In all lighting design projects–concerning homes, accomodation facilities, restaurants and bars, and retail spaces – every lamp plays a central role.
The solutions selected for the lighting complex decorate and guarantee various gradations of light.
Ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting should never be missing because they infuse the right atmosphere into spaces by highlighting specific areas and objects.
In this article, we will focus on accent lighting and, in particular, indirect lighting and how to make optimal use of it. We will talk about:
- What is direct lighting?
- 4 tips for choosing the most suitable lamps for indirect lighting
- The importance of direct lighting in the perception of spaces
Let’s proceed step by step.
Notredame
What is direct lighting?
Indirect lighting is becoming more and more popular, both in residential and commercial projects.
Compared to the direct lighting, the light source is hidden and the light diffuses into the room thanks to reflections on the ceiling, floor, or wall, thus eliminating glare and shadows.
Some lighting design models and solutions are more suitable for conferring indirect lighting. In the next paragraph, we look at which ones.
4 tips for choosing the most suitable lamps for indirect lighting
Designer lighting fixtures have specific aesthetic characteristics and functionalities, which is why each model must be chosen wisely to fulfill the client's requests based on the concept and to guarantee the right amount of indirect lighting.
Here are some useful tips for selecting and positioning the ideal lamps for accent lighting and indirect lighting in various lighting design contexts. Specifically:
Alì e Babà
1. Choose appliques and wall lights for small indoor rooms
Appliques and wall lights are ideal for indirect lighting in small spaces.
In addition to giving the right degree of light, they can accentuate small furnishing details or architectural details, if the client so wishes.
To ensure indirect lighting, we recommend choosing wall lamps with opaque or semi-opaque texture lampshades to allow the light to radiate softly throughout the environment.
In which rooms or areas should these lamps be installed? The ideal spaces would be in:
- the bedroom or bathroom
- small tea rooms or bars
- the various areas of a shop and the dressing rooms
- a small entrance area
2. Choose ceiling lights for open spaces
Is it possible to guarantee indirect brightness in large, open spaces? Of course!
In this case, we recommend choosing ceiling lights like classic chandeliers or suspension lamps since the lampshade of this model allows the light to disperse lightly while still offering good visibility.
Ceiling lights are perfect in:
- the living room and lounge area of a hotel
- the shop window or the desk/cash desk area
- the reception or spacious entrances
Ugo Rilla
3. Opt for table or floor lamps for outdoor spaces or dining rooms
Table lamps are perfect for instilling an intimate and soft atmosphere in different contexts. From the dining room of a restaurant, to the tables of a chic bar ... but not only.
They can also be used in shops and private home projects. In a commercial space, for example, they would look good next to the clothing on display, in the shop window, or simply on the shelves as decoration.
However, in a home, they are ideal for indirectly illuminating the bedroom, the dining table, or the coffee table in the center of the living room.
As for the floor lamps, we suggest using them for outdoor lighting; outdoor spaces also deserve the right light.
So, why not place them at the edge of a large swimming pool, next to deck chairs, in an elegant patio, under a porch, or scattered around a well-kept garden? Outdoor lighting is a truly authentic element.
Cell
4. Choose recessed spotlights or LED strips for passage areas
Corridors, attics, and stairs are passage areas where light is essential, above all, in terms of safety and visibility.
In addition, it is possible to give a decorative touch– without sacrificing functionality– by choosing recessed spotlights. In this case, the light does not tire the eye since it comes out directly from the walls or ceiling.
Here are other ideal placements for recessed sources:
- in the bathroom
- at the counter or in the desk/cash desk area
- in shop windows or the dressing room
- in the lounge area
- in the bedroom
As for the bedrooms and bathroom, it is also possible to use LED strips and install them behind headboards and mirrors or even behind paintings and furnishings.
Umarell
The importance of direct lighting in the perception of spaces
Indirect lighting, together with task and ambient lighting, infuses the right mood into each interior space with subdued brightness, still guaranteeing visual comfort.
By following the 4 guidelines in this article, you will be able to better orient yourself in choosing the most suitable lamps for your lighting design project, while keeping in mind the client's taste.
Want to learn more about the topic? For more information, support, and assistance in choosing the right lamp models for your exciting lighting project, do not hesitate to contact us at this link. We are at your complete disposal.
