:

INTERIOR LIGHTING

10-33

RESIDENCE LIGHTING
of a home are expressions of the method of living, taste, acand so on of a family or an individual. Residential-lighting design
is a compromise between individual taste, tradition, decoration, and
The recommendations presented here have been
practical engineering.
selected and condensed from the I.E.S. Recommended Practice of Home

The rooms

tivities,

Lighting.
lighting of living room, dining room, and kitchen in farm homes may
from that of similar areas in urban residences because the occupancy
may be somewhat different. In general, however, residential space is
Farm
utilized today in urban and rural areas for about the same purposes.
buildings which may or may not be directly connected with the farmhouse
require good illumination also.
(See the following section.)

The

differ

Fundamentals of Residence Lighting

Despite the fact that distribution curves, symmetrical spacings, luminaire
and similar data at present are not always considered essential
in residence-lighting design, the basic factors of quantity and quality of
illumination still should be considered both in the design of home-lighting
equipment and in its application. As in any other interior, lighting should
be planned objectively to simplify seeing tasks, and subjectively to increase
human comfort. Similarly, it should be so co-ordinated with the architectural detail and interior decoration as to blend inconspicuously with it
and to add interest to it. Stated in direct reference to the home, the
broad lighting considerations that should be used as a guide are
1
The attainment of the recommended illumination levels for the many
visual tasks common to the home.
2. The provision of a quality of illumination that ensures seeing comfort
for the occupants.
3. An understanding handling of the color of the light sources utilized.
Quantity of illumination. Varied seeing tasks in the home require difRecommended
ferent quantities of illumination and brightness ratios.
illumination levels are included in Table 10-7. Typical luminaires are
shown in Figs. 10-25 to 10-31.
Quality of illumination. To ensure comfort in the use of the recommended illumination on seeing tasks, it is essential that the resultant task
brightness not greatly exceed that of the background against which it is
viewed. This requires such a distribution of the light within a room that
the room is free from glaring bright spots and deep shadows. Glare too
Luminaires may be sources
often is associated only with unshaded lamps.
of discomfort also if they are much brighter than the surface against which
they are viewed. Usually, comfortable, low-brightness ratios may be
attained by distributing light uniformly throughout a room. Lowbrightness luminaires are particularly important in living rooms, dining
rooms, and bedrooms. In these rooms persons often spend many hours in
efficiencies,

10-34

HANDBOOK

E S LIGHTING

seated positions, which may bring the luminaire within their view.
It is
not suggested that a room used for social conversation or other "nonseeing"
activity be illuminated to eliminate all shadow and contrast.
Such a room
would be unattractive. However, deep shadows may cause unnecessary
eyestrain and fatigue when the room is used for difficult seeing tasks, rather
than for relaxation and conversation.
Relationship between ceiling, wall, and floor color and reflectance, and light
and appearance. The utilization of light within a room depends

utilization

on the
lowest,

and ceiling reflectances. A room is likely to appear

most people when the ceiling has the highest, the floor the

wall, floor,

attractive to

and the wall an intermediate

reflectance.

The

following reflectances

and 80 per cent;

between 10 and 20 per cent; and walls between 35 and 55 per cent.
In rooms where visual tasks are difficult the higher values are better. Wide
variations from these values often are used in rooms where decorative
treatment is of paramount interest and severe visual tasks are not
are typical of good practice today: ceilings between 65
floors

performed.

Table 10-7.

Recommended

Illumination Levels for the

Home*

FOOTCANDLES
MAINTAINED IN

AREA AND VISUAL TASK

SERVICE

GENERAL LIGHTING FOE

Entrance hall, stairways, and stair landings

Living room, library, sunroom
Dining room
Kitchen

Bedroom
Bathroom
LIGHTING FOR:
Kitchen (work counter, range, and sink)
Dressing-table mirrorf
Bathroom mirrorf
Laundry (ironer, ironing board, or tubs)

Work bench

5
5
5
10
5
5

40
20
40
40
40

Reading
Prolonged periods (smaller type)
Casual periods (larger type)
Sewing
On dark goods, fine needlework
Average sewing (prolonged)
Average sewing (periodic)
Writing
Children's study tablej

Game

40
20
100

40
20
20
40

tables

Card table
Ping-pong
*The values given

10

40
for general lighting are intended to minimize brightness ratios between the illuminated
Where difficult seeing tasks are not involved, the values listed aim to assure

visual tasks and the surround.

safe passage, eye comfort, and

charm.

