The right lighting can make everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable
Hanging around the house more lately? Sometimes the more time we spend at home, the longer our to-do list grows. To ease the burden of persistent homeowner obligations, it is important to have appropriate lighting for specific tasks. Terry McGowan of the American Lighting Association (ALA) answers some of homeowners’ most frequently asked questions about lighting activity spaces.
WHAT IS TASK LIGHTING?
It is lighting intended to properly illuminate common visual tasks in the home. Usually, such visual tasks are done in relatively small areas so the task lighting is local rather than spread out over a whole room. Examples are reading, sewing, cooking, grooming, dressing, and doing homework, laundry and puzzles.
WHY IS SPECIAL LIGHTING REQUIRED FOR TASKS?
Because many visual tasks can be difficult to see – especially if older eyes are involved. Good task lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue. There are many lighting fixtures and products designed specifically to illuminate task areas to make it easy to clearly see details with minimum glare.
Tip: Look at the words and numbers on postage stamps, coins or printed money under normal room light. Then illuminate the same details with a bright flashlight. Notice how many more details can be seen with the flashlight and how much easier it is to read or see colors.
HOW CAN TASK LIGHTING IN THE HOME BE IMPROVED?
Table and floor lamps and directional sconces make excellent task lights that are easy to optimize for tackling tasks by installing a bulb with higher light output in the fixture, changing the shade, or positioning an existing fixture to allow more light to fall upon the desired area.