Fluorescent Wall Wash Lighting

Bulb Type

• For ceiling and wall lights, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the use of fluorescent light fixtures if they will be left on two or more hours a day. Fluorescent wall-wash lighting that is commonly turned on in the early evening and left on until bedtime is more energy-efficient than incandescent wall-wash lighting.

  Fluorescent bulbs with color temperatures in the 2700 to 3000 K range will wash the wall in warm light. This type of lighting very closely resembles the light given off by incandescent bulbs. Install RE730, RE827 or RE830 fluorescent lights for wall-washing warm light that looks like incandescent light.

Recessed Fixtures

• Recessed fluorescent light fixtures provide very effective wall-wash lighting when installed in the ceiling properly. When these fixtures are installed close to the wall, they produce a spotlight affect. They also magnify imperfections on the wall. Space wall-wash recessed fluorescent light fixtures at least 1 1/2 feet away from the wall for soft, even lighting over a large section of the wall. Group several fixtures together to uniformly light larger walls but space the fixtures as far apart as the distance between the lights and the wall. This spacing gives more even light coverage across the wall. Do not use lighting trim pieces, such as baffles and trim cones, that are very dark or deep. Such trim pieces reduce the light fixture’s efficiency. Avoid positioning recessed light fixtures to shine directly on doorways and windows.

Soffit Fixtures

• Soffit fluorescent wall-wash lighting fixtures are installed within a soffit or boxed-in area on the ceiling that extends along the entire length of the wall. The soffit should be approximately 2 feet wide and 8 inches deep. Soffit wall-wash lighting shines directly down on the wall, providing an even light across the entire wall or a small section of wall. They can also be installed in the ceiling as a recessed soffit fixture. When these lights are installed as recessed fixtures, they must be installed along a wall where the ceiling joists run parallel to the wall.

Valance Fixtures

• Valance fluorescent wall-wash lighting fixtures illuminate the wall both below and above the fixture. The individual fixtures are installed horizontally on the wall. A cover or valance is placed over them to direct the light toward the ceiling, providing general room lighting and extend the light down onto the wall. They are commonly installed on windowless walls at the same height as the tops of windows located on adjoining walls.