The Prosecution: Monty
It doesn’t make sense to me to have so many lights on in a small room. Mona turns them on, then walks away.
We’ve lived together in shared houses since 2017, but last October we moved into our own place. That’s when I realized how much Mona loves mood lighting—she’s obsessed with small lamps.
Growing up, my family only used the main lights. Mona’s childhood was different. Now, I’ll come home to find every room lit up with at least three lamps.
Sometimes, she’ll go into a room, turn all the lamps on, and then leave. Once, I kept turning off the bedroom lights, and each time I walked away, she’d turn them back on. We did this three times before she admitted she didn’t even realize she was doing it.
I don’t mind paying more for electricity if it makes her happy, but there’s still the environmental impact to think about.
I’m not overly eco-conscious, but having multiple lamps on in a small room just seems wasteful. When I ask Mona, “Can you not leave all the lights on?” she says, “But I like it.” Sometimes she’ll apologize and admit it’s bad, but that doesn’t stop her. She says she’ll try to change, but it keeps happening.
She also explains that when I’m away for work (sometimes weeks at a time), having the lamps on makes her feel safer. I understand that—I want her to feel comfortable. The extra cost doesn’t bother me when I’m not home, but I’d like her to be more mindful when we’re together. Surely, if I’m there, she doesn’t need all the lights on? But I know she enjoys the cozy atmosphere, so I doubt she’ll stop.
—
The Defense: Mona
I know it’s not energy-efficient, but I just love warm, cozy lighting.
We have 11 lamps in our house—three in the bedroom, one in the kitchen (though I think we need more there). I like having them all on at once.
I get it—it’s not great for the environment. But I grew up with soft lighting. The “big light” was practically forbidden in my house. My mom was the same way—she’d text me to light candles before she got home so the mood was just right. My sister likes lamps too, but not as much as I do.
The main reason I do it is because Monty travels a lot for work. When he’s gone, I get lonely, and having the lamps on makes the house feel more lived-in and comforting. We moved in together around the same time he went freelance, so I knew I’d be alone often. Sometimes I get nervous living by myself, and the lights help me feel safer.
I’ll admit, I keep the habit even when Monty’s home. That time he turned the lamps off three times? I didn’t even remember turning them back on—it’s just automatic.
I haven’t checked if our bills are higher when he’s away. Honestly, I don’t want to know. Some friends say it’s wasteful and bad for the planet, but I’m careful about sustainability in every other part of my life.
In winter, I use both the main light and the lamps (which I know is worse), but when I’m—Alone, I don’t have to answer to anyone. My favorite things in the world are candles, but it’s not safe to leave them burning all evening. As a compromise, I agree I should try to turn them off when Monty is home—though I probably won’t give up my lamp habit entirely.
The Guardian readers’ verdict: Should Mona turn out the lights?
You don’t need multiple lights on in a room you’re not using, or both a main light and small lamps at the same time. Maybe compare the energy use of three soft lamps versus one bright light, though!
—Katharine, 60
Keeping all the lamps on in every room is wasteful. Why not just light the room you’re in—and maybe the hallway—then switch as you move around?
—Sara, 29
Monty brings up the environment, but modern LED lights use far less energy than old bulbs. Mona’s lamps barely consume any power, and they make her feel safe and comfortable. Monty should back off and be glad she’s stopped using candles.
—Peter, 72
Lamps are lovely—much cozier than harsh overhead lighting—but leaving them on in empty rooms is still wasteful. When Mona’s alone, having a few lamps on makes sense, but not every single one.
—Rebecca, 46
You can’t put a price on atmosphere. Monty sounds like he’s killing the mood. Using only the overhead light with no lamps is lighting terrorism. Team Mona!
—Arnie, 65
Now it’s your turn—vote in our online poll: Should Mona turn out the lights?
Poll closes Wednesday, August 20, at 9 AM BST.
Last week’s results:
We asked if Xavier should use a co-working space so his partner could have the flat to herself.
– 51% said yes—Xavier is guilty.
– 49% said no—Xavier is not guilty.
FAQS
### **FAQs About Reducing Lamp Usage at Home**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. Why should my girlfriend use fewer lamps?**
Using fewer lamps saves energy, lowers electricity bills, and reduces unnecessary light clutter.
**2. What’s the difference between lamps and main lights?**
Main lights provide broad illumination, while lamps offer localized, often dimmer lighting.
**3. Is it bad to leave multiple lamps on?**
It’s not “bad,” but it can waste energy if the main light is sufficient for the room.
#### **Practical Tips**
**4. How can I convince my girlfriend to use the main light instead?**
Suggest trying it for a week to compare brightness and energy savings—focus on benefits, not criticism.
**5. Are there times when lamps are better than main lights?**
Yes—lamps are great for cozy atmospheres, reading nooks, or when only partial lighting is needed.
**6. What’s a good compromise between lamps and main lights?**
Use the main light for general lighting and add one lamp for ambiance or tasks.
#### **Energy & Cost**
**7. Does using lamps increase the electricity bill?**
Yes, if multiple are left on unnecessarily. LED bulbs in lamps help reduce costs.
**8. Which uses more power: lamps or main lights?**
It depends on bulb types and wattage, but multiple lamps can add up to more than a single main light.
#### **Common Issues**
**9. What if my girlfriend prefers lamps for mood lighting?**
Try smart bulbs or dimmable main lights to adjust brightness without extra lamps.
**10. Are there safety risks with too many lamps?**
Overloading outlets or using old/worn cords can be a hazard—stick to necessary lighting.
#### **Advanced Questions**
**11. Do certain rooms benefit more from lamps?**
Bedrooms and living rooms often suit lamps, while kitchens and bathrooms need brighter main lights.
**12. How do I calculate the energy difference between lamps and main lights?**
Check wattage.
**13. Are smart lighting systems a good solution?**
Yes! Smart bulbs or switches let you control brightness and save energy easily.
