ljushållning

Ljushållning is a Swedish term describing the practice of managing and conserving lighting resources in households and public spaces. Historically, it referred to careful use of candles, oil lamps, and later electric lighting, with the aim of reducing costs and avoiding waste. The term combines ljus (light) with hållning (holding or management) and appears in Swedish domestic manuals and urban regulations from the pre-electric era onward.

In the era before electrification, ljushållning encompassed practical measures such as calibrating the number of lit rooms, using daylight as much as possible, extinguishing lamps when not needed, and selecting candle materials (bee wax versus tallow) for durability and brightness. City authorities sometimes regulated street lighting or candle supply during shortages, and households sought to optimize the lifespan of lamps through careful maintenance and clean chimneys.

With the adoption of electric lighting in the 20th century, the concept broadened toward energy efficiency and cost awareness. Modern discussions of ljushållning emphasize turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient fixtures, and aligning lighting levels with needs, as part of broader energy conservation strategies.

In contemporary Swedish usage, ljushållning is often part of historical education, heritage interpretation, and discussions on sustainable living. It also serves as a reminder of how households managed resource scarcity and the social practices surrounding daily life before and after electrification.

See also: energy efficiency, energy conservation, lighting, domestic economy.