The given values for typical home tasks are chosen for persons with normal vision, giving proper consideration to such matters as cost and practical attainment. They do not represent the optimum, since under some
conditions more light may be necessary and desirable, and often more light is attainable.
The values listed may be attained by either fixed or portable luminaires, or by a combination of the two.
tTo be delivered on both sides of the face.
JOften a dining-room table,

INTERIOR LIGHTING

10-35

The appearance

of an object is influenced by the color of the incident

For example, the monochromatic yellow color of light from the
sodium lamp is not suited to home lighting because, when they are illuminated by this light, all objects which do not have some yellow in their
surface appear black, and the yellow in others is so emphasized as to distort
completely the intended appearance. Because most homes are at least
partially illuminated by direct sunlight and skylight during the day, interior colors often are selected for their outdoor appearance.
A daily
variation in appearance is caused by hourly changes in the orientation of
the sun, by weather variations, and by the spectacular sunrise and sunset
Also, since the color of light from electric lamps is uniform and does
hues.
not exactly duplicate either sunlight or skylight, another variation is
introduced.
Generally speaking, of the light sources used in homes the
300-watt incandescent lamp is the one which produces light most similar to
direct sunlight.
Light from daylight fluorescent lamps is most similar to
that from a clear blue sky; and light from white fluorescent lamps is somewhat similar to sunlight and skylight combined.
By comparison, light from incandescent lamps emphasizes red and
yellow colors and tones down the greens and blues; light from fluorescent
lamps emphasizes green and blue colors and tones down the reds and yellows.
(See Section 4.)
With either type of lamp, high chromas in the
light-controlling materials of luminaires or on large wall areas should be
avoided if it is desired to retain an outdoor appearance.
It should be realized that in a store the appearance of household accessories is influenced in a similar manner by the illumination and decoration.
A considerable change in appearance may be noted if the home conditions
under which the accessory is to be used or displayed differ in appearance
from those of the store.
The usual lighting requirements of each major room of the average
home are discussed on the following pages. The recommended luminaire
light distribution characteristics should be adhered to.
However, decorative detail is a matter of taste and market supply.
light.

Entrances, Halls, and Closets

Architectural treatment dictates the placement and type of entrance
Brackets that provide downlight on steps (Fig. 10-25a)
preferably are placed at each side of the door.
Often a single bracket above
the door harmonizes better with the architectural design but may prevent

luminaires.

seeing clearly the face of the caller.

On an attached porch, a suspended
lantern (Fig. 10-25c) should be placed on the porch ceiling so that the

Clear glass panels in brackets or in a lantern

should be avoided, since lighted lamps behind clear glass may prove more
blinding than helpful. When a doorway is slightly recessed, a recessed
element (60- or 100-watt lamp) may be inset inconspicuously in the soffit
above, with a pleasing result. Use of a 150-watt projector floodlamp
(Fig. 10-25g) or a 100-watt lamp in an angle reflector set under the eaves
steps are lighted for safety.

10-36

E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK

10-25. Typical recommended luminaires for entrances, halls, and closets.

Lantern bracket, b. Semi-indirect, c. Ceiling lantern, d. Recessed house numf. Semidirect.
ber, e. Attached house number,
h. Geng. Projector lampholder.

FIG.

a.

eral diffuse lantern.

and switch-controlled from the house, will provide ample protective

lighting between the garage and the house as well as yard and garden
lighting.

A lighted house number may be incorporated in the entrance lantern, in a

separate recessed box (Fig. 10-25d) located in the house wall or steps, or in a
special applied box connected to the door-bell circuit (Fig. 10-25e).
The
size of numerals is important for clear visibility up to 75 feet, they must be
at least 3 inches high with a half-inch stroke.
In halls with open stairways, lantern-type luminaires (Fig. 10-25h) often
;

Their scale and design should fit the interior. They should be
placed to illuminate adequately for safety on the stairs. The type shown
in Fig. 10-25b must be mounted close to the ceiling in order to shield the
lamps from the view of persons descending stairs. In smaller halls the
type shown in Fig. 10-25f may be used, and for vestibules and narrow
passages the same type in a size as small as 6 inches in diameter for a 40-watt
incandescent lamp may be adequate.
Light is essential in a closet unless it has less than 9 square feet floor area
or is not more than 18 inches in depth, or where the light spilled from an
adjacent room is sufficient. When closets are located in hallways it is often
practical to place the hall fixture in front of the closet door.
A simple
porcelain pull-chain socket mounted just over the door frame on the
opening side serves shallow closets. Deeper closets are better served by a
small fixture, such as shown in Fig. 10-25f mounted on the closet ceiling,
controlled by a manual switch just inside the door or by an automatic door
A lamp rating of 60 watts is recommended as the minimum.
switch.
are used.

