Indirect Lighting in Interior Design
Indirect lighting is a unique form of illumination that can enhance the atmosphere in the living room, fostering a serene and soothing environment. We will guide you on how to effectively employ this lighting technique in various living room settings.
Indirect lighting for the ceiling
Indirect lighting pertains to a specific method of light distribution within a space. To achieve this, a light source is aimed deliberately at a wall or ceiling. The illumination is then bounced off these surfaces, illuminating the room. This results in more uniform light distribution throughout the space, while also minimizing glare from the light source. One of the simplest ways to achieve indirect ceiling lighting is by using a tall floor lamp, ceiling spotlights, or wall-mounted fixtures that direct light upwards. LEDs are also highly effective for creating indirect lighting on ceilings.
Indirect lighting establishes a warm atmosphere with gentle illumination on both the ceiling and the space itself. Different lighting effects can be created using spotlights, LED strips, or recessed lights. You can discover additional options for indirect ceiling lighting by exploring further.
What is indirect lighting?
Indirect lighting on the ceiling is widely favored in living rooms due to its soft illumination, which contributes to a cozy feel. With indirect lighting, the furniture remains less directly lit: the light initially reflects off the walls or ceiling before spreading throughout the space. This results in a soft glow, eliminating harsh shadows. Typically, the light source remains hidden, often placed behind a strip or other fixture. Indirect lighting enhances the welcoming nature of the room.
To achieve indirect light on the ceiling, LED strips can be installed close to the ceiling’s surface, either mounted directly using profiles or concealed behind a drop ceiling. Individual lighting points can also be appropriately dimmed for indirect lighting, with options including spotlights or floor lamps that direct illumination upward. Further information on indirect ceiling lighting is available below.
How to use LED strips for indirect ceiling lightin
LED strips are particularly well-suited for achieving indirect lighting on the ceiling because of their flexibility and versatility. Many multi-colored LED strips allow users to alter the light’s hue. The majority of these strips are also dimmable. For optimal indirect lighting, position the LED strips very near the ceiling. You can conceal the strip itself, perhaps using suitable plaster molding. Another possibility for incorporating LED strips is with a suspended ceiling, where the strips or light bands can be placed within it. This requires installing a secondary level of plasterboard beneath your ceiling while leaving a gap near the wall edges to create a shadow line. Place the LED strip between the ceiling and the plasterboard, allowing light to emanate from the joint along the ceiling and illuminate the room. The LED strip remains out of sight.
The most straightforward way to implement indirect lighting on the ceiling is through the use of LED light strips, which should provide a high lumen output for adequate brightness. Ideally, at least 300 to 400 lumens per square meter should be considered based on personal tastes. The advantages of these strips include models that can change colors, making them popular for events. Brightness levels can also be modified via a remote control, allowing for various lighting settings based on the occasion.
When preparing to install a light strip, first determine the necessary length to illuminate the entire room. While some models can be extended, others are fixed in size. Ensure compatibility if using strips from different manufacturers. You can attach the light strip to the ceiling using an appropriate profile or plaster molding. Additionally, some plaster moldings are pre-integrated with LEDs. They vary between models that project light onto the wall and those that shine it upward onto the ceiling.
If the LED strip is excessively long, you can cut it at designated points. The manufacturer’s guidelines usually indicate how to trim the strip appropriately. If you desire the lighting to cover multiple sides of the ceiling, corner connectors will be necessary.
Tip: LED light strips are versatile and can also be placed beneath countertops or cabinets, creating an intriguing interplay of light and shadows.
Hanging Ceiling for Recessed Lighting
If you want to add indirect lighting to a high ceiling, you can achieve this by installing a lowered ceiling section. To do this, you’ll need to create a second level made from plasterboard, which is secured beneath the ceiling using a support structure. You can build the support structure from either wood or metal brackets. Attach the LED strip to the profile, then fix the profile with the strip to the framework. Similar to before, you can control the strip with a remote and switch between various light colors, depending on the model. Next, mount the plasterboard panel onto the support structure and adjust as needed. Finally, check to ensure the strips are functioning and paint the panel in your desired color.
Note: It’s essential to maintain a minimum distance of 5 cm between the main ceiling and the new level to accommodate the power supply and ensure effective light dispersion from the LEDs. Additionally, there should be at least a 5 cm gap between the adjacent walls and the lowered level to allow for proper light distribution.
