indirect lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in how we feel our homes. Techniques like indirect lighting can help us to create softer and calmer areas, more even and glare-free light and improved comfort...
What’s indirect lighting?
instead of projecting the light directly into the open space of the room, the light system can project the light to the ceiling, walls or even the floor, in order to illuminate the room via these surfaces. That's indirect lighting...
See, for a specific type of indirect lighting: Wall washing lighting
Indirect lighting advantages
Indirect lighting brightens the room’s surfaces, making it appear brighter and also more spacious. It may also increase comfort by making the room cozier and glare-free.
Fixtures
The light bulbs used in indirect lighting are usually encased in a fixture, pointing the light upward or downward…
Wall-mounted sconces, recessed down-lights (soffits…), up-light pendants and torchieres are largely used to reflect the lights into the room’s surfaces.
Wall colors
Indirect lighting strategies require a suitable color for the room’s walls and ceiling (usually light colors). They can enhance the indirect lighting effects and higher reflectance...
To avoid glare, non-glossy painted walls are advantageous or required.
The types of lights
Since fluorescent are much more efficient than incandescent lights, they should be a first choice.
New efficient CFL (Compact Fluorescent Bulbs) are excellent to get energy-efficient. Just choose the right CFL low-wattage bulbs. Linear fluorescent is also an alternative to consider.
Low-voltage halogen PAR bulbs are also a common choice. These halogen PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) bulbs are specially designed for track/recessed lighting and are very tiny, very controllable and far-reaching.
LEDs can also be considered for designs using focused light. They are excellent for track and recessed lighting, and the fact they are easily dimmable and directional make them the best choice in many design solutions. The only disadvantage is their higher price…
See also: