In 1938 the fluorescent lamp was invented, and seemed condemned to use in kitchens and commercial buildings where its badly skewed spectrum produced headaches and irritability for decades. Fluorescent lighting has improved. Compact fluorescent is taking the lead in the new cost vs. value equation. With conservation concerns, it's a wonder that fluorescent lighting isn't all that's available. Its energy efficiency and lasting quality are unmatched by anything incandescent.
Fluorescent lighting is softer than regular lighting.
It's almost completely shadow-free. For folks who have to work inside all day, modern fluorescent lighting is easier on the eyes. Even with all of its advantages, a modern fluorescent light can still go haywire not to mention that older fluorescent fixtures can make a lot of noise. It is not a big deal to change a compact fluorescent screw the old one out and reverse the process to install a new one. The same doesn't hold true for the old-fashioned tubular fluorescent.