THE COLOR OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS
152. In planning or matching colors for a room, it is best to consider the purpose for which the room is to be used, and match the colors under the same light conditions that will prevail in the finished room.
Deep, full colors are less affected by the shadings in artificial illuminants than lighter tones of the same color.
| Illuminant. | Color. | |
| Sun (high in sky) | White. | |
| Sun (near horizon) | Orange red. | |
| Sky light | Bluish white. | |
| Electric arc (short) | White. | |
| Electric arc (long) | Bluish white to violet. | |
| Nernst lamp | White. | |
| Incandescent (normal) | Yellow-white. | |
| Incandescent (below voltage) | Orange to orange-red. | |
| Acetyline flame | Nearly white. | |
| Welsbach light | Greenish white. | |
| Gaslight (Siemens burner) | Nearly white, faint yellow tinge. | |
| Gaslight (ordinary) | Yellowish white to pale orange. | |
| Kerosene lamp | Yellowish white to pale orange. | |
| Candle | Orange yellow. |
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT APPLICATION
153. The introduction of light by the medium of a wire, which may be carried to any point in a room, encourages so many possibilities for comfort and effect that it behooves us to forget traditional customs which were established during the gaslight period. The introduction of gaslight through tubes was a rather complex problem, and the carrying of the pipes into the room through a main chandelier was the most advisable constructive form. But we have no need for such cumbersome fixtures in this day of wiring.
A mere cord takes the place of an inch pipe. Modern German and Austrian lighting fixtures frequently are mere pendants, with the cord frankly in evidence. In this way the lights may be placed wherever needed—at the head of the lounge, so one may read more clearly by it; close by the piano; over the tea-table. In fact, supplementary lights to the general illumination are a convenience that the decorator should consider.
154. The lighting of a house is a matter so dependent upon æsthetic conditions that it is never within the scope of the electrician. It is a problem for a decorator alone to solve. Intense and glaring lights of unusual power must be avoided. Luminants of low intrinsic brilliancy are preferable.