308 LIGHTING

SUITABLE ROOM LIGHTING

Hall Lights. A hall may have a direct or an indirect ceiling
light that can give brilliant, medium, or subdued light as required.
A pair of table lamps or a floor lamp may constitute a part of a
group of furniture in a hall. In the main hall there should be
switches for upstairs and down.

Living-Room Lights. It is not usually necessary or desirable
to have ceiling or wall fixtures in the average living room. Some
form of concealed architectural lighting is very effective for gen-
eral illumination. See page 314. Both floor lamps and table lamps
are usually considered necessary in a well lighted room; they
should be located for service and also for emphasis. A pair of
identical lamps may stand at each end of the sofa on small tables.
See page 240. An adjustable reading lamp should be near every
living room chair, some might be pole lamps that take up very
little room. For a piano or desk a plain adjustable lamp is best.
Many large lamp shades near the eye level should be avoided be-
cause they interrupt the free flow of space.

Dining-Room Lights. Indirect architectural lighting is desir-
able in a dining room, the light could come from tubes concealed
in coves along the top of the walls or window frames or from
one or more ground glass panels set flush in the ceiling. Special
lighting effects can be obtained from two indirect floor lamps
or from two lighted urns on the buffet. A hidden spotlight or
two can be placed to throw extra light on the table.

A ceiling light fixture is sometimes the most practical solution
for lighting a dining room. Ceiling lamps are obtainable that
can be moved along an installed track; this allows a change in
the position of the dining table. Some ceiling lamps can be low-
ered to whatever height is desired. See page 313. Ceiling lamps
or fixtures should be well-designed and inconspicuous.

Candlelight is pleasant for the dining table because its softness
is becoming to the diners and to the table appointments. Its
flickering, uneven quality gives it additional interest* It suggests
a friendly or festive mood. At least six candles are needed on
a small table; they should be dripless. White candles always look
well with white dishes, however more dramatic color effects are
possible. Tall candelabra arid tall candles are necessary to keep
the light above the eye level.