Direct or indirect light: which to choose for each space
In lighting design, choosing between direct and indirect light means assessing not only the amount of light required, but also visual comfort, the function of the space and the desired architectural effect.
Direct light focuses the luminous flux onto specific surfaces, products or areas. It is therefore suitable for spaces where visibility, definition and control of the lighting are required.
Indirect light, on the other hand, is directed towards walls or ceilings and is diffused throughout the space via reflection. The result is a softer, more uniform brightness.
In many projects, the best solution is not to choose a single type of light distribution, but to combine direct and indirect light using versatile and modular systems, such as those offered by Novalux.
Direct light for shops and exhibition spaces by Novalux
In shops, showrooms and exhibition spaces, direct light helps to showcase products, details and pathways, creating focal points that guide the eye.
ALL-TRACK is Novalux’s 7-pole, three-phase electrified track designed for mounting spotlights and LED luminaires, including dimmable versions. It can be installed flush with the ceiling, suspended or recessed into a false ceiling, adapting to the architectural features of the space. The flexibility of the system allows the position and orientation of the luminaires to be adjusted in line with changes to the display layout, making ALL-TRACK particularly well-suited to retail environments, where displays and lighting requirements may vary over time.
Direct accent lighting can also be complemented by indirect lighting thanks to the UP-LIGHT profile, which can be integrated directly onto the ALL-TRACK track.
The aluminium profile, designed to house LED strips, directs the light towards the ceiling and helps to create a more diffused ambient brightness. In this way, the same system can combine functional lighting on products with indirect lighting to enhance the overall comfort of the space.
Direct and indirect lighting in Novalux offices
In workspaces, it is important to illuminate work surfaces correctly, avoiding overly stark contrasts between areas. Direct light ensures the necessary brightness on work surfaces, whilst indirect light helps to make the lighting more uniform and comfortable.
B-16 SYSTEM meets both these requirements through an integrated dual-emission LED system. Evolving from the L-16 SYSTEM, it is a suspended lighting profile designed to provide both direct and indirect lighting simultaneously.
Its slim, minimalist design allows it to blend discreetly into any environment, whilst the modularity of its components ensures a high degree of design flexibility. Micro-optics, LED spotlights and LED strips can be freely combined to create configurations suitable for open-plan spaces, offices, meeting rooms and professional environments.
The B-16 SYSTEM is a system capable of adapting to the architectural and lighting characteristics of any project.
Indirect lighting for hotels, restaurants and hospitality spaces by Novalux
In hotels, restaurants, reception areas and lounges, lighting must combine functionality and atmosphere. Direct light can be used to illuminate tables, counters, reception desks and work areas, whilst indirect light helps to create a more relaxing atmosphere, enhancing materials, surfaces and architectural volumes.
In these contexts, dual-emission systems such as the B-16 SYSTEM allow for the creation of different light levels within the same space. ALL-TRACK with the UP-LIGHT profile can also be an effective solution in hospitality spaces: the spotlights create lighting accents on furnishings, artworks or details, whilst the indirect light diffused towards the ceiling creates a more balanced atmosphere.
Direct or indirect light? Find out which to choose from the Novalux systems
Wall lighting: when to choose direct or dual-emission lighting
Another solution, which is both functional and decorative, is wall lighting.
UPPER is the Novalux wall light designed for spaces requiring effective yet comfortable wall lighting. You can choose between a single-emission version, which can be fitted to provide either direct downward light or indirect upward light, and a dual-emission version with light directed both upwards and downwards.
The V-30, V-90 and V-180 solutions further expand the design possibilities: here too, you can choose between a single-direction version, mounted either to provide direct downlight or indirect uplight, and a dual-direction version with light directed both upwards and downwards.
These luminaires can be used to guide pathways, highlight architectural features or create decorative lighting effects. The dual-emission design allows light to be distributed in multiple directions, enhancing both the wall and the surrounding space at the same time.
Novalux systems for flexible, customised lighting
ALL-TRACK with the UP-LIGHT profile, the B-16 SYSTEM, UPPER and the V-30, V-90 and V-180 solutions allow you to design lighting to suit the space, choosing between direct, indirect or dual-emission lighting.
These are not simply linear or wall-mounted luminaires, but versatile systems designed to offer a range of configurations and meet the needs of commercial, professional, hospitality and residential environments.