9 Clever Ways to Use Hidden Lights
Light up your life in subtle ways and highlight your home’s best features with these clever ideas for hidden lighting
Jennifer Louise Ebert
23 July 2014
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience of writing for interiors and lifestyle publications.
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience... More
Not hiding your light might be good advice for you, but a little concealed illumination can work wonders for your interior. Great for emphasising architectural features, highlighting work areas and creating an intimate glow, hidden lighting fixtures are a stylish way to add drama to any scheme. Check out these suggestions for places to tuck yours to best effect.
Set the mood at bedtime
This wooden headboard has been specially built across the width of the room to incorporate tables and a run of lighting behind it. Pendant bulbs provide additional light for reading, while the hidden fixtures create an intimate glow.
This wooden headboard has been specially built across the width of the room to incorporate tables and a run of lighting behind it. Pendant bulbs provide additional light for reading, while the hidden fixtures create an intimate glow.
Tread lightly on the stairs
This genius staircase has very thin strip lights under each tread, creating enough light to illuminate the whole area without dazzling the eyes – crucial if a late-night jaunt downstairs is a possibility. The clear glass baluster makes the most of the glow, allowing it to spread through the space.
Be inspired by brilliant ideas for lighting your staircase
This genius staircase has very thin strip lights under each tread, creating enough light to illuminate the whole area without dazzling the eyes – crucial if a late-night jaunt downstairs is a possibility. The clear glass baluster makes the most of the glow, allowing it to spread through the space.
Be inspired by brilliant ideas for lighting your staircase
Create a ceiling wash
Tucked into a niche where the ceiling meets the roof, this line of lights washing the ceiling is perfect for this minimalist space. Pendant lights would feel fussy hanging from such a high ceiling, while spots alone would be harsh. These lights cast a lovely, ethereal glow that works alone for late night gatherings or in tandem with downlighters when a brighter mood is desired.
Tucked into a niche where the ceiling meets the roof, this line of lights washing the ceiling is perfect for this minimalist space. Pendant lights would feel fussy hanging from such a high ceiling, while spots alone would be harsh. These lights cast a lovely, ethereal glow that works alone for late night gatherings or in tandem with downlighters when a brighter mood is desired.
Bathe by the light of the room
This small wall, built to hold the taps and pipework for the bath, makes a great spot for hidden lighting. Fairly bright lights pointing in all directions make this a bathing space that’s perfect for relaxing soaks with no danger of dazzling beams.
This small wall, built to hold the taps and pipework for the bath, makes a great spot for hidden lighting. Fairly bright lights pointing in all directions make this a bathing space that’s perfect for relaxing soaks with no danger of dazzling beams.
Light up your island
Downlights work hard in this kitchen-diner, from the spots in the ceiling to the task lights over the worktop, but the star of the show is the gently glowing island. Tucked under the overhanging wraparound work surface, the lights emphasise the architectural lines of the unit and cast a flattering glow across the dining area.
Explore 10 ideas for adding an island to your work space
Downlights work hard in this kitchen-diner, from the spots in the ceiling to the task lights over the worktop, but the star of the show is the gently glowing island. Tucked under the overhanging wraparound work surface, the lights emphasise the architectural lines of the unit and cast a flattering glow across the dining area.
Explore 10 ideas for adding an island to your work space
Show the way to go home
These steps couldn’t be any more welcoming on a dark night. They were specially made to incorporate strips of light that make them look as though they’re floating. Be aware that any outdoor lighting that will be exposed to rain or snow requires a wet-location rating, so make sure you seek professional advice.
These steps couldn’t be any more welcoming on a dark night. They were specially made to incorporate strips of light that make them look as though they’re floating. Be aware that any outdoor lighting that will be exposed to rain or snow requires a wet-location rating, so make sure you seek professional advice.
Face up to a flattering glow
Never was there a more important area to light sensitively than a vanity unit. This easy solution of up- and downlighters behind a mirror creates enough light for shaving or applying make-up without any harsh beams spoiling the day.
Never was there a more important area to light sensitively than a vanity unit. This easy solution of up- and downlighters behind a mirror creates enough light for shaving or applying make-up without any harsh beams spoiling the day.
Recess to spread the rays
Ordinary under-cupboard spotlights take on a magical glow in this pale wooden recess. As well as kindly lighting faces, they create a gilt strip that brings the neutral space to life.
Ordinary under-cupboard spotlights take on a magical glow in this pale wooden recess. As well as kindly lighting faces, they create a gilt strip that brings the neutral space to life.
Take it to the edge
The strip of lights running around this recessed ceiling would be an elegant option for any living room, as it casts an even, gentle light. Make sure you have it wired to a dimmer switch so you can set the mood – particularly if you’re planning to enjoy film nights.
TELL US...
Do you incorporate hidden lights in your home? Share your best tips in the Comments below.
The strip of lights running around this recessed ceiling would be an elegant option for any living room, as it casts an even, gentle light. Make sure you have it wired to a dimmer switch so you can set the mood – particularly if you’re planning to enjoy film nights.
TELL US...
Do you incorporate hidden lights in your home? Share your best tips in the Comments below.
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in bed room installed 2 strip light