How to Dim Lights Without a Dimmer?

It’s not always possible to have a dimmer switch installed in your home. Maybe you’re renting, or your wiring isn’t compatible with a dimmer. Or maybe you just don’t want to deal with the extra installation hassle. Whatever the reason, there are ways to dim your lights without a dimmer switch so we’ll explore several solutions for how to dim lights without a dimmer.

Is Dimming Without Dimmer Possible?

Traditionally lighting circuits needed a dimmer switch connected to it to reduce the power to the light fixtures and reduce the amount of light created. The advances in digital lighting have banished this restriction to the past and now many types of lighting can be dimmed regardless of the type of lighting switch in the room.

It’s not just LED lights that can be Dimmed without a Dimmer. Any light fixture with an incandescent or halogen bulb can be Dimmed without a Dimmer, by simply using a lower wattage bulb. For example, if you have a 60-watt lightbulb in your fixture, try using a 40-watt bulb instead. You can also Dim fluorescent lights without a dimmer switch by using special Dimming ballasts.

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When to Dim Your Lights?

There are many reasons why you might want to know how to dim light even though you may not have access to a dimmer switch.

Scene Setting

Dimming the lights can set the mood for any occasion. Whether you’re watching a movie, reading or just relaxing, Dimming the lights can make it more enjoyable.

Energy Saving

Dimming the lights can save you money on your electric bill. By Dimming the lights to 50% you can reduce your light usage by up to 75%.

Longevity of LED Bulbs

Less power to the light source reduces the strain on all the components within the product, extending it’s lifespan and your investment.

Well Being

Many people buy LED bulbs because they last a long time and are energy efficient, but they can seem too bright when first installed. Dimming the LED bulbs can make them more comfortable and reduce eye fatigue.

How to Dim Lights Without a Dimmer

There are various ways you can dim your Lights without a Dimmer switch:

Philips SceneSwitch

This is a special light switch that has three different dimming settings 10%, 40% and 100%, which you can set by toggling the switch to match your mood or activity. This has to be used with the Philips SceneSwitch bulbs which come in chocies of color temperature to suit the use of the room. The lamp remembers the last selected brightness level or color temperature after it has been turned off for a longer period of time.

Use a three-way Dim

This is a type of light switch that has three different positions, each of which dim the lights to a different level. Some manufacturers make LED lamps that you can dim. You can do this by briefly turning on/off one after the other. The brightness will be selected between three levels: 25%, 50% and 100%. The lamp will remember the last selected setting until the next time you use it. There is also a large selection of lamps in different variants and designs.

This is how it works:

1. Turn on the switch and the bulb will be at 100% brightness.
2. Turn it off.
3. Turn it on again and the bulb will be at 50% brightness.
4. Turn it off again.
5. Turn it on again and the bulb will be at 25% brightness.
6. Turn it off again.
7. Turn it on again and it toggles back to 100% brightness and the cycle begins again.

Dim by Remote Control

You can buy special light bulbs or light fixtures that can be dimmed by using a remote control that is supplied with the product, commonly found with cordless LED picture lighting for example.

In addition to turning the light on and off, and dimming it, you can also change the light color with a remote control. There are many lamps, ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps that come with a remote control.

Dimming with a Smart Lighting App:

Smart lighting offers a wide variety of choices of LED lighting all controlable from your smartphone. Many Smartphone apps like Philips Hue can Dim your lights without a Dimmer. The app gives you the ability to Dim your lights, change the light color, and set timers. You can also create different scenes for different occasions.

Touch Dimming

Some lamps come with an integral touch dimming feature which is very convenient. When you touch the light, it will Dim to the desired level. This is a very handy feature if you want to Dim your light without getting up from your chair, as long as you can reach the light fixture!

Conclusion

Controlling your lighting is an important element to creating a comfortable environment to live and relax in and you now have multiple choices to adopt a more flexible lighting solution in your home. Now you know how to dim lights without a dimmer switch and you know how to Dim your lights without a Dimmer, you can enjoy the benefits of dimming without having to worry about installing a dimming switch!

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.