Living

Rooms

In living-room lighting a degree of flexibility

requirements. This is provided by:

is

desirable to

meet varied

INTERIOR LIGHTING

10-37

recommended living-room luminaires. a. Semi -indirect,

incandescent-filament lamps), b. Semi -indirect, ceilingmounted (for fluorescent lamps), c. Semi -indirect, suspended, d. Semi-indirect,
multiple-arm. e. Wall urn. f. Decorative wall bracket, g. Recessed element,
h. Window cornice,
i. Side-wall valance.
FIG.

10-26.

ceiling-mounted

Typical
(for

Ceiling fixtures.

ceiling center fixture similar to the types

Fig. 10-26 provides for the

more

modest home

(1) soft

shown

background lighting

in
for

visually comfortable use of portable lamps, (2) lighting for game

room without need to move portables, (3) convenient

tables in center of the

over-all room light upon entering, and (4) flexibility in the room's atmosphere for varying occasions. The recommended types distribute light to
the ceiling and side walls and diffuse light throughout the room. The recommended minimums (14-inch diameter and 150-watt lamp) for the types
shown in Figs. 10-26a and c will be adequate for rooms of 150 to 200 square
feet or less.
Large luminaires close to the ceiling are less consipcuous than
small low mounted ones. Generally, they should be mounted not less than
7 feet 6 inches above the floor.
In small rooms with ceilings over 9 feet
high, suspended types such as shown in Figs. 10-26c and d often are used.

10-38

E S LIGHTING

HANDBOOK

Wall brackets and urns. Wall brackets and urns of either the purely
decorative or functional type have living-room applications.
The wall
urn illustrated in Fig. 10-26e when used in pairs on opposite walls increases
the general illumination of a room, especially in low-ceiling rooms and

when

located on the end walls of a long narrow room in which a centrally

located luminaire lights side walls better than end walls.
The type shown
in Fig. 10-26f is better suited to purely decorative highlighting.
In rooms
of normal ceiling height they are mounted 5 feet 6 inches above the
and should be arranged as part of a permanent furniture grouping.

floor

Built-in luminous elements.

When cost is not a limiting factor, skillfully
applied and balanced luminous elements (Figs. 10-26g, h, and i) offer
endless possibilities and may replace the center fixture or augment it.
The simplest methods are shown. An indirect, or luminous cove, continuous or sectional, is not recommended for other than its decorative
effect unless it can be mounted at least 1 foot from the ceiling.
Greater
separation and the use of directional reflectors is desirable.
To ensure desirable illumination levels for sewing,
Table and floor lamps.
reading, and other seeing tasks, portable luminaires should be placed not
more than 30 inches from the work unless a high level of general illumination also is provided.
Portable luminaires prove the most flexible means of
obtaining light at desks, davenports, reading and sewing chairs, and pianos.
Portable-lamp lighting proves more comfortable and
(See Fig. 10-27.)
less

when wall and floor brightnesses are sufficient to minimize conbetween the seeing task and the surround.

spotty

trasts

FIG. 10-27.
tive harmony
tion.

Typical wall, table, and floor lamps selected and placed for decoraand to provide the recommended quantity and quality of illumina-

INTERIOR LIGHTING
Dining

10-39

Rooms

Whether the dining table is in a room of its own or is at one end of the
room or kitchen, it is the center of interest for that area. Linen,
china, and polished silver can gleam only if the illumination is provided by
large-area luminaires of proper brightness. The lighting method and the
choice of luminaires, however, depend to a great degree on the activities at
living

the dining-room table. If it serves as a dining area only, individual taste

and a desire for sparkle may dictate. When the dining table is used also
for sewing, studying, writing, or games, the recommended illumination for
these tasks should be provided.
The dining area, therefore, requires
flexible lighting.
It can be provided by a choice or combination of ceiling
luminaire, brackets, and built-in lighting.
(See Fig. 10-28.)

FIG. 10-28. Typical recommended dining-room luminaires. a. Semi-indirect,

with downlight. b. Semi-indirect, with inner diffusing bowl. c. Semi -indirect,
multiple-arm. d. Shaded
candles, e. Semi-indirect,
lamps,
for
fluorescent
f. Semi -in direct,
ceiling mounted, g. Direct, spotlight or downlight. h. Overcabinet lamp. i. Cove.