Spotlights and Recessed Spots
Another option for achieving indirect ceiling lighting is using ceiling lights, recessed spots, and spotlights. These fixtures are installed on the ceiling at defined intervals to direct light downwards. Spotlights are a great choice for suspended ceilings. Certain models of recessed spotlights have dimming capabilities and can also change colors, similar to LED strips.
You can also achieve beautiful indirect lighting with ceiling spotlights. These fixtures are angled upwards to illuminate the ceiling. Many of these lamps come with an additional adjustable reading light. You can even aim small uplighter lamps at furniture to create a warm glow.
Indirect Lighting for Walls
You can also create indirect lighting on walls in a manner similar to ceiling lighting. Sources like wall lights or LED bars and strips can be utilized, which project light both upwards and sometimes downwards. It’s important to select and position wall lights for indirect lighting so they effectively illuminate the majority of the wall. Compared to lighting solutions for ceilings, wall fixtures are typically installed slightly lower. Models that project light both upwards and downwards are especially effective. Just like with suspended ceilings, you can create indirect wall lighting by using a leading wall.
Light Up Walls Indirectly with LED Strips
LED strips offer various techniques for achieving indirect lighting on walls. For instance, you can affix LED strips to the side of a cabinet, allowing them to cast light directly onto the wall. In the kitchen, you can place appropriate LED strips beneath the wall cabinets right at the point where they meet the wall. This method provides uniform illumination on the wall underneath the cabinets. In the living room, installing LED strips on the wall behind the television generates pleasant indirect lighting on the wall in front of the TV, ensuring soft illumination without harsh glares or distracting reflections on the screen.
For more comprehensive guidance on creating indirect lighting for your walls, refer to this guide:
Indirect wall lighting creates a cozy ambiance because the light is diffused rather than shining directly on the furniture. Whether you’re using LED strips, wall sconces, or floor lamps, we can demonstrate how different light sources can be employed to illuminate your walls indirectly.
Why Indirect Lighting for Walls?
Indirect lighting offers a gentle glow and is particularly favored in living rooms. Since the light does not directly hit the furniture, it eliminates sharp shadows. Generally, spotlights, LED strips, or ceiling spotlights are angled to shine on the wall or ceiling. The light then reflects off these surfaces, producing a comfortable indirect illumination. Many models allow you to adjust the brightness using a remote control. Another benefit of using indirect lighting is that light sources can be easily concealed. You can hide the LED strip behind furniture or a molding strip, for example.
LED Strips
LED strips provide a fast and simple method to softly light up your walls. They can be adhered to the wall, used as ceiling lighting, or placed on furniture like dressers or beneath desks and cabinets. To guarantee sufficient brightness, the strip should possess a lumen count of at least 300 to 400 lumens per m². A higher lumen count becomes particularly crucial if the strip is mounted on the ceiling.
It’s preferable to select light strips that can be controlled via a remote. If you’re looking to craft various lighting atmospheres, opt for LED strips that have color-changing abilities or are dimmable. Installation is easy—just peel off the protective backing and stick the strip onto the chosen surface.
Tip: An alternative to LED strips includes recessed lights, which can be installed in the ceiling close to the wall. These lights direct illumination downward, effectively lighting the wall from above. Additionally, ground-mounted lights can be used to cast light from below.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps also offer a source of indirect lighting. By directing the lamp towards the wall, the light can be bounced off the surface. You can choose between warm white or daylight white light. While warm white light fosters a soothing atmosphere, daylight white light is more conducive to productivity.
For enhanced concentration and efficiency, it’s worth considering direct lighting. Ultimately, the choice of light is influenced by individual preferences.
Wall Lights
Wall lights, alongside LED strips, work well for indirect wall illumination. Similar to other fixtures, these lights are positioned to shine upwards and/or sideways, producing an appealing cone of light that gradually fades toward the ceiling and floor.
Some designs cast light sideways or create intriguing shadows based on their shape. The brightness of wall lighting relies on personal taste. If you intend to use the lamp for reading, a higher lumen output is necessary compared to using it for relaxation.
