Reading Light Requirements In Spring TX
Part 2
Lumens Needed For In-Bed Reading
Many people find reading before bed to be a calming ritual, but it is important to determine the right amount of light so that eye strain does not become a problem. Generally, 25-50 lumens per 10.8 square feet of space is sufficient. But remember that only the lumens actually centered on the reading area are included in this.
Brightness represents the light that actually is in the eye while reading. Thus, it is possible that you have sufficient lumens in place for a room’s specific size, but not enough focused on the reading material itself.
Because of this, many find it helpful to have a highly-focused reading light very near the bed that is lower in lumen count. This can be far more effective than trying to read from a chandelier in the room that isn’t shining directly on the book at hand.
Some of the best options for in-bed reading include:
- Booklights: These are portable, mini lights that can be taken just about anywhere. They are often so lightweight that they can be clipped right onto a book.
- Bedside Lamps: These can be great for setting right on a bedside table or shelf.
- Mounted Lightig: Lights in this style can be attacked to headboards or even the wall directly next to the bed. They are stylish and provide ease and convenience for routine reading.
- Floor Models: When ambient as well as book-focused light will be required, floor lamps are an ideal solution. They can be relocated when necessary, which makes them all the more versatile.
Light Bulb Varieties
These days, seemingly countless types of light bulbs are available to suit just about any need.
Traditional Incandescents: These were the go-to light bulb until the late 90s, and they remain an affordable, warm choice for applications such as reading lights in children’s rooms. Their negative features include their fragility, their high energy consumption, and their limited lifespans.
Halogen Options
These are made with a small infusion of halogen that works to halt degradation of the wire filament within. This serves to lengthen the bulbs’ lifespan to somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 hours. These bulbs are known for their pleasing warmth and their impressive level of brightness.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp(CFL)
These bulbs are highly energy-efficient, and they emit a cold, white type of light. They are also cost-effective because they last up to 10,000 hours, something which represents an impressive level longevity.
Light-Emitting Diodes(LED)
Increasingly, light-emitting diode (LED) sources are becoming the gold standard for all sorts of lighting applications. Found in everything from under-cabinet kitchen fixtures to Christmas tree light strings, these options produce impressive vibrancy in long-lasting format. LEDs are touted as having a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours, though their strength can decline with the passage of time.
By taking the time to learn about the wide array of lighting options available on the market, it really is possible to create ideal surroundings for just about any task while also reducing the risk of eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any help you need with your lighting system. Visit our blog for more related articles. Missed the first issue of this article? Click here!