Light allows
us to see, but it can in combination with paint enhance your life with color
and sparkle. In your house you can make the lighting bland, pattern less and
uninspiring. You can also make it subtle, interesting and soothing. Sun, himself,
the prime source of light changes at least four to five times a day, soft,
orange of the dawn, harsh glaring of the noon, and shades of grey of the dusk.
The
intention of this brief note is to make you aware of the basic principles of
lighting and also to enable you to make a selection of fixtures, which are long
lasting and trouble free. Armed with this you can intelligently speak to your
interior designer or help your electrical contractor.
There are 4
types of lighting: General, Task, Accent and Informative or Guiding.
General lighting will throw light over an area in a general and uniform way. Example: ceiling
lights.
Task
lighting is well positioned; well-directed lighting that provides localized
light for specific areas for specific tasks.
Example: Reading
lamp, table lamp.
Accent
lighting is used to reveal texture, color, form, and pattern of any object you
want to focus the attention of the people.
Example: Light
on a painting, indoor fountain, pottery, etc.
Informative lighting is used to guide a person gently and safely to some change.
Example: Steps,
garage path.
An
intelligent use of these in combination with painting and color washing of
walls, ceiling and furniture furnishings lends pleasing atmosphere.Ornamental
luminaries used must be attractive, strong and functional. Do not go for cheap
ones. The polish should last long; the fitting should be able to stand the
load, should not collect dust or insects and should be capable of easy
dismantling. Outdoor fitting should be open at the bottom, otherwise it will
get filled often with dead bees and insects. Domes with three four screws are
difficult to dismantle. Bright lights outdoors attract insects. Lawn lights
must be of low intensity. Avoid white and violet; go in for yellow or green as
they attract fewer insects.
Living room must have area lighting in addition to any other type of lighting; never watch
TV or PC in the dark. Extreme brightness of the screen against dark background
is harmful to the eyes. Don't place lights, which cast reflection on the screen.
Reading light should come to you at an angle above your shoulder and should not
be bright but soft and with all round glows. Also it should not be used alone
but with area lighting.
In dining
area a pendant light, rising
and falling if you so prefer should be enough. It should not be bright but should help see natural colors of the dishes. Pendant lights are not suitable
for bedrooms but wall mountings are preferred.
The switches of at least one area light and
task lights should be located at the bed, in case of double bed on both sides.
The task light one uses should not disturb another. In children's room the
plugs shall be self- locking. Stairs shall have two-way switches and the landings
and winders shall be well lighted.
Bathrooms
shall have switches, which are located either outside or on the wall opposite
the way shutter opens. Task light switches should be located at the place where
a task takes place, e.g., plug for shaving. It is wise to have switches of the
outer security lights inside the house, so that you can switch them on from
within. Control switches to security lights both in the multipurpose hall and
master bedroom would help identify visitors at night quickly.
Weatherproof
bulk heads are good for external lights. Plan as many fittings as possible to
take the compact fluorescent lamps, now available as they reduce the
consumption of energy considerably. Bring a rainbow indoors by intelligent
lighting!
In
conclusion, an individual who cares how he spends the money and how he can use
it for the family's well being will do well to take note of the influence the colors
exert on one's daily life as revealed by the recent advances in research in
this particular filed and accordingly decide the color scheme of the different
spaces of his house. The aim is to harmonize home environment with family's
personality and healthy living.
For more details,
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