In article <4683h5$d4@i-2000.com>, lkipnis@i-2000.com says...
>Claude Dion wrote:
>>d_ruether@hotmail.com (Bob Neuman) wrote:
>>>paint the darkroom either white or a close approximation of the
>>>safelight color - DO NOT paint it black!
>> I'm curious: why?
>It looks better, is much more pleasant, is better for print viewing,
>reflects more safelight, and working in a black hole is depressing.
>Just the area around enlarger(s) should be flat black to minimize
>reflections. Mr. Neuman may have some other reasons. HTH.

No, those reasons are good enough for me..., though I would include
the area around the enlarger, also (light spill from the enlarger
is there, but usually not a cause of problems) - I do like being
able to see in my light "dark"room. (I have the safelight near
the enlarger switch off when the enlarger light comes on - makes
seeing the print exposure easier, and makes telling where you are
dodging and burning easier.)
Hope this helps.