Lighting plays an important part in interior and exterior environments. Using the right type of lighting can elevate the atmosphere and enhance the visual effect of a room while the wrong type can ruin it. A common lighting concept that we often encounter today are the terms direct and indirect lighting. To make a room feel more comfortable and to get the desired light, consumers need to know the difference between direct and indirect lighting as well as the types of light sources to achieve the right type of lighting.
Direct lighting
Direct light illuminates specific objects and enhances the visibility in the room. 90% of its light spread falls on a specific object or area at a certain angle. Direct lighting focuses the light exactly to where it’s needed. Direct lighting can create a sharp contrast between light and shadow.
Some great examples of direct light sources are downlights and spotlights. Downlights are commonly used in marts or offices as they only illuminate downward. Places like shops and art museums use spotlight to focus the attention of customers onto the products and art installation displays.
Indirect lighting
Indirect lighting illuminates wider areas and emits even light distribution. It lights up objects other than in the direct illumination spread and is used to create ambience. Unlike direct lighting, indirect lighting adds more lumen to a room without the sharp contrasts of light and shadow.
Indirect lighting can be created by using LED strips that are placed within a pre-designed molding in a wall. It can be used in our living rooms, bedrooms and not to mention our makeup mirror. Some shopping malls use this feature as well to bright up their interiors.
