Light of my life

Lighting technology has been on roll since then, as the best engineering brains pitted their might against each other to produce systems that are cheap, easily-operated, maintenance-free, non-polluting, and more recently, environment-friendly.

The initial crudity of a carbonised thread was later sophisticated to a tungsten filament, as it yielded more light and had a longer life. Gases were introduced into the light bulb to enhance its range of applications. Metal halides give a bright glow (for spotlights and tasklights), mercury vapours for a bluish light and sodium vapour for that soothing yellow in streetlights.

The advantages offered by good lighting are stupendous, and some obvious like reduced eyestrain and fatigue; the others are not so apparent. A cheery, well-lit space can immediately pick up spirits, enhance productivity and foster the right mood.

The criteria for choosing the type of light and fixtures is determined by the "lighting triangle", whose cornerstones are ambience, performance and comfort. The ideal is to optimise all three, a trifle tricky to achieve at the beginning, unless you employ a good designer.

Today, when so much of family life revolves around the television set, a lighting scheme must be designed for glare-free viewing. Living areas could be washed in a soothing incandescent glow from scones, pedestals or interestingly-shaped lamps. If your tastes run towards experimentation, then rice paper globes are an ideal medium. These are cheap enough to be changed every six months and can be massed together to create a focal point. A minimalist taste should be pandered to with sleek Scandinavian designer pedestals. On festive occasions, a few strategically-placed lamps amid lavish greenery can create drama through the play of light and shade. Take care, however, that the lamps are placed near hardy indigenous species and away from more delicate foliage and flowering plants.

In the bedroom, one has to have a mixture of task lighting and ambient lighting. Most people prefer a soft, concealed light, but bedside lamps are crucial for the well-being of chronic bookworms. If a PC, television or home theatre has invaded the privacy of your bedroom, then the lighting system must take these into account.

While working on a computer, you will need an additional light, so it is a good idea to install a fluorescent desk light. Too great a visual contrast in textures and finishes within the room causes eyestrain, so ensure that the worksurface, the walls and furnishings all harmonise well.

Kitchens need the brightest (and smartest) lighting design: many families eat their meals here. Fluorescent light over the platform is essential. This sidesteps a common flaw in the illumination of most kitchens shadows cast by storage cupboards on the preparation space, when the only illumination is afforded by a tubelight high on the opposite wall. The lighting fixture in a kitchen must be easy to clean, hence avoid eggcrates, optics and inaccessible fittings. In fact, a regular wiping is required for all lamps, to maintain their output levels.

Automatically lit up WCs and bathrooms have taken their bow in the city market. These work on the same principle as a burglar alarm the opening of the door completes a circuit that allows the lamp to be switched on. A good idea if you or your family members constantly forget to Switch Off Something (SOS). This is a step-up from the same principle being applied to storage cupboards, refrigerators and cellars.

Mirrors used for shaving or make-up must be lit from the sides, in addition to the general overhead lighting. The idea is to avoid shadows being cast around the eyes and neck. Faulty lighting could result in nicks, or worse, streaky pancake and lipsticked chins!

Dimmers are nowadays de rigeur while shopping for accessories. They allow you to manipulate the amount of light from zero to the wattage stated on the bulb. They also make good sense as a means to reduce energy consumption. Electronic ballasts or chokes ensure a longer life for the fluorescent tube. Check that the ballast on your fixture is made by a reputed manufacturer.