Good light for reading, writing and typing
Do you squint when you read, write or type? Your weary eyes might be suffering because of poor artificial lighting and home design that are less supportive. a light shinning in them instead of on your book or desk, a background light that’s to dim, or a single bright task light contrasting sharply with a dark room. Or perhaps the natural light is to blame, window light on the wrong side of the work surfaces, shining into your eyes instead of over your shoulder.
To avoid eye strain, give some thought to the lighting around your desk or reading area. Here are some things to keep in mind on home improvement, so getting the right lighting.
Diffused, overall light should be glare free back ground illumination. A window or skylight can provide good natural background light. Artificial background light doesn’t have to be dazzling only about a third as bright as the light that shines directly on your book or desk. You may want more than one source of artificial background light, to cast as few shadows as possible. Your choices in fixtures include ceiling mounted fluorescent or incandescent bulbs or tubes (with or without diffuser shades) and track lights that throw a wide enough beam.
Task lighting should direct a beam of light to your desk or book without glaring in your eyes or reflecting harshly off papers or book. Clamp on adjustable lights, standard lamps, track mounted spotlight –indeed any light source guided by a cylinder or shield –can succeed as task lighting if you position it so it shines on your work not in your eyes.
Task light for reading, writing or typing shouldn’t be placed too close to the desk or book or it will reflect uncomfortably off the paper. Position it to shine over your shoulder onto the work surfaces or book.
