LED
Cove
Lighting

Cove Lighting FAQ

• What type of fixtures can I use for cove lighting?

  The type of fixture used in cove lighting are variations of LED strip lighting which can be found in our linear recessed or linear surface lighting categories.

  What is the best way to install cove lights?

  Cove lights may be recessed or mounted on a surface depending on the depth of the soffit. A general contractor can facilitate the collaboration between a framer and drywall installer to create a cove or floating ceiling where cove lights can then be installed. Hire a professional electrician to ensure fixtures are installed correctly and safely. It may also be beneficial to consult the electrician prior to ordering lights to ensure you have the correct specifications.

  What light color should I use for cove lighting?

  The correct Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) for cove lights will depend on the function of the space and atmosphere you wish to create. Warm white lights (2700K to 3000K) are traditionally used in residential and hospitality spaces. Cool white (3500K to 5000K) lights are used in commercial spaces, such as offices, lobbies and salons. RGBW also allows the use of an array of colors in addition to warm and cool white.

• What is the difference between wall wash and wall grazer?

  The difference between wall wash lighting and wall grazer lighting is the distance of the lights from the wall and the effect it creates. Wall wash lighting is created by mounting lights on the ceiling so that the beam of light falls on the wall at a wide angle. The result is a uniform, even wash of light across the wall. By contrast, wall grazer lighting is created by mounting lights closer to the wall, so that the beam of light skims the surface of the wall. This results in a more dramatic effect, highlighting the texture and depth of the wall.

  What fixture options do I have for cove lights?

  There are four mounting options for cove lighting:

  • Wall wash lighting is mounted on the ceiling near where the ceiling and wall meet to provide a even wash of light along the wall. Alcon Lighting’s 4-Inch Perimeter Recessed Cove Light is an example of a wall wash cove fixture.
  • Wall grazer lighting is mounted on the ceiling closer to the wall, accenting special materials or textures on the wall for a more dramatic effect, as seen with Alcon Lighting’s Wall Grazer Linear LED Light.
  • Cove light bars afford indirect uplighting. An LED Cove Light Bar is mounted inside a cove architectural feature, hiding the fixture while highlighting architectural features.
  • Knife-edge cove lights are used with floating ceilings. A Knife-Edge Cove LED Light is mounted on the upper surface of a floating ceiling, directing light up at the ceiling then reflecting down.
  How many lumens do I need for cove lighting?

  The amount of lumens needed for cove lighting will depend on the size of the room and other lights used in the space. You can use Alcon Lighting’s lumens calculator to determine the total lumens needed for a space, based on room type, size, wall color and light placement.