why aren't my ceiling lights in the centre of the room?!

We live in a fairly old property, and none of the lights are central!!
Most are closer to the window.
I seen to recall some historical reason about them being visible by the window? But can’t confirm this online (Google!).
Thought I’d ask the hive for confirmation!

DrP

So the light was in front of you most of the time when you’re in the room therefore not projecting your silhouette/shadow out onto the windows for all to see.

Not the case anymore in new build btw.

The lighting will be designed to suit a notional furniture layout and to prevent lights been above sofas etc. This only really applies to new builds though.

its likely that in an older house, there will be joists in the way.

The lights are closer to the windows to emulate the natural light as it would come into the room. Its the way it was in older properties.

Can’t remember the reasoning but usually on bedrooms, the light fittings were located 1/3rd of the way into the room from the window

So if the bedroom is 12′ from the window to the opposite wall, the light fitting would go 4′ in from the window

I can ask the father-in-law later if it’s perplexing you – he’s been building houses since 19…..frozen to death

Victorian building regs. Innit. 🙂

I recall reading something about casting silhouettes as wrightyson says, in The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell.

wrightyson has the correct answer.

To provide overhead light for the laydeee whilst seated at her dressing table..

I have been told that it was for the reason already stated above; the light was positioned towards the window so people would be behind the light most of the time (wrt to the window) and wouldn’t cast a shadow onto the curtain.

DrP, yesterday