Using Task Lighting in the Home

Task lighting is just lighting that provides ample illumination to a work area so that you are able to see what you are doing without having to strain your eyes. This makes it especially appropriate for kitchens, home offices, bathrooms, workshops, living rooms, bedrooms and even the garage. Basically, if you intend on doing work somewhere then you should seriously consider installing task lighting there.

For most when they think of task lighting, they think of the big commercial fluorescent light panels that have long, narrow light bulbs in them. Although this is task lighting, it is not the only kind there is. Task lighting is no longer limited to wall or ceiling mounted fixtures, since it can also be in the form of a lamp or light system nowadays. For the most part task lighting is meant to be functional and not decorative, but that has changed and now you can choose from a variety of materials such as bamboo, wood, glass and copper, to mention just a few.

For kitchens you can purchase task lighting in the form of fixtures that are mounted under the kitchen cupboards. This way the countertops are well lit. However for other areas such as the sink, stove or island you can choose to install recessed or track lighting to provide adequate illumination. Another place where task lighting comes in handy is over eating tables in the kitchen, as well as dining room. These are often places where people also do work, such as writing or paying bills.

The bathroom is another space where task lighting can be useful. Especially if installed around the mirror since you can than more easily get ready by putting on your makeup, shaving or fixing your hair without straining your eyes. Task lighting in the bathroom does not have to be ugly and you can install wall sconces or strip lighting fixtures which are attractive and functional. In some cases, if ceiling height allows, you can have a ceiling mounted light fixture in the center of the bathroom or over a specific part of the room, such as over the tub, shower or whirlpool. This creates the feel of being in a spa.

In the home office, craft room or workshop of your home it is of utmost importance to have the right lighting since the activities that take place in these rooms, such as sewing or reading, require a lot of light. Having the proper lighting alleviate eyestrain and as a good safety precaution, especially working with power tools, it is necessary to have adequate task lighting in the room. Adequate lighting is important to have directly above the area where the work takes place, even if the room seems well lit from a chandelier or other overhead light fixture. Monorail lighting or track lighting is often ideal since it can be moved or angled and that way the light will shine where it is needed most.

Task lighting in the garage is especially important to have above work benches and areas where cars are worked on. In other words simply any area where there will be work performed. Floodlights, overhead lighting and utility lights can all easily be hung over a car engine or onto a small hook. These options are commonly utilized taken advantage of in garages.

In the living room or bedroom it may be necessary to have the appropriate type of task lighting and especially if you or any other family members will be reading or doing hobbies such as needlework, homework or some other activity that requires sufficient light in these rooms. On an end table or nightstand you can have a side lamp or table lamp. However, a floor lamp, pair of sconces flanking the bed, bedside reading lamp with a flexible arm mounted on the wall or clip-on light with a flexible neck can also be used in these rooms.

Regardless of what you like doing, be it typing, sewing, cooking, painting, hand crafts, reading, writing or building things, it is necessary to have the right task lighting. It is already required that adequate lighting be provided on the job, but you are responsible for your own home and taking the first step to having proper lighting is up to you alone. This should be no problem, however, since there are many designs and lighting options available now so you can decorate your own and provide functional task lighting at the same time.

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