A matter of history? - Position of ceiling lights

[cirks]

Does anyone know the reason for ceiling lights in a 1920's house generally being very close to walls or windows rather than either centrally or at least inset positioned? Anything to do with silhouettes of people (ie people looking from outside a window not being able to see people inside?)? Sorry if discussed before - couldn't find in the forums

 

[Damocles]

Maybe they only had very dim bulbs, so needed to be close to them. It is better to the light coming from behind you, maybe a matter of fashion?

Perhaps something to do wit people being used to gas lamps?

 

[big-all]

could it be to replicate natural light
or close to where the gas mantle light was likley to be origionaly
hanging onthe wall
so it would be hanging from the ceiling in the area where the gaslight was

big all

 

[cirks]

could it be to replicate natural light
or close to where the gas mantle light was likley to be origionaly
hanging onthe wall
so it would be hanging from the ceiling in the area where the gaslight was

big all

All possible explanations.....all I know is that it just gives me even more wiring to do 14ft*14ft room with one useless bulb against one wall doesn't lead to the brightest of rooms!

 

[big-all]

remember they would often put mirrors behind to reflect the light
so they would just put the electric light infront of the same mirror

ooooo and arnt you lucky to have such a large room

big all

 

[breezer]

i was always lead to believe it was as first mentioned, to stop people outside seeing in

 

[big-all]

yep it could

when you open an internal door in a victorian house
you dont see into the room you only see the wall first

big all

 

[securespark]

As you say Breezer, the light being close to the window shows very little. Most sparks are lazy buggers and don't move them central when rewiring.

And big-all - you're right - it gave the rooms occupants a moment to squeak if anybody came in before the intruder clapped eyes on naked flesh!
Not just Victorian dwellings, either. Both these trends lived up to the sixties.

Whereas the trend these days is to open the doors onto walls so space can be used better.