a better position or placement for your screen that would also work for your furniture and help diminish some of the glare? Make sure you think about which directions your windows face (north, south, east, or west) and if what time of day you will get the most intense light.  Do the windows that cast the glare have curtains or window treatments?

Examine the interior light sources

Are your lamps causing glare? Or lights from other rooms? Much like the exterior light, lamps can cause glare too. If you don’t want to watch TV in the dark, try moving the lamp around the room (or the screen) to see if you can find a better location with reduced glare.

Check your screen settings

Adjust the settings on your screen. Most television and computer screens can be easily adjusted for brightness and contrast. Computer monitors typically have the adjustments on the side of the screen, whereas with a laptop screen or a television you will have to go into the menu or control panel to adjust it. Lower brightness on a screen can help reduce that frustrating glare so get out that owner’s manual to figure out how to adjust it.

Invest in window coverings

Make sure you have the right window coverings. It might seem obvious that shutters and blinds can help reduce glare, but some companies create specific types of window fabrics  like solar screen fabrics that help diffuse light and save energy and more traditional options like black out curtains. A professional window treatment company like Danmer will help point you in the right direction.

Break out the paint

Consider painting the room a darker color. White paint reflects more light than beige paint, so even just a slightly darker shade of your existing color can help stop glare. A high gloss paint will reflect more light than a semi-gloss, so consider both color and type of paint before you repaint your office or living room to help reduce glare.