Lighting for Homes

Modern home lighting prioritizes local requirements over general lighting, then considers additional needs.

Lighting in high-traffic areas (entrances, hallways, stairs) should be ample, glare-free, and emphasize shadow effects for safety.

Living room lighting needs flexibility and aesthetics, supporting various activities (talking, reading, watching TV).

General room lighting often provided by a single ceiling fixture, but not sole light source to avoid a cramped or small perceived space.

Reading requires higher illuminance (light intensity), adjusting the amount based on reader age and condition.

Flexible lighting systems in a room allow use of specific lights for specific uses and adjustable brightness.

Lighting affects how a room is perceived including the size and volume.

Highlighting specific items like artwork, rather than overall general lighting, for increased effectiveness.

Visual tasks, such as reading books or magazines, require at least 400 lux of light.

Traditional floor or table lamps provide excellent lighting for comfortable reading.

Energy-saving lamps, such as CFLs and LEDs, can be used for reading.

Lighting for knitting and embroidery should be similar to reading, but possibly slightly brighter.

Writing requires adequate local lighting with some ambient light.

Conversation areas need lighting that facilitates eye contact and models faces.

Lighting for watching TV should be placed close to the TV or on the surrounding walls.

Garden views can increase the perceived size of the room by reflecting light.

Local lighting for writing is important, but ambient light should also be present.

Lighting levels can be adjusted with dimmers to suit the mood or activity.

Lighting around the bed that provides good illumination while lying down, often with adjustable brightness and spread for individual needs.

Children's bedrooms require sufficient brightness, avoiding harsh shadows and glare, as dim lighting can be frightening.

Teenagers need flexible lighting options for various activities, including adjustable spotlights and clip-on lamps.

Guest rooms should have pleasant and well-thought-out lighting to make guests feel comfortable and welcome.

Bathrooms require both general and local lighting, with strong illumination for visibility, particularly around the mirror and in the shower area.

Bathroom lighting fixtures must be enclosed, steam-proof, and mounted in a safe location to prevent accidental splashes or shocks.

Areas like lofts, cellars, and garages require functional lighting for tasks with long burning hours and high efficiency.

Tubular fluorescent lamps, specifically T5, are best for functional lighting in secondary indoor areas due to their high efficiency and durability.

Secondary indoor areas require efficient lighting systems because they are used for extended periods, minimizing energy consumption.

Decorative lighting creates ambiance, while functional lighting prioritizes task completion and visibility.

Focusing light on the dining table creates intimacy, but also includes diners' faces. A single hanging luminaire is typical, but multiple smaller fixtures can be used for larger tables.

Kitchens need shadow-free general lighting for work surfaces and vertical storage, plus local lighting for task-specific areas.

CRI measures how accurately a light source shows colors. A high CRI (over 80) is essential for kitchens to distinguish food colors accurately.

Bedrooms need general lighting plus local lighting for dressing-table and reading in bed. Low-brightness luminous panels work well for dressing-table lighting.

Specific light sources focused on a particular task or area, like reading in bed or preparing food in the kitchen.

A device that adjusts the brightness of a light source, allowing control over the lighting level to suit the occasion or task.

Overall lighting for a space, typically provided by a ceiling fixture or a wall-mounted lamp, illuminating the entire room.

Excessive brightness that can cause discomfort or strain the eyes, impacting lighting effectiveness.

The intensity of light, measured in lumens or lux, affecting how well we can see objects and colors.

Using light to create specific moods or effects, like a warm and inviting dining area or a relaxing bedroom.

The hobby room should have good general lighting with high color rendering (Ra 80) and localized lighting (500-1000 lux) over workspaces. Adjustable lamps and power tracks are useful for detailed tasks and flexible power.

The garage needs bright lighting to help avoid obstacles when entering and to provide good illumination for tasks like car maintenance.

Garage lighting should be positioned to illuminate the car's engine and trunk areas.

A garage work-bench should have its own dedicated light source.

For detailed tasks in a hobby room, use adjustable table lamps that provide light from various directions.

Instead of starting with a general light source, modern homes prioritize local lighting needs for specific tasks and areas, then consider additional lighting if desired.

The living room, used for various activities, requires versatile lighting options that can be adjusted in brightness and intensity based on the activity.

Ambient lighting, often provided by a single ceiling fixture, should not be the only light source in a room. It creates a sense of spaciousness and prevents a "shrinking" effect.

Reading requires a higher level of illumination than general ambient lighting, with the amount dependent on the reader's age and visual acuity.

Highlighting specific objects, such as pictures or sculptures, with dedicated lighting is more effective than general overall illumination.

Lighting significantly impacts the perceived size and volume of a space. Bright, evenly distributed light makes a room seem larger.

Different activities require different types and levels of light. For example, tasks like knitting need enough light to see details, while conversing requires soft, flattering light.

Kitchens need high CRI (>80) lighting to accurately show food colors.

Two vertically mounted low-brightness luminous panels work well for dressing table lighting.

Visual tasks like reading books or magazines require at least 400 lux of light for comfortable viewing.

Traditional floor lamps are ideal for reading as they provide ample upward light (ambient) and a focused beam for close-up work.

Energy-saving lamps like CFLs and modern LEDs can offer excellent brightness and energy efficiency for reading tasks.

Writing demands adequate local lighting focused on your work area, with some general room light (ambient) to avoid eye strain.

Ambient lighting in a conversation area should be sufficient for eye contact and flattering facial illumination.

Avoid watching TV in darkness; a light source near the TV or on the surrounding walls helps reduce eye strain.

A living room with garden views can benefit from the reflection of interior light in the windows at night, enhancing space perception.

Using dimmers can adjust general lighting levels, creating different moods or atmospheres in a living room.

Local lighting focuses on specific areas like reading, while general lighting illuminates the entire room.

Examples of local lighting include desk lamps for writing, task lights in the kitchen, and bedside reading lamps.

Examples of general lighting include ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and ambient lighting from floor lamps.

Different activities require varying levels of illumination and light distribution.

Activities like reading, knitting, and writing benefit from brighter and more focused lighting.

Ambient lighting with multiple light sources creates a more relaxed and inviting mood for conversation.

Lack of proper lighting or excessive glare can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort.

The CRI measures a light source's ability to accurately display colors.

A high CRI (above 80) is essential for areas like kitchens to distinguish food colors accurately.

Using adjustable light sources like dimmers and spotlights allows for flexibility in brightness and focus.

A garage needs bright lighting to avoid obstacles when entering and to provide good illumination for tasks like car maintenance. Lighting should be positioned to illuminate the car's engine and trunk areas. A workbench should have its own dedicated light source.

A power track in a hobby room is incredibly handy, offering a flexible lighting system and power supply for various electrical tools. It allows you to conveniently position lights and tools where needed.