subject: Innovations In Home Lighting [print this page] Innovations In Home Lighting Innovations In Home Lighting
How we light out homes has changed considerably over the years but the theme has been one of constant increase in use and efficiency. Here are some of the major advances in modern lighting.
Pre-electric - Prior to the advent of the light bulb most homes used non-electric source such as candles, oil lamps or gas lamps. Such sources had many negatives such as limited light, noxious fumes, and an increased risk of fire. Despite these problems gas lamps saw use well into the era of electricity and candles continue to be used for ambiance in many homes.
Early Electric - Whether Edison invented the light bulb is disputable but he certainly had the finances and acumen to effectively market it. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries modern lighting continued to be a luxury. However, increased access to electricity quickly allowed the incandescent bulb to find its way into many homes. It was used increasingly to light not only a single gathering room but all rooms in the home and by the end of the Depression was nearly standard. The incandescent bulb remained the dominant source of home lighting for most of the 20th century. However, other bulbs have challenged its dominance.
Halogen - The halogen bulb, first introduced in the 1960's, is a more compact, brighter means of modern lighting. Initially used for industrial purposes the halogen bulb found its way into the home as a means of spot lighting. As track lighting and recessed lighting became more popular so did halogen bulbs as they are more capable of fitting into such small spaces. The large amount of heat given off by halogen though has led some to move away from its use.
Fluorescent - Fluorescent lighting has actually been more popular overall in the 20th century than incandescent because of its use in commercial and industrial spaces. Recently, however, fluorescent lighting in the home has increased. With an increased life span and higher energy efficiency than standard bulbs consumers have been drawn by their cost-effectiveness, though many claim that the light output is less desirable than the incandescents of old.
LED - Light Emitting Diodes are relatively new to home lighting. Although colored LEDs have been available for decades white light LEDs have only come onto the market recently. Due to their small size and high efficiency they are good replacements for the halogen lights previously used in spot lighting. Additionally, LEDs are being developed to fit in standard bulb sockets though currently their cost makes them unlikely to replace other lighting in the near future
