Your eyes are sensitive and delicate instruments. They scan your surroundings more efficiently than radar to provide an enormous amount of information. But they are totally dependent on one thing. Light. The reflection of light enables the eye to interpret distance, size, colour, shape, texture and movement— and the quality of this light is all-important. Not only can bad lighting spoil the appearance of your home (under a flat light velvet can look as dull as the cheapest denim) but it can also make it inefficient—and dangerous. To plan your lighting you must consider exactly what you need it for.
You will need suitable lighting for each hobby or activity. Decide what has to be lit—a work surface, a draining board, a tabletop—then how it should best be lit. The lighting in your home deserves very careful consideration. And yet, examples of bad lighting are all too common. Often, the only source of artificial light in a living room, for example, is the single, centre light fitting. Numerous, different activities are carried out daily under this one, pitifully inadequate light.
Even reading may be difficult, if you find you are sitting in your own shadow, with the light throwing distracting reflections off mirrors or other shiny surfaces. Glare, high contrast, under-lighting, working in your own shadow—all are examples of bad lighting which can cause headaches, eyestrain, and inconvenience, and may even cause accidents.
Lighting can make your house appear bigger, fresher and decidedly more modern, and adds value to your property.
Always use a qualified electrician.