Direct versus Indirect Lighting: Change the Mood of a Room

As a contractor, you know that lighting is one of the most important elements of any home improvement or construction project. The type of lighting you use can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at two types of lighting—direct and indirect lighting—and explore how they can be used to change the mood of a room.

Direct Lighting

Direct lighting is exactly what it sounds like—light that is direct, or focused. This type of lighting is often used for task lighting, or for illuminating specific areas of a room. Direct lighting can be achieved in several ways, including:

• Spotlights or track lights
• Lamps and flush mounts
• Recessed downlights
• Restaurant pendants

Indirect Lighting

Indirect lighting is less focused than direct lighting and is often used to create an ambient or mood lighting effect. This type of lighting can be achieved with upward facing fixtures and decorative elements. It’s also popular to use indirect lighting to highlight specific architectural features or artwork in a room. Other examples include:

• Tape lighting near a trim or ceiling
• Wall sconces
• Uplighting
• Wall washers
• Accessories like covers and reflectors

As you can see, there are quite a few differences between direct and indirect lighting. And while each has its own advantages, indirect lighting is usually best for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in a room. So, the next time you’re working on a project that calls for changing the mood of a room, keep indirect lighting in mind!