Reduce Screen Glare

November 2021 — Tip of the Month

Most modern televisions, computer monitors, and laptop displays have glossy screens. These clear display panels provide the sharpest possible image with the deepest black levels, but they also produce glare.

A subtle glare can be mildly annoying, while a strong glare can make a display nearly unusable. So it's important to be proactive in preventing glare. To reduce those shiny reflections, follow these tips:

1. Avoid placing your television or computer in a brightly-lit room.
2. If the room has windows, make sure the screen does not face the window.
3. Place lights behind or to the sides of the screen, rather than in front of it.
4. Use dark wall colors if possible, since brighter colors — especially white — reflect more light.
5. When using a laptop, angle the screen at 90° or even less to remove reflections on the screen.

Glare is not just annoying — it can cause undue strain on your eyes, causing headaches and other problems. If you're not able to move your workstation to a glare-free space, an antireflective screen cover might be your best option. It will reduce the clarity and contrast of the display, but your eyes will thank you.

Pro Tip: Deciding between an OLED and LCD TV? OLEDs produce the best contrast and are great in dark rooms, but they have extra-glossy displays and generally do not get as bright as their LCD counterparts. If you're planning on placing the TV in a bright room with lots of windows, an LCD television might be best.

- Per Christensson