Unfortunately there are few fixtures available which have definite aims in lighting as demanded by the home.  Of the great variety of fixtures available there are many artistic objects, but it is obvious that little attention is given to their design from the standpoint of lighting.  That the fixture-dealer usually thinks of fixtures as objects and gives little or no thought to lighting effects is apparent from his conversation and from his display.  He exhibits fixtures usually en masse and seldom attempts to illustrate the lighting effects produced in the room.

The foregoing criticisms are presented to emphasize the fact that throughout the field of lighting the great possibilities which have been opened by modern light-sources are not fully appreciated.  The point at which to begin to design the lighting for a home is the wiring.  Unfortunately this is too often done by a contractor who has given no special thought to the possibilities of lighting and to the requirements in wiring and switches necessary in order to realize them.  At this point the householder should attempt to form an opinion as to the relative values.  Is artificial lighting important enough to warrant an expenditure of two per cent. of the total investment in the home and its furnishings?  The answer will depend upon the extent to which artificial light is appreciated.  It appears that four or five per cent. is not too much if it is admitted that the artificial lighting system ranks next to the heating plant in importance and that these two are the most important features of an interior of a residence.  A switch or a baseboard outlet costs an insignificant sum but either may pay for itself many times in the course of a few years through its utility or convenience.

It appears best to take up this subject room by room because the requirements vary considerably, but in order to be specific in the discussions, a middle-class home will be chosen.  The more important rooms will be treated first and various simple details will be touched upon because, after all, the proper lighting of a home is realized by attention to small details.

The living-room is the scene of many functions.  It serves at times for the quiet gathering of the family, each member devoted to reading.  At another time it may contain a happy company engaged at cards or in conversation.  The lighting requirements vary from a spot or two of light to a flood of light.  Excepting in the small living-rooms there does not appear to be a single good reason for a ceiling fixture.  It is nearly always in the field of vision when occupants are engaged in conversation, and for reading purposes the portable lamp of satisfactory design has no rival.  Wall brackets cannot supply general lighting without being too bright for comfort.  If they are heavily shaded they may still emit plenty of light upward, but the adjacent spots on the walls or ceiling will generally be too bright.  Wall brackets may be beautiful ornaments and decorative spots of light and have a right to exist as such, but they cannot be safely depended upon for adequate general lighting on those occasions which demand such lighting.