Indirect Lighting in the Living Room
Indirect lighting sets a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for the living room. Various options are available, including wall lamps, floor lamps, ceiling spotlights, and LED strips for creating indirect wall or ceiling lighting as mentioned earlier. Particularly in the living room, indirect lighting can be used to highlight specific areas or walls, such as the space behind your television. With LED strips, another creative method for indirect lighting in the living room is to place them on or behind appropriate baseboards or skirting boards, thus lighting the wall from beneath. Thanks to their minimal heat output, LED strips can safely be positioned on wooden elements in the living room.
Indirect lighting is favored in living areas as it mimics natural light and fosters a pleasant ambiance during the evening. Discover the various options available for indirect lighting in the living room.
Why Indirect Lighting for the Living Room?
Whether watching a film or having a relaxed conversation with friends, soft indirect light creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. While direct lighting works well for reading or is suitable for the dining area, indirect lighting is commonly preferred for living rooms.
Indirect light sources offer the benefit of reduced glare, allowing light to diffuse gently. Typically, these sources are less intense, enhancing the colors and brightness of the visuals on screen. They also provide a natural look, resembling daylight. The lower light intensity contributes to a cozy environment, with warm white light sources being the most effective. Additionally, some models feature adjustable light colors or dimming capabilities.
Floor Lamps and Ceiling Spotlights
Floor lamps can be utilized for either direct or indirect lighting. When the lampshade points towards the wall or ceiling, it acts as a spotlight. They deliver a gentle glow since they do not illuminate objects directly. The flexibility of positioning is a major advantage of floor lamps; their location within the room is primarily limited by the length of the cord and the socket’s placement.
Many ceiling spotlights include an additional light that can be adjusted to the desired angle, serving as either a reading light or an accent light in the room.
Indirect Wall Lighting
If you aim to create a gentle illumination in your living room, indirect wall lighting is an excellent option. There are spotlights that direct their beams upward and/or downward, along with lamps that distribute light more broadly. For wall-mounted lights, you’ll need the correct electrical connection. Once you have decided where to place the light, mount it onto the wall. Unlike floor lamps and spotlights, wall-mounted lights aren’t as adjustable—unless your specific lamp design permits repositioning the spotlight.
You can select wall spotlights that complement your home’s decor. For instance, if your sofa is gray, a gray wall spotlight would be a suitable match. Spotlights come in various shapes and hues. Remember that special bulbs may need to be purchased separately.
Indirect Lighting for the Television
The television is frequently the focal point of activities in the living room, making it worthwhile to accentuate it with indirect lighting. For instance, Philips has Ambilight technology that allows the LED strip on the back to produce colors that correspond with the display. A similar effect can be achieved with a basic LED strip, which you can simply place behind your television. Ideally, you should use an RGB strip that supports color variations.
Indirect Lighting in the Bathroom
The bathroom is another space where indirect lighting can be effectively utilized. Indirect lighting creates a more soothing and inviting atmosphere compared to the harsh light from recessed fixtures or spotlights. This can be especially beneficial during early mornings after waking up. Just like in the living room, you can use appropriate light strips, baseboards, or plasterboards to ensure your bathroom is uniformly illuminated. Additionally, specific features like mirrors, shelves, or cabinets can be effectively highlighted with indirect lighting. You can set color accents here, such as with RGBW LED strips. We have compiled a comprehensive guide on using and installing indirect lighting in the bathroom:
This guide will provide insight on how to implement indirect lighting in the bathroom. Find inspiration and advice on where to apply indirect light, what to consider when selecting lamps, and how to create indirect lighting on your own.
How to Use Indirect Lighting Correctly in the Bathroom
Indirect lighting does not cast direct light on objects but is often implemented as strips or LED strips. The light source is typically located behind a shelf, in a corner, or within a wall niche, which is ideal for placing light strips. Combining indirect lighting with ambient lighting will ensure optimal illumination in the bathroom.
When determining the appropriate bulbs and placements in the bathroom, there are several considerations to keep in mind while planning for indirect lighting. We’ll share inspiration and advice for your project.
Suitable Areas for Indirect Lighting
To create a cozy atmosphere in your bathroom, various areas can be designated for indirect lighting. In the shower or bathtub, color-changing lighting, depending on the model, enhances the overall comfortable feeling. For instance, light strips around the mirror or sink can provide a soothing glow.
Below, we’ll present further options for indirect lighting and their effects.
Ceiling
Illuminating the bathroom ceiling is an effective way to evenly distribute light throughout the space and enhance basic lighting. LED strips installed on the ceiling can replace harsh lighting from lamps or other sources in the morning and provide a more gentle glow.