10-40

LIGHTING HANDBOOK

When

a luminaire is suspended over the table it

grouping and usually is mounted with the bottom
of the fixture 30 to 36 inches above the table top.
The types shown in
Figs. 10-28a and d are designed so that a portion of the light emitted is
Ceiling fixtures.

becomes part

directed

by

of the table

downward

to increase the brightness of the table and create sparkle

from the

and

When

the dining table

should be chosen that
produces lighting with the downward light diffused by means of a glass or
plastic reflector, such as used in the type shown in Fig. 10-28b.
When it is desired to mount a luminaire close to the ceiling rather than
to suspend it, the types shown in Figs. 10-28e and f are recommended.
The types shown in Figs. 10- 28a and c may be installed without suspension.
Close-to-ceiling luminaires, unless designed with a downlight component, will not highlight the table as the suspended type will.
Wall brackets. Wall brackets add a pleasing note of decoration in the
dining room and increase wall brightness. They usually are mounted 5
feet 6 inches above the floor and should be used in pairs.
They should be
used in conjunction with a ceiling-mounted luminaire. Because of the
remote location of wall brackets they alone cannot place dramatic emphasis
on the table service.
Built-in lighting.
The dining room is adaptable to decorative lighting
from window or wall valances, coves at opposite sides of the room, and
recessed spots and lights in and above china cabinets.
Coves and valances
may provide general illumination. Valance and cornice lighting is applicable to the dining room also.
Lamps may be installed on the top of high
china cabinets to give additional background lighting as well as to be
decorative.
Downlights similar to that shown in Fig. 10-28g give dramatic
emphasis to the table only. When downlights are installed over the table,
additional luminaires, wall brackets, torcheres, urns, valances, or coves are
necessary to reduce contrast and provide background lighting.
reflections

becomes a

silver, china,

crystal.

utility table after dinner, a luminaire

Kitchen, Laundry, and Garage

Illumination design for kitchens should provide (1) light distributed
and (2) light specifically directed on work areas:
sink, range, counters, and dining table, for example.
Luminaires similar
to those shown in Figs. 10-29a, b, and c will provide general illumination.
Indirect luminaires should be mounted so as to permit a wide distribution
The bright lamp neck should be shielded from the field of view.
of light.
General illumination alone will not prevent the annoyance and inconvenience of working in shadow at the sink, range, or other work area.
The type of luminaire installed over the sink depends upon window and
cabinet treatment. A small duplicate of the central luminaire often is
Luminaires such as those in Figs. 10-29a and c with a 100-watt or a
used.
40-watt lamp also may be used over the sink. Downlights similar to that
generally about the room,

INTERIOR LIGHTING

10-41

10-29. Typical recommended luminaires for kitchen, laundry, and garage.

louvered, for
diffuse enclosing globe,
b. Indirect,
c. Semidirect,
fluorescent lamps, d. Direct, for incandescent-filament lamps, e. Direct, for
fluorescent lamps, f. Recessed element, g. Wall bracket, for fluorescent lamps.
h. Wall bracket, for incandescent lamps.

FIG.

a.

General

shown in Fig. 10 29f may be recessed in a ceiling or in a furred-down section

between cabinets over a sink. Opal -glass plates should be used with
incandescent lamps, stippled or etched glass plates or louvers with fluorescent lamps. Where sinks stand against unbroken wall surfaces or beneath
double-sash windows, a bracket similar to that shown in Fig. 10-29g in the
former case, or 10-29h in the latter, often is attached to the wall or to the
center connecting window frame.
Bracket types such as shown in Figs.
10-29g and h are suitable also for use over ranges and work counters.
They should be mounted approximately 56 to 58 inches above the floor for
greatest visual comfort.
When lights are not built into cabinets to illuminate the counter surface,
brackets similar to Fig. 10-29g should be installed on the wall under the
cabinets.

Illumination designs for laundries should provide light on work areas

such as wash tubs, ironing board, ironer, and counters or sorting table.
A single ceiling luminaire cannot properly light all of these areas. A
minimum of two is recommended. Luminaires similar to those in Figs. 1029a, d, and e are recommended over laundry work areas and basement

work benches.
In the garage two luminaires of the type shown in Fig. 10-29d are

recommended.

