How do wall washers work?

Wall Washing Lighting | Philips Hue

Think of wall-washing lighting as painting with light—an effortless way to give your home a makeover without the need to repaint the walls or buy new furnishings.

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Wall-washing lighting simply involves shining light directly onto walls instead of into the center of a room. Bathing your walls with light creates soft pools of evenly diffused color and avoids any harsh glare. So, whatever vibe you’re looking for, see how wall-wash lighting can bring it to any space!

Wall Washing: A Beginner's Guide to Wall Washer Lighting

Despite the name, wall washing does not involve soap, sponges, or spray. It is purely a lighting technique.

There are numerous LED wall wash lights, and choosing the right one for your project can be challenging.

In this article, you will learn about wall washing and how to achieve your desired effect.

What is Wall Washing?

Wall washing involves using vertical, indirect lighting placed at a certain distance and angle from a wall to create a smooth "wash" effect. Properly executed, wall washing can hide imperfections, eliminate shadows, and uniformly light up a wall.

When wall washing, ensure that the light fixture is correctly angled towards the featured item. For example, if it is just a plain wall, center the light. If the main feature is a picture, center the light on that.

For instance, to showcase a piece at an art exhibition, use wall wash lighting to distribute light evenly on the entire wall. A well-lit wall will accentuate an artist's work features.

How to Wall Wash

Wall washing is done by mounting lights at or above the ceiling. Consider the height of your wall and ceiling. The height determines:

• What light fixture you should use
• How far the light fixture is from the wall
• The angle of the light fixture

First, define your objectives. Are you lighting a small piece of artwork or an entire wall? Are you highlighting the wall details, or do you want to make the room feel more spacious?

With these goals in mind, consider the fixtures you need. Will recessed fixtures suit your project, or would a track system be better?

Finally, calculate the distance from the wall for your lights to achieve your desired result. Compare the beam angles of different products or consult a lighting professional for assistance.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from BLUE DIAMOND.

Types of Wall Washing Light Fixtures

Choosing the right fixtures for your wall washing project may take some time. Fortunately, various options are available.

Track-Wall-Washers are rectangular fixtures attached to a track. They can evenly wash a wall with light, illuminate artwork, and highlight architectural details like fireplaces and wall textures.

Recessed-Wall-Washers are installed into the ceiling. They are more discreet than track-washers and serve similar purposes.

Track Heads, Downlights, Hallway lighters, and Recessed Multiples are all used to achieve a wall wash effect. The choice depends on their use and optics.

Lighting Your Feature Wall

Successfully lighting a feature wall is challenging without wall washing techniques. When done correctly, wall washers can create a striking effect in a well-lit space.

By asking yourself a few simple questions covered in this blog, you can narrow down your lighting options.

If you are still unsure where to start, many resources are available, including lighting designers, sales representatives, and IES files.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a Flexible Wall Washer. Our experienced sales team can help you find the best options for your needs.