The Lighting of Small and Medium-Sized Shops and Stores

Abstract

A shop lighting installation must be related not only to the size and shape of the shop but also to the class of merchandise displayed and the type of customer. Current techniques of window lighting are dealt with in some detail, and in particular the problems arising from the necessity of concealing the lamps, the use of dark or translucent louvres and the reduction of daylight window reflections. Where shop interiors are concerned one of the chief points at issue is the choice between general and localised lighting. Recommendations are made of suitable colours of light sources and the importance of blending the light of filament and fluorescent lamps is emphasised. The current fashion for dark ceilings is discussed together with the importance of wall lighting to display the merchandise and relieve the gloomy effect otherwise created by this method of lighting.

The paper gives a brief survey of after-hour lighting in some representative shopping centres made in 1949–50 and the spring of 1954. The paper closes with a brief résumé of some of the types of lamps and equipment now available for shop and shop window lighting.