INTERIOR LIGHTING 10-35

The appearance of an object is influenced by the color of the incident

light. For example, the monochromatic yellow color of light from the
sodium lamp is not suited to home lighting because, when they are illumi-
nated 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, in-
terior 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
hues. Also, since the color of light from electric lamps is uniform and does
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 some-
what 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 yel-
lows. (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 acces-
sories 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, deco-
rative detail is a matter of taste and market supply.
Entrances, Halls, and Closets
Architectural treatment dictates the placement and type of entrance
luminaires. 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
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
steps are lighted for safety. 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