indirect light - the most misunderstood type of lighting in homes
Revised August 2025
When it comes to home lighting design, indirect lighting is the most misunderstood of the five types of lighting in homes. But when it’s done well, it’s the difference between a house that feels cold and clinical - and one that wraps you in comfort.
First, Let’s Talk SOURCES of Light…
Every light fitting has a source—and how that light travels matters. There are three core shapes in lighting design:
Point sources - highly directional light, like a spotlight. (you can read more in our blog about directional light)
Line sources - usually diffuse, often seen in linear LED lighting or strip lighting.
Area sources – omnidirectional and soft, like a glowing panel or a luminous ceiling.
From these sources, we create five essential lighting types: ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, decorative lighting, and kinetic lighting. [More on that in this post.] Combine source + type, and you open up a world of lighting possibilities.
But today, we’re focusing on one of the most powerful and flexible of them all: Indirect Lighting.
what is indirect lighTing in a home
Indirect lighting is light that doesn’t shine directly into a space. Instead, it bounces off a surface - usually the ceiling or wall -before reaching your eyes. This creates a soft, even glow that’s perfect for creating calm, comfortable, inviting rooms.
Think of it like the gentle glow after sunset - no harshness, just warmth.
In residential lighting, indirect light is created in a few ways:
Reflected light: From upward-facing wall uplights or architectural surfaces.
Diffused light: Light that passes through frosted glass or fabric shades (not to be confused with flat “pancake” downlights - diffuse, yes, but not soft!).
Natural light: When daylight reflects off interior surfaces to act indirectly.
WHY INDIRECT LIGHT MATTERS IN HOME DESIGN
It Softens the Space
Indirect lighting helps reduce glare, shadows, and visual fatigue. It’s essential in lighting design for homes where comfort and calm matter -especially in living rooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks.
It Makes Rooms Feel Bigger
By lighting walls and ceilings evenly, indirect light creates the illusion of height and openness - ideal for low ceilings or smaller rooms. It’s a lighting trick we use often in interior lighting design to visually expand a space.
It Supports Layered Lighting
Indirect lighting forms the ambient lighting foundation for your space. From there, we layer in task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting to build rhythm and mood. It’s the key to a beautifully balanced lighting scheme.
It’s Often Underestimated
We hear it all the time: “Will indirect lighting be enough?”
With today’s high-performance LED light fittings, the answer is a confident yes. In fact, many of our clients find they dim their indirect lights to 10% once installed - because they’re that effective. Read our blog - How Much is Enough Light?
WHERE WE USE INDIRECT LIGHTING IN HOMES
You’ll find indirect light used throughout a well-designed home:
Wall uplights that shine up and reflect off the ceiling.
Pendant lights that cast light both up and down.
Floor and table lamps with diffusers that soften the light.
Architectural lighting features like hidden LED strips or uplighting in bulkheads.
Each application requires careful design - beam angle, lumen output, and colour temperature all affect the result. And when it’s done right, it’s not just seen - it’s felt.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INDIRECT LIGHTING FITTINGS
Here’s where many homeowners get caught out: not all indirect fittings are created equal.
The market is full of low-performance wall lights that promise a warm glow but deliver a dull, disappointing result. And if you’re hoping one architectural light fitting will do the job of six downlights, you need to choose carefully.
When selected properly, the cost of a high-quality indirect light fixture often balances out or beats the cost of installing multiple lower-grade options. And because indirect lighting is energy-efficient—especially when used with dimmers or smart home lighting controls—you’ll save in the long run.
The MINT Lighting Design Takeaway
Indirect lighting is one of the most powerful tools in residential lighting design. It’s comfortable, versatile, and energy-smart - but only when it's designed and installed correctly.
That’s where we come in.
At MINT Lighting Design, we work with homeowners across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond to create lighting plans that combine form, function, and feeling. Whether you’re renovating a room, building a new home, or upgrading your lighting, we’ll help you choose the right fittings and layer light like a pro.
Because great lighting isn’t about fittings - it’s about how your home feels.
Ready to Add Indirect Lighting to Your Home?
Let’s talk about your project. We’ll help you create energy-efficient lighting that looks great and works brilliantly - tailored to your lifestyle and your space.
Submit your project request here
FAQ’S
1. Is indirect lighting good for living rooms?
Absolutely. Indirect lighting is ideal for living rooms because it creates soft, ambient light without harsh glare or shadows. It helps your eyes relax and makes the space feel calm, cosy, and inviting - especially when layered with other types of light like task and decorative fittings.
2. Can indirect lighting be my main light source?
Yes - when designed well. With today’s high-output LED fittings, indirect light can absolutely serve as your primary ambient light source. In fact, we often use just a few well-placed indirect lights to replace a ceiling full of downlights. The key is selecting fittings with the right beam angle, lumens, and placement.
3. What types of fittings create indirect lighting?
Fittings that reflect or diffuse light - like wall uplights, pendant lights with upward throw, LED strip lighting, and lamps with fabric or frosted shades - are all commonly used to create indirect light. Architectural details, like bulkheads or recessed coves, also offer beautiful opportunities to incorporate hidden indirect lighting.
4. How do I choose the right indirect lighting for my home?
Choosing the right indirect lighting means thinking beyond looks. Focus on fittings that provide enough light output (lumens), a comfortable colour temperature, and a suitable beam spread for the space. And remember - cheaper isn’t always better. A single high-quality indirect fitting can outperform six budget downlights. This is where working with a lighting designer (like us!) makes all the difference.