Why are bankers lamps green?

Since its introduction in the early part of the 20th century, the green banker’s lamp has stuck around as one of the most popular types of desk lamps.

It was given the green shade largely due to the belief that green light was soothing, caused less eye strain, and therefore improved productivity. This was especially true among people in detailed-oriented occupations such as accountants, copy editors and telegraphers.

This theory proved to be an effective marketing tool for the company behind the original banker’s lamp. But does this green lamp actually lessen eye strain and improve productivity?

Why the green shade?

During its time, light bulbs gave off a very intensive and harsh light that was uncomfortable to look at. It was thought that working in this intensive light could cause eye-strain.

At the same time, it was a popular belief that green shades could lessen this eyestrain and therefore improve productivity. This was especially true among those in vision-intensive, detailed-oriented occupations such as telegraphers, copy editors and accountants.

Because of this, it was common for people in these occupations to wear those green visors from the late 19th to the middle of the 20th century. The Emeralite capitalized on this belief. and with the help of some clever marketing, it became the favorite desk lamp in among bank employees and executives. Which is why this lamp is most widely known as the banker’s lamp today.

Effects of colored lights on an individual’s affective

Colored light is simply electromagnetic waves with wavelengths that are within the range of the color spectrum of the human eye. The human color spectrum is very narrow, and are able to perceive waves between roughly 400 and 700 nanometers.

Purple and blue light occupies the low wavelength end of the spectrum, while red and orange occupy the higher wavelength end of the spectrum. Any wavelength outside the human color spectrum is invisible to the human eye. This includes electromagnetic rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays etc.

It is known that light in certain wavelengths is able to induce certain physiological processes. The most important is blue light (daylight) influences our biological clock. It does so by inhibiting the synthesis of a substance known as melatonin, boosting mood and attention.

On the other hand, the lack of blue light/daylight results in increased synthesis of melatonin in the brain, which causes one to become more sleepy. Because of this, looking at the TV, mobile and computer screens during the night can disrupt our natural day/night cycle (circadian rhythm) which can lead to difficulty sleeping.

Green light is in the middle of the color spectrum, but closer to the blue end of the spectrum. Therefore, green light can also influence our biological day/night cycle in the same way as blue light, boosting mood and attention.

The Psychological Impact of Light and Color

In addition to its physiological effects, colors are able to induce certain psychological effects, including human perception, mood, and emotions.

For example, in traffic, green is perceived as safe. It indicates that you are clear to drive ahead or cross the street. On the other hand, red is associated with love, while black is associated with grief.

Regarding the color psychology of green, it is thought to induce a sense of calm and balance. At the same time, it is said to induce a feeling of being recharged. Because of this, green is used in chromatic therapy to “sooth the soul and mind”.

Although it is easy to associate with some of these psychological color effects. It is important to remember that the effects differ between people. Factors such as gender age, and culture influence how one perceives colors.

Conclusion

Whether a green bankers lamp has the effects it claims to have is doubtful. However, there is no question that having a good lampshade that preventing you from staring directly into a glowing light bulb can prevent eye strain.

From a physiological standpoint, having a green bankers lamp might prevent you from becoming sleepy if you stay up late. Psychologically, the green shade might appeal to you, or it might not, there is no real scientific answer.

Nevertheless, the green banker’s lamp continues to fascinate people to this day, some 100 years after it was first introduced. Perhaps there is something to its claims after all?

If you want to read more about the history of the banker’s lamp you can check out my article about it. If you are interested in getting one for yourself you should read through some of the articles in my buyer’s guide . Here I give you all kinds of tips for getting a bankers lamp and where to buy.

I hope you found this article informative. If you have any comments, questions or other inquiries, please leave a comment in the comment section below.