Adjustable Task Lights
Task lights are fixtures that can be placed near, directly adjacent to, or above an area needing relatively high light levels.Task lighting is an efficient way to provide high light levels onreading materials or similar difficult-to-see objects. It is especially important to select a task light that does not provide a direct view of the light bulb. It is equally important to place the task light in a position where the person does not see a reflection of the light bulb in the task (e.g., on a computer screen). The principles of task lighting can be applied in every space of the home (or workplace). Task lights can include one of a
variety of light bulbs, including linear fluorescent, compact fluorescent, incandescent, or halogen. Task lights that plug into the wall include desk lamps, swing arm lamps, table lamps,
and floor lamps.
• Place adjustable desk lamps, floor lamps, and table lamps as close to the working area as possible to get the highest light level on the visual task.
• Place the task light on the left side and slightly to the front if the person is right-handed. Place it to the right and slightly forward if the person is left-handed. This will reduce shadows cast by hands on paper, a cutting board, or other task surfaces.
• Place the task light beside the task, not in front of it, to avoid reflected glare from shiny surfaces like polished wood or glossy magazines.
• When upper cabinets are used in the kitchen or at a desk, light the work surface with thin undercabinet lighting fixtures mounted on the underside of the upper cabinets.
• For reading in bed, mount swing arm lamps above the head of the bed or to the side, below eye level.