why are ceiling lights so close to the window?

[GEEMAC]

I live in a 1930's house and in two of the bedrooms the ceiling lights are very close to the windows as opposed to in the centre of the ceiling. I have noticed this in other properties as well. I thought it may be a fashion thing from that period, but my Mother-in-law lives in a 1960's bungalow and it is the same in her bedroom. For the life of me, I can't think why this should be, Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[kempie]

Designed for modesty - this prevented backlighting which would cast a shadow/silhouette onto the curtains.

[GEEMAC]

Thanks for your quick reply, Kempie. Yes that makes sense, but I would never have guessed that was the reason.

[Hannahb]

Thanks for this question and answer - I have often wondered the same thing as it seems to have the light exactly where you don't need it - at least during the day!

[smudge]

We had the same in our bedrooms, so my husband fitted ceiling lights on the other side of the ceilings too, giving even light - much better.

[smudge]

P.S. It's amazing the difference it makes having two celing lights in the bigger bedrooms, one near the window & one on the other side, much brighter on those dark nights!

[empressali]

Hi, further to the other answers, I always believed that this was the custom in the thirties as they were trying to emulate how natural light would enter the property.