UGR stands for unified glare rating and is a measure of how much glare a light fixture emits.

If a light has a high UGR, it means it produces more glare, which can make a space feel uncomfortable or visually harsh. In practice, this relates to discomfort when looking toward the light, overly bright or harsh spots, eye strain over time, and in some cases reduced visibility.

We caught up with our Lighting Designer, Tabatha, to get some insights and her top tips for managing glare.

Who does glare impact?

Glare can affect anyone, but some people are more sensitive to it. Despite generally preferring brighter light, older individuals are often more sensitive to glare. People who wear glasses (especially with certain coatings or prescriptions), those prone to migraines, individuals with sensory sensitivities such as autism, and anyone working long hours under artificial lighting will feel the impact more than the average person.

What UGR is acceptable?

In general, lighting installations should aim not to exceed a UGR of 19. There are detailed formulas to calculate the exact UGR for each space, but these can be unnecessarily complex. 

As a guide, the following ranges are commonly used:

  • UGR ≤ 16 (very low glare): This level is typically used where visual precision, comfort, or prolonged focus is important.

    Residential: Home offices, study rooms, reading nooks, high-end kitchens like over prep areas, art display areas, feature walls where glare would distort colours or finished

    Commercial: Design studios, medical consulting rooms, laboratories, technical workspaces, high-end retail (jewellery, luxury goods), office boardrooms and meeting rooms

    kitchen. Three modern pendant lights with speckled grey and white spheres over a light wood kitchen island.

  • UGR ≤ 19 (standard): Most residential environments and many standard commercial applications

    Residential: pretty much every room in the house like living, dining, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens (general lighting), hallways and circulation areas.

    Commercial: standard offices and workstations, classrooms and training rooms, retail spaces (pretty much all general retail store for general areas), receptions, waiting rooms, hospitality spaces (like cafés, casual dining)

  • UGR ≤ 22 (acceptable): This level is still acceptable in certain areas of residential properties but we would recommend limiting it to areas such as garages

  • UGR ≤ 25 (tolerable): Only heavy industrial settings

  • UGR ≤ 28 (high glare): Generally limited to public areas 

Is lower UGR always better?

Not always. Lower UGR means less glare, which generally improves visual comfort but it’s not always the goal in every situation. Lower UGR improves comfort, and higher UGR can increase visual impact. So rather than aiming for the lowest possible UGR, it’s about choosing the right level for the space and how it’s used.

If I’m struggling with glare in my house, how can I reduce glare without replacing the light fitting?

There are a few options here:

  1. Change the globe: Use a lower wattage/ lumen output, switch to frosted or opal globes instead of clear, and opt for warm colour temperatures (2700K–3000K), which feel softer and more comfortable.

  2. Adjust the light positioning: Raise the fitting slightly if possible, and re-angle adjustable lights so they’re not pointing directly at eye level.

  3. Add diffusion: Install a diffuser or cover if the fitting allows, or use lampshades and accessories to soften the light source.

  4. Dim the light:  Install dimmers where possible. Lower light levels reduce perceived glare, especially in the evening.

  5. Layer the lighting: Incorporate indirect lighting such as wall lights, floor lamps, or LED strips. This reduces reliance on a single harsh light source and creates a more balanced environment.

    White square recessed LED downlight with warm light, shown installed and uninstalled.

Are recessed lights better for glare control than surface-mounted ones?

All things otherwise equal, recessed lights will produce less glare as they are set back into the ceiling and the light source is less visible. However, the LED source itself needs to be properly recessed. 

For example, the HV5527T is technically recessed but can still feel quite glarey because the light source is exposed. In contrast, the Econoled has the LED set further back into the fitting, which helps minimise glare. 

You can reduce glare from surface-mounted fittings with a cover or diffuser. However, deep recessed fittings remain the best solution for glare control.

Still have questions?

Glare is a topic that often only comes up when you already have an issue. If this is you, please get in touch. We'll be able to provide specific advice and hopefully make your life a little easier and more comfortable.