Reading room lighting: Tips to choose a perfect lighting

Have you ever noticed how perfectly a room is lit? You probably won’t, most of the time. This is because a perfectly lit room is hardly noticed, as it provide the perfect blend and diffusion of light.

Lighting is an important structure while building a home and each room should have a definitive lighting with regards to its function. Here we will be focusing on the proper lighting for a reading room.

Layout

Sketching the layout of lights in a reading room should be done with precision as the intensity of light in the room will affect the inmate’s eyes and health. Reading room or study room is often used for work purposes, for reading and studying, therefore it should be planned for optimal lighting without giving strain to the person.

Adequate illumination can be achieved if the study table where one sits is provided with a table lamp so that direct light is present on the table used. In case of computers, subtle lighting can be used behind the monitors to provide an even glow to reduce the strain on the eyes.

Even with proper lighting equipment present, the room should have appropriate natural lighting, as this is the best source of illumination while working. Anti-glare lamps and lamps that are able to produce natural light can be used when long hours are spent at the desk.

Wall Colours

When focusing on the lighting, one should also take note of the colour used on the walls of the room. It is ideal to pain light colours for reading rooms as they have little to no effect on the eyes and they will also complement the lighting effortlessly. Dark colours have a way of fiddling with the intensity of the illumination. Additionally, shining colours and synthetic enamel paints should also be avoided as they can increase the strain on the eyes.

Type of lighting

Pendant Fixtures Lighting: These lighting can be used as general lighting or as task lighting and they provide the best illumination to work top. These fixtures are artistically beautiful and durable and are especially popular in restaurant and living rooms.

Recessed light or downlight: These lighting is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. This will provide illumination to the whole of the room in an even intensity. When lighting for reading room, ensure it avoid blockage of required light.

Task Lighting: Used to increase illuminance on the reading area. This type is usually used in rooms where computers are used. They help do away with glare and shadow, thus reducing the strain on the eyes. Make use of table lamps that are flexible and that can be adjusted to any angle or direction as required. This will help in providing an even lighting for doing tasks like writing or reading. Sufficient illumination can be achieved by providing up lighters and down lighters along with the general lighting in the study room.