Uplighting

Uplighting is a technique that directs illumination upward to wash ceilings, walls, or architectural features with light from below, creating drama, emphasizing height, and providing indirect ambient illumination. By bouncing light off upper surfaces, uplighting eliminates harsh glare while creating soft, diffused room lighting. This technique is particularly effective for highlighting architectural details like coffered ceilings, crown molding, or textured walls. Uplighting transforms the perception of space—rooms feel taller and more expansive when ceilings are illuminated rather than left in shadow. The technique works through various fixtures including torchieres, wall sconces with uplight components, cove lighting, and ground-mounted uplights. Plants particularly benefit from uplighting, which casts dramatic shadows on walls and ceilings while highlighting foliage from below in ways that mimic natural sunlight filtering through leaves.