10-42

LIGHTING HANDBOOK

Bedrooms
Bedrooms in the home are used for dressing, applying make-up, reading,
sewing, and studying as well as for sleeping. A ceiling luminaire is recommended for every bedroom. The types in Figs. 10-30a, b, and g are similar
in performance,

and the choice between them depends on individual

10-30d may be preferable for childlow brightness when viewed from reclining
positions.
The recommended minimums (14-inch diameter and 150-watt
silvered-bowl lamp) are adequate only for small- and medium-sized rooms.
For built-in dressing tables between wardrobes, excellent illumination
for make-up is provided by a recessed luminous element in a furred-down
ceiling.
Thin etched glass is recommended for fluores(See Fig. 10-30h.)
cent lamp elements and diffusing opal for incandescent lamp designs. The
dresser top should be mirrored to reflect light under the chin.
Luminous panels on each side of the mirror are excellent when inset in the
wall as in Fig. 10-30f. Lamps with half-cylinder shades (Fig. 10-30c)
may be mounted on the mirror. A bracket with an open-bottom oval
shade placed over the door mirror is inexpensive.
preference.

The type shown

in Fig.

ren's rooms, since it has very

FIG. 10-30. Typical

for incandescent-filament

recommended
lamps,

bedroom

luminaires. a. Semi-indirect,
multiple-arm. c. Bracket (fluorBracket for door mirrors, f. Recessed elements for
Semi-indirect, for fluorescent lamps, h. Recessed
b. Semi-indirect,

escent lamp), d. Indirect, e.

illumination at a mirror, g.
fluorescent element, use over vanity.

INTERIOR LIGHTING

10-43

Wherever fixed luminaires are not installed, portables are needed. Wallmounted luminaires over the bed and tall bed-side table luminaires will
provide illumination for reading. Portables at the dresser, desk, reading,
A small 6-watt night lamp plugged into
or sewing chair are recommended.
a low convenience outlet is desirable, especially in nurseries.

Bathrooms

The most important illumination in the bathroom is that at the mirror.

The face of the person in front of the mirror, not the mirror, should be
illuminated.
The ideal method is to provide a luminous area around the
entire mirror circumference.

mounted approximately 5

Two

brackets, one at each side of the mirror,

above the floor, also provide good

coverage. Either incandescent or fluorescent lamps may be used as in
Figs. 10 31e and g.
The length of the fluorescent tube distributes more
Where the budget permits only one lighting
light over the face and neck.
outlet in the bathroom, a shaded-lamp over-mirror luminaire can be used,
lamps are shaded.
Unless a bathroom is less than 60 square feet in area, it should have a
ceiling luminaire.
If a small budget necessitates a choice between a ceiling
luminaire and mirror illumination, the room should be illuminated from the
mirror area. A wall switch inside the bathroom door should be used to
control all luminaires.
Enclosed showers should have a vapor-proof ceiling luminaire such as
that shown in Fig. 10-3 Id, controlled by a switch outside the compartment.
In large bathrooms a recessed element over the tub also is a convenience.
It should be switch controlled at the door.
For safety and convenience, a night light in the switch plate at the door
or one in the baseboard

feet 6 inches

is

recommended.

^
i

il

'

f e
g
Typical recommended bathroom^luminaires. a. General diffuse enclosing globe, b. Semidirect, ceiling-mounted, for incandescent-filament lamps,
c. Semidirect, ceiling-mounted, for fluorescent lamps,
d. Vapor-proof, for shower,
e. Semi-indirect, bracket with lens.
f. Semi -indirect, bracket,
g. Wall bracket.

FIG.

10-31.

10-44

Floor, Table,

E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK

and Wall Lamps

through skillfully planned built-in forms combining efficient

and spotlight sources, to develop satisfactory lighting throughout
a home without the use of portable lamps. Such a plan requires relatively
fixed positions for furniture, and its cost at present makes it impractical for
the average home. Most homemakers still prefer the flexibility and
decorative character of portable lamps. Fixed ceiling luminaires do not
It

is

possible,

fluorescent

produce the illumination levels recommended for

difficult seeing tasks at

Therefore, portables are recommended.
Each portable, be it a table, floor, or wall type, should harmonize in
scale, material, and form with its room environment and produce the level of
illumination recommended in Table 10-7 for the seeing task associated with

furniture groupings.

(See Fig. 10-27.)

the specific grouping for which it is selected.
Table
10-8 gives the range of wattage ratings of incandescent and fluorescent
lamps required to meet these footcandle recommendations. Table 10-8
also gives efficient

lamp heights and shade diameters

for the

desired

distribution.

The

Inner diffusing bowls.

