Tips & Techniques

FLOOR WASHING

Floor Washing

Floor washing is an effect which, as the name suggests, skims light across a floor or steps to illuminate the floor.

1. SKIM LIGHT ACROSS FLOORS

In kitchens, corridors or bathrooms, floor washing adds an extra layer of light at low level.  It skims lights across the floor both showing off the floor covering and guiding you through the space.   If linked to a presence detector (PIR), they can be set to operate automatically upon detection of movement ideal for corridors or bathrooms.

a long corridor with lights washing light across the floor creating patterns
2. INCREASE FEELING OF SPACE

Adding low level lighting on a staircase is the perfect alternative to positioning downlights in a sloping ceiling above or into inaccessible locations. They will also take up far less room than a decorative wall light so if the staircase is narrow this can be a benefit. Can be particularly useful on basement stairs with little or no natural light.

sweeping staircase with lights down to under lit seating area
3. LINEAR LIGHT EFFECT

With contemporary open staircases, adding linear lighting underneath each tread provides a striking effect.  Careful details are required to make this work.

penthouse entrance hall and stairs with cool lighting
4. ILLUMINATION FOR SAFETY

Exterior pathways and steps can be illuminated using wall or floor recessed lighting. This can be an important safety feature but also as a visual effect to draw the eye between different tiers of the garden and to bring focus to beautiful stone paving.

Exterior steps 1655
5. POSITIONING

There are two main effects which can be achieved. One option is to highlight the texture of the floor finish using a light that skims across. This should be set very low in the wall or into the floor itself. The second option is to position the light higher on the wall which will achieve a softer, wider lighting effect.

Large open plan kitchen with long dining table and view to pool beyond
6. GET THE LOOK

For a skimming effect use the Lucca 30 Steplight or Guida. For a softer wash use the Cazalla or Lecco. Most of the lights can be used either inside or outside.

low level lighting in kick plinth of kitchen washing light over the floor