Existing partition walls in the bathroom are also perfect for incorporating indirect lighting on the ceiling. This improves the distinction between different areas. If your bathroom features a suspended ceiling, you can highlight this level precisely using indirect illumination.
Wall niches or sloped ceiling edges in the bathroom allow for LED strip installation, making the space feel larger visually. When installing indirect lighting on the ceiling, opt for neutral or warm white to increase brightness.
Tip: If you wish to incorporate colored lighting in your bathroom, it’s best to use them in the shower, bathtub, or around the sink.
Bath and shower
You may also opt to add indirect lighting in the wet areas of the bathtub and shower to enhance the bathing experience. Blue or green highlights are ideal for this, as they contribute to a soothing atmosphere in the bathroom.
Utilize slim strips when showering in a corner or place them vertically on the wall.
Tip: If your shower enclosure is separated from the rest of the space by a glass wall, consider installing colored LED strips along the top horizontal edge to illuminate the full shower wall.
Colorful spots that can change colors are perfect for bathtubs. It’s advisable to integrate this into your bathroom design before installation. Alternatively, you can attach thin strips to the underside of the bathtub rim.
Note: In wet areas, ensure that the lights are at least IP 67 rated, making them suitable for underwater use.
Mirror and sink
The area surrounding the sink is among the most frequently used parts of the bathroom. Therefore, adequate lighting is crucial here. Indirect lighting can help brighten the space around the sink.
There are various options for mirrors or mirror cabinets that include indirect lighting. This lighting can be built behind the mirror or directly within it, whether as a vertical, horizontal, or overall frame.
Tip: Positioning light directly above the mirror can cast harsh shadows on the face and is not suitable for areas used for grooming.
Plan indirect lighting in the bathroom
When planning to incorporate indirect lighting in your bathroom, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Use indirect lighting to enhance the basic lighting and create colorful, warm, or bright highlights.
Luminosity and warmth: It’s wise to combine different color temperatures or use dimmable bulbs in the bathroom. Daylight white light works well above the sink, while warm light is preferable in the shower or for ceiling fixtures.
Lights: Due to their variety of color options, brightness, dimmability, and compact design, LEDs are the top choice for bathroom lighting. They are available as dots, LED strips, or other lamp forms.
Protection class: In damp areas like the bathroom, it’s essential to consider the necessary protection class when selecting the lighting. For splash zones, choose lamps rated IP 44. In shower areas or zones more exposed to water, lamps should have a protection rating of IP 67.
Build your own indirect lighting in the bathroom
With just a few steps, you can install indirect lighting in your bathroom yourself or retrofit it. This guide will provide you with a straightforward way to accomplish a simpler version.
You will require the following materials and tools for your project:
5 cm x 5 cm square wood
Drill and drill press
Dowels and screws
LED strip
Profile angle
Double-sided tape
10 cm wooden board
Cordless screwdriver
Director
To set up the indirect lighting, you’ll first need a 5 cm x 5 cm square piece of wood, which you’ll attach to the ceiling as a spacer. Begin by drilling the dowels into the ceiling with an appropriate drill. Note: When selecting the dowels and screws, make sure you choose ones long enough to securely anchor the square wood.
Drill holes into the square wood with the dowel and attach it to the ceiling using the dowels and screws.
Select the LED strip of your choice and adhere it to the profile angle using the proper length. Use double-sided adhesive tape for this step. If necessary, you can trim the LED strip to the required length.
Next, attach a 10 cm long wooden board to the assembled square wood. This board will serve as the base for the profile angle. Secure the wooden board with a cordless screwdriver so that it extends slightly.
Insert the profile angle with the attached LED strip into the space created in the wooden board and check for fit. Finally, secure the light to the wooden board with adhesive tape and plug the power plug into an outlet.
Note: Utilize a sturdy ladder while performing your work.
Utilize LEDs for illumination in various spaces.
LEDs can serve multiple purposes to light up different rooms or specific areas.
Whether in the form of light strips, plaster strips, ceiling fixtures, recessed spotlights, or hanging lights, LEDs are available in countless designs for nearly every type of lighting.
In comparison to other lighting sources, LEDs come with many unique features.
A number of LED lamps are adjustable in brightness.
This allows you to manage the light’s intensity.
Many models also enable control over the light color.
This capability is particularly available with LED strips.
