10-34 I E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK

seated positions, which may bring the luminaire within their view. It is
not suggested that a room used for social conversation or other "nonseeing"
activity be illuminated to eliminate all shadow and contrast. Such a room
would be unattractive. However, deep shadows may cause unnecessary
eyestrain and fatigue when the room is used for difficult seeing tasks, rather
than for relaxation and conversation.
Relationship between ceiling, wall, and
floor
color and reflectance, and light
utilization and appearance. The utilization of light within a room depends
on the wall, floor, and ceiling reflectances. A room is likely to appear
attractive to most people when the ceiling has the highest, the floor the
lowest, and the wall an intermediate reflectance. The following reflectances
are typical of good practice today: ceilings between 65 and 80 per cent;
floors between 10 and 20 per cent; and walls between 35 and 55 per cent.
In rooms where visual tasks are difficult the higher values are better. Wide
variations from these values often are used in rooms where decorative
treatment is of paramount interest and severe visual tasks are not
performed.
Table 10-7. Recommended Illumination Levels for the Home*
AREA AND VISUAL TASK
GENERAL LIGHTING FOE :
Entrance hall, stairways, and stair landings
Living room, library, sunroom
Dining room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
LIGHTING FOR:
Kitchen (work counter, range, and sink) . .
.
Dressing-table mirrorf
Bathroom mirrorf
Laundry (ironer, ironing board, or tubs) . . .
Work bench
Reading
Prolonged periods (smaller type)
Casual periods (larger type)
Sewing
On dark goods, fine needlework
Average sewing (prolonged)
Average sewing (periodic)
Writing
Children's study tablej
Game tables
Card table
Ping-pong
FOOTCANDLES
MAINTAINED IN
SERVICE
5
5
5
10
5
5
40
20
40
40
40
40
20
100
40
20
20
40
10
40
*The values given for general lighting are intended to minimize brightness ratios between the illuminated
visual tasks and the surround. Where difficult seeing tasks are not involved, the values listed aim to assure
safe passage, eye comfort, and charm.
The given values for typical home tasks are chosen for persons with normal vision, giving proper considera-
tion to such matters as cost and practical attainment. They do not represent the optimum, since under some
conditions more light may be necessary and desirable, and often more light is attainable.
The values listed may be attained by either fixed or portable luminaires, or by a combination of the two.
tTo be delivered on both sides of the face.
JOften a dining-room table,