Indirect lighting
Indirect lighting is that bounced light from which the energy source cannot be seen. In contrast to direct lighting, focused on a specific point, it spreads softly creating immersive environments. The choice of lighting isn't just a technical question, it's a tool for influencing the mood and perception of a space.
Benefits of indirect lighting
The indirect lighting bounces off the surfaces of the space, creating a relaxing and welcoming environment. Soft, diffused light eliminates severe shadows. It is especially ideal for relaxing spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, bathroom at night or reading areas.
To hide the light source so that they are not directly visible, it is common to resort to a false ceiling moat, creating the visual illusion that the wall and ceiling are not touching. The fact of not having a corner expands the perception of space, contributing to the feeling of infinite space. In addition, hiding the light sources results in a space with fewer elements and therefore much more minimalist.
Design and planning
The first tip when dealing with indirect lighting is to avoid the excess of this type of lighting in a home, since an excess is perceived to be in bad taste. The subtlety in the application of this type of lighting is key to achieving an elegant and balanced environment.
Another important tip is to be careful when selecting the wall to install indirect lighting, it is essential to ensure that it is perfectly flat. This ensures that the light is distributed evenly, avoiding highlighting possible irregularities on the surface. Careful preparation work is necessary on the wall.
Finally, selecting the light temperature is another crucial aspect in lighting design. We will always opt for light sources with warm color temperatures, since indirect lighting is not about a work light, but about contributing to a cozy and relaxing feeling.
Conclusions
In short, indirect lighting goes beyond providing light; it's a design tool that influences mood and transforms the atmosphere of a home. The key is to achieve a balanced design that goes unnoticed, in such a way that it generates a pleasant feeling of welcoming light in an indirect way.
References
The first time we saw indirect lighting was in the John Soane Museum in London, built in 1792 when there was still no electricity. In one room of this museum, the wall is clearly separated from the ceiling, and in the upper part there is a hidden skylight designed to bathe the the wall with light.