Pros and Cons of Getting Cove Lighting for Your Ceiling

Technological advancements and creativity in application have created many modern lighting techniques. Cove lighting ceilings are one of the latest trends that has drawn much attention from building owners everywhere, and rightly so, with how alluring rooms can look and feel. However, there are also several cons to getting this kind of system. 

What Is Cove Lighting?

Cove lighting is an indirect lighting method that some people build into the recesses toward the ceiling. It’s meant to give this illusion of soft and hidden light, which many people are attracted to when seeking decorative ceilings. 

Most people will likely see cove lighting in residential spaces, but commercial establishments also like to integrate it into their building designs. The intrigue mainly comes from the elegant yet versatile look and illumination that it creates.  

Perks of Cove Lighting for Your Ceiling

Cove lighting ceilings can set the scene for your space and enhance its overall appearance in a variety of ways. Here are a couple of points to keep in mind:

1. Suits Large Rooms

Cove lighting has a special way of accentuating the architecture of a large space. This illumination style really shines on the bigger and deeper ledges. It can also be customized to the shape and style of your ceiling. 

Coves can offer general lighting in rooms of at least 100 square meters with the current LED technology available. The corners may be slightly diffused depending on the installation, but it otherwise provides an even dispersal of light.

2. Creates the Illusion of Height

If you want to make your room look a little taller, cove lighting is a great option. People usually just paint the walls a certain color while leaving the ceiling white—such a contrast draws attention and makes the room look taller in their homes. 

Adding cove lighting can create the same effect as it directs light upward, which builds a contrast between the darker part of your ceilings. This visual illusion of openness is especially suitable in rooms that actually have lower ceilings.

3. Minimizes Glare

Bright light bulbs can have their perks, but they tend to produce too much glare. It can be quite annoying to deal with on a daily basis, and that visual discomfort can be way too much for people with more sensitive eyes.

Cove lighting is a great way to reduce that unpleasant glare, as it indirectly illuminates the space. The right installation can even fully eliminate it from the room.  

4. Creates a Relaxing Space

Cove lighting’s main appeal lies in how relaxing it makes the space, as the light is much softer compared to other lighting systems. Some installers even offer the option of adjusting the dimness to further improve the room’s soothing ambience. 

If you want to improve the cove lighting ceiling’s effectiveness, consider choosing more calming color combinations. White color and warm lights or blue color with cool lights are favorable for improving people’s mood and visual comfort. 

5. Minimizes Visible Lighting Fixtures

Ceilings with cove lighting can look rather high-end, as they reduce the need for other lighting fixtures to be added if you just need general lighting. You can also eliminate the look of wires and other necessities, resulting in a more flawless-looking setup.

Plus, you can take advantage of the available space and elevate your interior design. Add more relaxing elements and decor like potted plants or pillows.

Downsides of Investing in Cove Lighting

As beneficial as cove lighting ceilings are, they still come with several drawbacks that you have to consider prior to getting them installed. Here are several things to consider.

1. Involves a Relatively Complex Design

Cove lighting is more than just screwing in a light bulb in an available slot. It’s a very intentional system that will require ceiling recesses and careful planning. Specialized lighting, like LED strips, is also needed to achieve that diffused light. 

If a ceiling is standard and flat, alterations such as extra recesses must be made to create that cove lighting effect. The combination of careful planning and a longer installation time will be extended even more for custom-built designs. 

2. Can Be Challenging to Clean

Cove lighting set-ups can accumulate a lot of dust, as they create several nooks for dirt to reside. It’s recommended that the ceilings be cleaned at least every three months or so to ensure that the space is pristine and the air quality is good.

Cleaning these nooks and crannies may require more unique vacuum attachments that can reach into them. Getting on top of a ladder and using a microfiber cloth should also work wonders. Just remember to keep the lights off during these tidying sessions. 

3. Disadvantageous for Tasks

Softer illumination is the opposite of task lighting, which can make it difficult to read, cook or do other things that require a high level of visibility. You would have to squint to truly concentrate on your duties, which can cause its own form of discomfort in the long run. 

Another option is to add supplementary lighting that would help you fulfill those tasks. However, these can take up the extra space that would have been used to spruce up your interior design. 

4. May Hinder Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is key for all buildings, and cove lighting ceilings should help you achieve this goal, especially if you dim it and minimize the amount of power used. However, it would require high-quality lighting options like LED systems. If you were to use low-quality materials for a high-performing installation like this, it could indirectly worsen your overall energy efficiency. 

So Should You Get Cove Lighting for Your Ceiling?

Cove lighting is inherently beautiful, but it’s key to contemplate whether it suits your room. Many gravitate toward using it in more relaxing spaces, such as the living room, meditation area, welcome lobby, and the like. If you want an easy-to-clean and fully functional lighting setup, you may have to seek other lighting options instead. 

See the Light About Cove Lighting

Cove lighting ceilings can be quite advantageous for those who want a more ambient space. However, it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons presented and thinking about your priorities is vital. That way, you can end up with a lighting system you’ll cherish.