Collection: Wall Wash Lighting

The Purpose and Effect of Wall Washing

Wall washing is a sophisticated lighting technique used to illuminate a broad vertical surface with a smooth, even layer of light. Unlike accent lighting which highlights a single object, wall washing focuses on the wall itself. This approach dramatically enhances a space by creating a sense of openness and visual comfort.

By bathing a wall in uniform light, this technique eliminates harsh shadows, which can make a room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. It’s an excellent way to showcase the color or finish of a feature wall, provide soft ambient light for a room, and create a clean, high-end architectural feel in both residential and commercial interiors.

Understanding the Difference: Wall Washing vs. Wall Grazing

It's important to distinguish between two similar yet distinct techniques to achieve the desired effect for your space.

• Wall Washing: The goal is to create a smooth, uniform, and shadowless light. To achieve this, fixtures are mounted on the ceiling at a sufficient distance from the wall (typically 2-3 feet or more), allowing the light beam to spread out and evenly "wash" the surface. This technique is ideal for minimizing surface imperfections and creating a sense of spaciousness.
• Wall Grazing: The goal is to dramatically emphasize the texture of a surface like stone, brick, or wood. To achieve this, fixtures are mounted very close to the wall, creating sharp shadows and highlights that reveal the surface's intricate details.

Fixtures Used for Wall Washing

Achieving a successful wall wash requires fixtures with optics designed to direct light broadly and evenly across a vertical plane.

• Recessed Wall Wash Downlights: These versatile fixtures are a popular choice for interior wall washing. A gimbal trim allows you to tilt and rotate the internal light source, giving you precise control to aim the beam at a wall. When installed in a series along a ceiling, gimbal lights can create a beautiful wash effect, making them an excellent and flexible solution for highlighting feature walls or displaying artwork.
• Track Lighting: Offering excellent flexibility, adjustable track heads can be aimed at a wall to create a wash effect. This is a perfect solution for art galleries, retail spaces, or any room where the layout and focal points may change over time.
• Linear Wall Washers: For long, uninterrupted walls, recessed or surface-mounted linear fixtures can cast a continuous sheet of light. These are often used in commercial lobbies, corridors, and modern homes to create a powerful architectural statement.
• Outdoor Flood Lights: For exterior walls, wide-beam LED flood lights are a powerful option. When placed at ground level and aimed upwards, or mounted on an eave and aimed downwards, they can wash the entire facade of a building in a dramatic and uniform layer of light, enhancing architecture and security.
• Exterior Cylinder Lights: Also known as up/down lights, these modern fixtures mount directly to an exterior wall. They typically cast a cone of light both upwards and downwards, "washing" the wall in two directions from a single, stylish source. They are very popular for highlighting columns, entryways, and architectural sections.

Find Your Wall Wash Solution at Bees Lighting

Wall washing is a powerful design tool that can fundamentally change the look and feel of a space, making it feel more open, inviting, and sophisticated. Whether you're using adjustable gimbal lights to create a feature wall indoors or powerful flood lights to illuminate an exterior facade, this technique adds a layer of professional polish to any project. Bees Lighting offers a wide selection of fixtures suitable for creating the perfect wall wash effect. Browse our collection today to find the ideal solution for adding depth, drama, and brightness to your space.