10-38

I E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK
Wall brackets and urns. Wall brackets and urns of either the purely
decorative or functional type have living-room applications. The wall
urn illustrated in Fig. 10-26e when used in pairs on opposite walls increases
the general illumination of a room, especially in low-ceiling rooms and
when located on the end walls of a long narrow room in which a centrally
located luminaire lights side walls better than end walls. The type shown
in Fig. 10-26f is better suited to purely decorative highlighting. In rooms
of normal ceiling height they are mounted 5 feet 6 inches above the floor
and should be arranged as part of a permanent furniture grouping.
Built-in luminous elements. When cost is not a limiting factor, skillfully
applied and balanced luminous elements (Figs. 10-26g, h, and i) offer
endless possibilities and may replace the center fixture or augment it.
The simplest methods are shown. An indirect, or luminous cove, con-
tinuous or sectional, is not recommended for other than its decorative
effect unless it can be mounted at least 1 foot from the ceiling. Greater
separation and the use of directional reflectors is desirable.
Table andfloor
lamps. To ensure desirable illumination levels for sewing,
reading, and other seeing tasks, portable luminaires should be placed not
more than 30 inches from the work unless a high level of general illumina-
tion also is provided. Portable luminaires prove the most flexible means of
obtaining light at desks, davenports, reading and sewing chairs, and pianos.
(See Fig. 10-27.) Portable-lamp lighting proves more comfortable and
less spotty when wall and floor brightnesses are sufficient to minimize con-
trasts between the seeing task and the surround.
FIG. 10-27. Typical wall, table, and floor lamps selected and placed for decora-
tive harmony and to provide the recommended quantity and quality of illumina-
tion.