10-40 I E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK

Ceiling fixtures. When a luminaire is suspended over the table it

becomes part of the table grouping and usually is mounted with the bottom
of the fixture 30 to 36 inches above the table top. The types shown in
Figs. 10-28a and d are designed so that a portion of the light emitted is
directed downward to increase the brightness of the table and create sparkle
by reflections from the silver, china, and crystal. When the dining table
becomes a utility table after dinner, a luminaire should be chosen that
produces lighting with the downward light diffused by means of a glass or
plastic reflector, such as used in the type shown in Fig. 10-28b.
When it is desired to mount a luminaire close to the ceiling rather than
to suspend it, the types shown in Figs. 10-28e and f are recommended.
The types shown in Figs. 10-
28a and c may be installed without suspen-
sion. Close-to-ceiling luminaires, unless designed with a downlight com-
ponent, will not highlight the table as the suspended type will.
Wall brackets. Wall brackets add a pleasing note of decoration in the
dining room and increase wall brightness. They usually are mounted 5
feet 6 inches above the floor and should be used in pairs. They should be
used in conjunction with a ceiling-mounted luminaire. Because of the
remote location of wall brackets they alone cannot place dramatic emphasis
on the table service.
Built-in lighting. The dining room is adaptable to decorative lighting
from window or wall valances, coves at opposite sides of the room, and
recessed spots and lights in and above china cabinets. Coves and valances
may provide general illumination. Valance and cornice lighting is appli-
cable to the dining room also. Lamps may be installed on the top of high
china cabinets to give additional background lighting as well as to be
decorative. Downlights similar to that shown in Fig. 10-28g give dramatic
emphasis to the table only. When downlights are installed over the table,
additional luminaires, wall brackets, torcheres, urns, valances, or coves are
necessary to reduce contrast and provide background lighting.
Kitchen, Laundry, and Garage
Illumination design for kitchens should provide
(1)
light distributed
generally about the room, and
(2)
light specifically directed on work areas:
sink, range, counters, and dining table, for example. Luminaires similar
to those shown in Figs. 10-29a, b, and c will provide general illumination.
Indirect luminaires should be mounted so as to permit a wide distribution
of light. The bright lamp neck should be shielded from the field of view.
General illumination alone will not prevent the annoyance and incon-
venience of working in shadow at the sink, range, or other work area.
The type of luminaire installed over the sink depends upon window and
cabinet treatment. A small duplicate of the central luminaire often is
used. Luminaires such as those in Figs. 10-29a and c with a 100-watt or a
40-watt lamp also may be used over the sink. Downlights similar to that