Armchair and Floor Lamp: Position the Light Source Behind the Shoulder
Anyone who reads or works in an armchair in the evening knows the problem: ceiling lighting is insufficient, and an incorrectly placed lamp casts shadows directly onto the book or screen. Eyes tire more quickly, the neck tenses up because one unconsciously adopts an unfavourable posture. The solution lies in the correct position of the light source, and the classic rule is: behind the shoulder, slightly offset to the side.
Why the Position Behind the Shoulder Works
Light falling from behind over the shoulder illuminates the work surface or reading material directly, without one's own body casting a shadow. At the same time, it does not cause glare because it does not shine directly into the face. This arrangement corresponds to natural daylight, which comes from above and slightly from the side. The head remains in a relaxed position, the eyes do not have to strain to compensate for contrasts.
Floor Lamp or Arc Lamp: Which Form Suits
A classic floor lamp with an adjustable shade works well if there is sufficient space next to the armchair. The lamp shade should be height-adjustable so that the light falls over the shoulder onto the seat or side table. Arc lamps with long arms offer more flexibility because they stand further away and still achieve the correct angle. With Armchairs that have high backrests, the lamp head must be positioned correspondingly higher so that the light is not intercepted by the backrest.
Choosing the Right Distance and Height
The ideal distance between the lamp head and seating surface is approximately one arm's length. Too close, the light appears harsh and creates hard shadows; too far away, it loses intensity. The height should be chosen so that the cone of light illuminates the reading surface evenly, without looking directly into the light source. A swivelling lamp head allows the direction to be adjusted depending on the activity: more widely dispersed for relaxed reading, more focused for needlework or writing.
Light Colour and Brightness for Extended Use
Warm white light with a low blue component tires the eyes less than cool white. For reading corners, a colour temperature of around 3000 Kelvin is suitable, creating a homely atmosphere without impairing concentration. The brightness should be sufficient to recognise text effortlessly, but not so strong that it plunges the rest of the room into darkness. A dimmable bulb offers the possibility of adjusting the intensity to the time of day and one's own mood.
Combining Multiple Light Sources
A single floor lamp behind the armchair is often not sufficient to illuminate the entire room pleasantly. Subdued background lighting, for example from a wall light or a second floor lamp in a corner of the room, prevents excessive contrasts. The eye then does not have to constantly adjust between light and dark, which reduces fatigue. Indirect lighting on the wall or behind furniture additionally creates spatial depth and prevents the reading area from appearing isolated.
Related items: Chairs, Sofas, Dining Tables. The complete range: Baroque Furniture.
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Related categories: Chairs, Sofas, Dining Tables. The full range: Baroque Furniture.
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