Wall Washer lights

Wall Washing vs Wall Grazing

Two similar but distinct techniques use different mounting distances to create different effects.

• Wall washing: The fitting is positioned 600mm-900mm from the wall, with the beam spread at a wide angle (40-60 degrees). The result is even, consistent light across the wall surface. Ideal for painted or plaster walls and for artwork in a row where uniform light level across all pieces is the goal.
• Wall grazing: The fitting is positioned 150-300mm from the wall, with a narrow beam angle (15-25 degrees). The light rakes across the surface at a sharp angle, revealing texture. Ideal for exposed brick, stone, rough plaster, and textured panels.

Mounting Options for Wall Washer Lights

• Surface-mounted wall washers: Fixed to the ceiling surface on a backplate. No ceiling void required. Most common for retrofit installations.
• Recessed wall washers: Mounted inside a ceiling hole with an adjustable head. Requires ceiling void. See recessed spotlights for GU10 adjustable-head downlights that can serve a wall-washing function.
• Track-mounted wall washers: Wall washer heads mounted on a ceiling track. Allows repositioning of each head along the track length. Useful for galleries and rooms where artwork positions may change.

Beam Angles and Coverage for Wall Washer Lights

LED output and beam angle determine how much wall surface each fitting covers.

• 25 degree beam, fitting at 900mm from wall: covers approximately 500mm x 500mm wall area
• 40 degree beam, fitting at 900mm from wall: covers approximately 800mm x 800mm wall area
• 40 degree beam, fitting at 1,500mm from wall: covers approximately 1,200mm x 1,200mm wall area

For a 3m-wide feature wall, three wall washer fittings spaced evenly at 1m intervals at ceiling level gives overlapping coverage and no dark zones.

Related Collections

Indoor wall lights is the full wall light category. Picture lights covers arm-mounted fittings for individual artworks. Recessed spotlights provides adjustable-head downlights that can perform a wall-washing function. For decorative ambient wall fittings, see decorative wall lights.