Good practices in domestic lighting

Quality light is an essential factor in "living well" in our homes. In particular, this means ensuring that our living spaces are well exposed to natural light, and that they are laid out in such a way as to create a pleasant, comfortable indoor environment.

In this article, we look at electric lighting in our homes as a complement to, or in the absence of, natural light. The question of this type of lighting is a complex one; in fact, standards or recommendations do not allow us to design lighting installations that express the inhabitants' "need for light", which is of a very different nature:

• physiological (to "see well" – with special requirements such as those of the elderly and people at work in their homes);

• psychological and socio-cultural (with particular preferences in terms of lighting ambience and luminaire aesthetics);

• psychosensory (light has an effect on the biological clock and sensory behaviours).

To translate the complex notion of "lighting ambience quality" in our homes, it is nevertheless possible to define a certain number of rules for the choice of lighting equipment defined according to the nature of activities (rest, play, festivities or work) and the type of premises (living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, etc.).

The following five criteria must be met in order to achieve sustainable and efficient lighting in the home:

• lights available in quantity and quality for :

  • human comfort and health needs,

  • choice of lamps and fixtures ;

• service provided by lighting – (switching on/off, dimming, etc.), equipment durability:

  • luminaire maintenance,

  • lamp life,

  • product obsolescence ;

• environmental performance :

  • energy efficiency,

  • end-of-life treatment of lighting equipment ;

• safety of installations (electrical inspection) and health of residents ;

• aesthetic quality of lighting and lighting design:

  • lighting effects and scenarios,

  • natural/artificial light linkage,

  • harmonious relationship between furniture and room layout,

  • color treatment.