The RGBW LEDs, for instance, can shift colors among blue, red, green, and white.
You can utilize LEDs to devise diverse lighting schemes and ambient lighting, often conveniently controlled via a remote or an app on your smartphone.
LEDs are exceptionally suitable for general lighting or focused illumination in specific areas as well as for indirect lighting in:
Living rooms,
Bathrooms,
Kitchens,
Bedrooms,
Gardens,
Terraces,
Stairwell areas.
There are now several accessories available for implementing LEDs for indirect lighting.
These include specialized rail systems, light strips, skirting boards, and baseboards.
Many of these strip and rail systems are made of plastic or metal profiles into which an LED strip can be inserted and concealed with a frosted plastic cover.
This frosted cover ensures even light distribution.
Rails designed for stair lighting allow for illumination along the edges of each step.
This not only enhances aesthetics but also improves safety by making stairs more visible through the lighting.
What benefits does indirect lighting offer?
Indirect lighting has multiple advantages.
It provides a comfortable, ambient glow.
You can further enhance this effect by choosing various color temperatures.
In living rooms, warm white light fosters a cozy atmosphere.
In work areas, like kitchens, cool white light can deliver effective task illumination.
Moreover, indirect lighting has other significant benefits.
For instance, it avoids harsh shadows, eliminates unwanted reflections on smooth surfaces or screens, and prevents glaring light sources.
These qualities make indirect lighting highly favored for living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Common inquiries regarding indirect lighting
How can you achieve indirect lighting?
Indirect lighting is created by directing a light source towards a wall or ceiling. From there, the light is softly reflected into the room. In simpler terms, indirect lighting does not focus light directly on a particular object or zone but rather onto the ceiling, wall, or floor. As a result, light is spread more uniformly throughout the room. This method helps to avoid harsh shadows, reflections, or glaring light sources. With many forms of indirect lighting, the light source itself remains unseen.
What should you consider with indirect lighting?
In indirect lighting, the light source is directed towards a surface, which could be a wall or ceiling, for example. The lighter the surface, the more effectively it reflects light, leading to improved distribution in the room. For optimal indirect light diffusion, it’s advisable to select the lightest possible colors for ceilings and walls. Of course, darker surfaces can also be employed for indirect lighting. However, in this case, the distribution of light will not be as pronounced as it would be with lighter surfaces.
Which types of LEDs are appropriate for indirect lighting?
LEDs are typically ideal for indirect lighting. They are compact and produce minimal heat. This allows for easy installation in tight spaces and corners. To achieve effective indirect room lighting, aim for a light intensity of about 300 to 400 lumens per square meter. Therefore, your LED components should deliver adequate light intensity. When selecting an LED strip or light fixture, consider the preferred light temperature. You can opt for warm white, cool white, or colored LEDs. Color-changing LEDs, known as RGBW LEDs, are also quite popular. RGBW represents Red, Green, Blue, and White. With these LEDs, you can easily change the light color based on your mood and preferences, typically via a remote control.
Which types of lamps are appropriate for indirect lighting?
In principle, you can utilize any light source for indirect lighting. However, it’s crucial to focus on three key factors: light intensity, heat production, and light temperature. Light intensity determines the brightness emitted. A recommended guideline is to achieve a light intensity of 300 to 400 lumens per square meter. Concerning light temperature, a higher temperature indicates a higher blue light content. As the blue light increases, the overall light appears cooler. Warm white lighting, with temperatures ranging from 2,700 Kelvin to 3,000 Kelvin, creates a cozy atmosphere in areas like the living room, bathroom, and bedroom. With contemporary light sources like LEDs, heat production is not a significant concern. This, however, differs with halogen spotlights, which generate considerable heat. Ensure that these lamps are positioned at a safe distance from the surface being illuminated.
What qualifies as an indirect light source?
Indirect light sources refer to lights that are not directed straight at a specific area or object. Instead, they are set to project light onto reflective surfaces, such as walls or ceilings. Consequently, the light is spread diffusely and uniformly throughout the space. This setup helps to eliminate reflections, sharp shadows, and glare. Indirect light sources can include wall lamps, ceiling spotlights, or LEDs. LEDs can readily be incorporated into profile strips or plaster moldings. Additionally, baseboards can be fitted with LED strips, providing indirect wall illumination. There are numerous strip options available that can be effectively paired with LED strips.