I.E.S.

lamps

certified

of

1933-1941 had

The purpose of diffusing bowls

for the more exacting seeing tasks,

diffusing bowls within the shades.

to improve the quality of lighting

reduce the brightness of incandescent-lamp filaments rated 100 watts

and to minimize reflected glare.

gained with some loss in luminaire

greater, to soften shadows,

provement

in quality

Table 10-8.

is

Recommended
for

in the

efficiency.

Home
HEIGHT OVERALL

Incandescent

for flat-top desks

and

This im-

Characteristics of Portable Luminaires

Use

TOTAL LAMP WATTS

Lamps

is

to

100-150

Fluorescent*

30-40

(inches)

19-28f

SHADE
DIAMETER,
(inches)

14-18

and tables
Vanity lamps for:
Dressing tables
Dressers

Wall lamps

Floor lamps

75-100
75-100

15-20J
15-20

75-100
100-150

15-40$

150-500

20

50-60

above
1f

S-lOf
8-10t

2(3

floor

50-58**ft

8-10
12-18||

16-20$$

Lamp watts only. Does not include power consumed by auxiliary and refers to straight tubes only.
tSome models using fluorescent lamps may be shorter, since the long form and moderate brightness allow
a lower position within the shade, with a wider resultant spread of light.
tin vanity and wall lamps utilizing straight fluorescent tubes full-length shielding is required.
This size is appropriate only with 75- watt, incandescent-filament lamps (without diffusing bowls) over
sinks and both sides of a dressing-table mirror.
IIThis size (with bowls) required for critical seeing tasks, for use over beds desks, sewing machines, chairs,
etc.

1'Circular fluorescent lamps (32-watt) are being used as supplementary sources.

**An adjustable feature is most desirable in floor lamps in order to fit the height to the varying seating
heights of lounge chairs and davenports.
ttTotally or semi-indirect torcheres should be 60 to 66 inches high.
JJThe shades on small-scale bridge lamps may be smaller (10 to 14 inches), since the extension arm brings
the source closer to the user.

INTERIOR LIGHTING
Shape,

size,

tasks, table

sockets for

10-45

and density of bowl are important. For noncritical seeing

lamps 19 to 24 inches high equipped with two adjustable
GO-watt incandescent lamps are satisfactory. Inner bowls

should not be used in dressing-table lamps.

Shades for portable luminaires. Shade linings should be white, ivory, or
a very pale tint. Slant-sided shades aid in spreading light over a wider
area.
Shades for floor and table types which utilize fluorescent lamps
can be reduced in depth, and may therefore have desirable large lower
diameters without appearing too heavy and out of proportion in a small
room. Open-top shades produce interesting highlights on pictures and
walls and provide a more uniform distribution of light. A disk of shallow
louvers or of silk or plastic attached to the upper ring is often necessary to
shield the lamp's "mechanics" from the view of standing observers.
The
transmittance and reflectance of shade materials should be balanced with
the brightness of the lamps used so that the luminaire will blend with the
surround brightness.
Placement of portable luminaires. All portables should be placed close
Most of those centered on a large table serve
to whatever is to be seen.
only for decoration. The type (floor, table, or wall) selected for a given
grouping should be the one which brings the light source nearest the user.
Swivel and extension arms are advantageous, especially at large desks,
sewing tables, and broad-armed chairs.
Luminaires used for sewing, writing, or other handwork should be placed
on the side opposite the hand used so that the hand will not cast its shadow
over the work. Shadows are minimized by diffusing bowls or fluorescent
lamps and when a fixed ceiling luminaire is used in conjunction with the
portables.

Floor lamps usually should be placed toward the rear of the chair or
davenport for which they are selected, so that a seated person does not
view the under part of the shade. Luminaires should not be placed directly
Secretary and other tilt-top desks require a
in front or behind a person.
either the small-scale bridge or larger swivel types, depending
floor type
on the desk size.
Davenports placed flat against a wall with no tables to accomodate
portables are served best by floor types of the shorter dimensions given.
Swivel-arm, floor-type portables serve spinet and miniature pianos, though
a taller floor type placed close to the keyboard is better for upright or
grand pianos.
Dressing-table luminaires should be placed about 30 inches apart.
Shades should be near white and at face height. Wall luminaires mounted
over beds should be not more than 26 inches above the mattress top.
Torcheres do not give sufficient downlighting for critical seeing. They
serve best for soft background lighting, especially in halls, dining rooms,
and game rooms.
A balanced arrangement of luminaires within a room usually is pleasing.