What is Task Lighting for Your Home?

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What is Task Lighting for Your Home?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Task lighting is just lighting that provides ample illumination to a work area so that you are able to see what you are doing without having to strain your eyes. This makes it especially appropriate for kitchens, home offices, bathrooms, workshops, living rooms, bedrooms and even the garage. Basically, if you intend on doing work somewhere then you should seriously consider installing task lighting there.

When you think of task lighting, large commercial fluorescent light panels with the long narrow bulbs immediately come to mind. But task lighting need not always be wall or ceiling mount lights or light fixtures. Sometimes task lighting is better provided by a specific style of lamp or a flexible system of lights. And task lighting, though predominantly functional, need not be unattractive or clinical in appearance. There are a wide variety of stylish options available to provide aesthetic appeal as well as utility-in materials ranging from bamboo and wood to glass and copper-and everything in between that will fit every style of home.

For kitchens you can purchase task lighting in the form of fixtures that are mounted under the kitchen cupboards. This way the countertops are well lit. However for other areas such as the sink, stove or island you can choose to install recessed or track lighting to provide adequate illumination. Another place where task lighting comes in handy is over eating tables in the kitchen, as well as dining room. These are often places where people also do work, such as writing or paying bills.

The bathroom is another space where task lighting can be useful. Especially if installed around the mirror since you can than more easily get ready by putting on your makeup, shaving or fixing your hair without straining your eyes. Task lighting in the bathroom does not have to be ugly and you can install wall sconces or strip lighting fixtures which are attractive and functional. In some cases, if ceiling height allows, you can have a ceiling mounted light fixture in the center of the bathroom or over a specific part of the room, such as over the tub, shower or whirlpool. This creates the feel of being in a spa.

The home office or hobby area is another space that definitely requires good lighting, since these are areas where you work and concentrate on a task for long periods of time. This could be working on the PC, sewing, doing homework, needlework or making repairs in the workshop. Having sufficient lighting will keep you from straining your eyes and it is also a safety precaution if you work with things like power tools. Even though these rooms appear to have enough illumination from an overhead fixture or chandelier, it is still important to have proper lighting directly above the work area. In this case, monorail or track lighting is ideal since it can be moved or angled according to your needs at the moment.

In the garage, task lighting is essential over workbenches, where automobiles are being worked on, or in any area where work will be performed. Garages often utilize overhead lighting, floodlights, and utility lights (often called a “trouble light”) that easily hang above a car engine or on any small hook.

It often happens that activities such as reading, homework and other hobbies are done in the living or bedroom. That is why it is necessary to have the right task lighting installed and that can come in the form of a side lamp on a night table, table lamp, floor lamp, sconces on either side of the bed, wall mounted reading lamp with a flexible arm or even clip-on lights.

Whether you are typing, sewing, painting, welding, cooking, reading, writing, or building a birdhouse, proper task lighting is essential for safety and comfort. Ergonomics in the workplace dictate that employers provide proper lighting, but in your home, it’s up to you to take the initiative! And with so many attractive lighting options available today, you’ll enjoy “decorating” your home with beautiful and functional task lighting.

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