Fluorescent lighting systems have line source characteristics that make them well suited for general lighting but not as suited for directional spot lighting. Fluorescent doesn't focus well making the light particularly difficult to project in one direction. In very high ceiling applications, for example, fluorescent systems deliver fewer footcandles at the workplane than an incandescent or HID system.

Fluorescent systems are very efficient compared to incandescent and thus make an excellent choice in most general lighting applications with low to medium ceiling heights.

Fluorescent lamps come in a multitude of colors allowing the designer to alter the look and feel of a space by using the appropriate color lamp.

And Furthermore . . .

Color Rendering Index
Color Temperature
Color Applications