Lighting Designers Use Uplighting to Create Ambiance and Accentuate the Structure of a Space

Uplighting refers to illumination cast in an upward direction. Commonly used to create atmosphere or highlight architectural features, uplighting designs utilize light fixtures, sometimes concealed at the base of the wall, column, or other physical features. Uplighting effectively transforms spaces, creates mood, and highlights important features, making it a popular choice for both functional and decorative purposes.

Lighting manufacturers design luminaires with the flexibility of having both downlighting and uplighting or one or the other. Most fixtures can be installed to support the required application. Luminaires used for uplighting may need to be concealed or blended into the room design, which may require small profile or shallow form factor fixtures.

Outdoor uplighting transforms buildings and properties

Uplighting may also be used in outdoor lighting designs. Landscapes, water features such as fountains, and the exterior of commercial or residential buildings can be a beautiful canvas for the artistic application of light. Trees, monuments, fences, bridges, and the façade of any structure are just a few examples of how uplighting can draw attention to the property.

The benefits of interior uplighting

Interior uplighting delivers both form and functional benefits in the space where it is installed. When the ceiling is used as a reflector, the lighting practitioner accomplishes two goals: first, uplighting reduces the cave effect by illuminating the ceiling and lowering shadows; second, the uplighting luminaire introduces a glare-free light source to those using the space.

Manufacturers of linear uplighting LED luminaires provide general or ambient lighting by illuminating the ceiling. When required, optical control using reflectors produces broad distributions and allows short suspension distances and wider spacings. Linear LED strip lights mounted in cove features may form a perimeter lighting system, creating a pleasing ambient light and highlighting the structure.

Interior designers use this uplighting to enhance architectural elements such as support beams, piping, architectural ceiling tiles, and ceiling elements that interest the viewer. Historical and architectural buildings lend themselves to this uplighting technique by illuminating ceiling surfaces, structures, and architectural elements that would otherwise be in the shadows. A space with this luminaire uplighting increases the room’s visual volume and, with enough lumen output, uplighting illumination of both the ceiling and the space.

Office environments use this technique to minimize glare and reduce eye strain. This uplighting illumination makes meeting rooms and conference spaces more inviting to the occupants and allows the lighting practitioner to achieve optimal illumination in the area. Optical reflectors in the interior of the luminaire can create the required spreading of the light.

Designing and specifying uplights for interior applications

A device called a photometer is used to collect a luminaire’s illumination output data. Utilizing  photometric programs, the lighting practitioner can set the required illumination levels by establishing the spacing & height criteria of the luminaires specified to achieve the best possible outcome of the recommended lumens in space. The IESNA Illuminating Engineering Society of North America reference guide is the established source for finding recommended ambient light levels for residential offices, school rooms, hospitals, and meeting rooms. Lighting practitioners must evaluate how the space will be used and then select the recommended illumination levels needed by those occupying the space in the IESNA reference guide. Uplighting luminaires can incorporate lighting controls to adjust (CCT) color-correlated temperature, control lumen intensity, and consider any daylighting. Lighting designers with architects establish environments that meet and change as the needs of the inhabitants change. Ceiling type, color, and reflectivity also affect lumen levels and energy savings.

Combining uplighting with decorative chandeliers can bring balance to the space to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere and, when required, add task lighting to improve lighting needs as required by the occupant. This uplighting technique improves visibility, reduces eye strain, and improves productivity in the work environment. Medical studies have established that this type of lighting helps the older population visualize better and reduces eye strain for those more sensitive to glare. Uplighting lighting accentuates the best architectural elements and improves occupants’ feelings about the space. Uplighting the space gives volume. Since the light source in uplighting is not in the line of sight, no one will be subject to direct glare. Uplighting luminaires using LED light sources are more compact, more energy efficient, and highly variable in creating the illumination outcomes required by the lighting practitioner.

A sample list of where uplighting can transform a space

Event and Wedding Venues

Creating Ambiance: Uplighting is commonly used in weddings and special events to create a warm, inviting, and elegant atmosphere. It can highlight architectural features, add color to walls, and set the mood for the event.

Accentuating Decor: Uplights can be used to emphasize floral arrangements, sculptures, and other decorative elements, drawing attention to notable areas of the venue.

Landscape and Garden Lighting

Highlighting Trees and Plants: Uplighting is perfect for illuminating tall trees, shrubs, and plants, bringing out their textures and shapes while adding depth to the landscape.

Enhancing Pathways and Walkways: Uplights along pathways can create a guiding effect, adding safety and style to outdoor spaces.

Showcasing Architectural Elements: Uplighting can highlight the exterior of buildings, garden walls, statues, and water features, enhancing their visual appeal at night.

Water features: Submersible light fixtures can create dramatic uplighting effects in fountains, as well as built-in waterfall elements. Color-changing light fixtures are a great addition to water features.

Home Interiors

Highlighting Architectural Features: In homes, uplighting can emphasize architectural details like columns, arches, or textured walls, adding a touch of sophistication to the interior design.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere: Uplights in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms can create a soft, indirect lighting effect, making spaces feel more comfortable and inviting.

Art and Sculpture Illumination: Uplighting is ideal for highlighting artwork, sculptures, or other focal points in a room, creating a gallery-like atmosphere.

Commercial and Retail Spaces

Enhancing Product Displays: In retail settings, uplighting can draw attention to product displays, making items stand out and appear more attractive to customers.

Creating a Welcoming Entrance: Uplighting at the entrance of a commercial building can make the space more inviting and professional, setting the tone for the visitor’s experience.

Branding and Ambiance: Uplighting can reinforce brand identity by using colored lights that match the company’s branding, creating a cohesive and memorable environment.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Illuminating Monuments and Statues: Uplighting is often used to highlight historical monuments, statues, and memorials, making them visible and impactful even at night.

Enhancing Museums and Galleries: In cultural institutions, uplighting can emphasize artifacts, exhibits, and architectural details, enhancing the visitor experience.

Theater and Stage Productions

Creating Dramatic Effects: Uplighting is widely used in theaters and stage productions to create dramatic effects, highlight performers, and set the mood for different scenes.

Layered Lighting Design: Uplighting can be part of a layered lighting design, working with other lighting techniques to create a dynamic visual experience.

Hospitality and Restaurants

Enhancing Dining Experience: In restaurants and hotels, uplighting can create a relaxing and elegant ambiance, enhancing the dining or hospitality experience.

Highlighting Key Features: Uplights can highlight key architectural or decorative features, such as wine racks, bars, or art pieces, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Religious and Spiritual Spaces

Creating a Sacred Atmosphere: Uplighting in churches, temples, and other spiritual spaces can create a sense of reverence and focus, highlighting altars, statues, and stained glass windows.

Enhancing Ceremonial Settings: Uplighting can add to the ceremonial feel of weddings, baptisms, and other religious events, making the space feel more special and significant.

Jim McCarthy LC, CLC, IESNA