A study of lighting in the home

Abstract

This paper reports some of the findings of a survey of 101 homes which aimed to see whether the differences in people's use of, and attitudes to, the lighting in their homes varied with such factors as the age, social class and income of the householder, whether the house was owned or rented, etc. The general and task-specific illuminance levels found in the kitchen, living room(s), hall and staircase are compared with those recommended by the CIBS/IES Code, the fixed and portable lighting provisions found are discussed. The illuminance levels were inadequate in the majority of cases. Poor provision of fixed lighting was greatly to blame for this. House owners were more likely than tenants to make changes or additions to their lighting.