A light diffuser can be made from many different materials—some designed for professional use, others easily adapted for DIY projects. The best choice depends on whether you’re diffusing light for home lighting, photography, or architectural purposes.

1. Professional Materials

• Frosted Acrylic (PMMA) – Lightweight, high light transmission, common in LED fixtures.

• Polycarbonate (PC) – Impact-resistant, weatherproof, ideal for outdoor or industrial fixtures.

• Frosted or Etched Glass – Durable, heat-resistant, premium look, great for lamps and windows.

• Prismatic Plastic Sheets – Distribute light efficiently in offices and commercial ceilings.

• Diffusion Fabric (nylon, muslin, polyester) – Widely used in photography and film softboxes.

2. Everyday Household Materials (DIY Options)

• Tracing Paper / Baking Paper – Cheap, effective for small LED lamps or photography (only safe with cool light sources).

• White Bedsheets or Sheer Curtains – Work well for softening window light or lamp light indoors.

• Shower Curtain (white, translucent) – A popular DIY material for photography or large diffusers.

• Plastic Storage Lids (frosted or white) – Can act as makeshift diffusers for LED strips.

• Parchment Paper – Withstands more heat than regular paper, but still safer with LEDs.

3. Best Uses by Application

• Home Lighting: Frosted acrylic panels, lampshades, or frosted bulbs.

• Photography/Video: Diffusion fabric, shower curtains, tracing paper.

• Architecture/Design: Frosted glass, prismatic plastic, acrylic light panels.

• Gardening/Greenhouses: Poly film sheets or shade cloths to diffuse sunlight.

4. Safety Notes

• Avoid using regular paper or cloth near hot incandescent or halogen bulbs (fire hazard).

• LEDs are safest for DIY diffusion since they produce little heat.

• Always allow air circulation around the diffuser to prevent overheating.