Proper lighting elevates an entire interior design project by improving a room's functionality and appearance. A recent NKBA report that looks at the role of lighting in residential settings and how it increasingly benefits homeowners' evolving lifestyles, aesthetics, and well-being cites practical benefits to the health and well-being of the homeowner: strategic lighting can positively influence circadian rhythms and moods, for example, and help prevent falls and accidents.

The report also stated that interviewed designers reported that "lighting tends to be an overlooked and underutilized aspect of residential design, mostly because industry pros often lack knowledge about techniques and products." (June 26, 2024, "Long an Afterthought, Lighting is Taking Center Stage in K&B Designs," NKBA, https://nkba.org/)

While there are many elements to consider when designing a lighting strategy for a home, one element you may have yet to consider is how a wall surface can manipulate light.

The interplay of light and wall surfaces in interiors can transform ordinary spaces into spectacular ones. With their varied textures, colors, and patterns, tiled walls provide a unique canvas for creative lighting strategies that enhance the beauty and function of interior spaces.

Thoughtful lighting can emphasize the tactile quality, vibrant colors, and various finishes of the tiles, allowing them to command attention as focal points or subtly enhance the overall ambiance, depending on the desired aesthetic. Let's look at some of the ways wall tiles and light interact.

Grazing/Horizon Lighting and Wall Wash Lighting

Horizon lighting and wall wash lighting are common techniques for manipulating how light impacts tiled walls and can produce dramatically different results.

Grazing/Horizon Lighting

Wall grazing is a technique in which lights are positioned very close to the "horizon" of the tiled wall and ceiling. Consider a brick, ledger stone, or tiled wall with a rough finish where the emphasis is on texture and shadow. Grazing this surface with light means the light would strike the surface at a sharp angle. This angle draws the eye to the wall's texture, maximizing the tile and grout joints' varying texture, shadows, and depth. Wall grazing lighting accentuates textured, vertical surfaces by exaggerating their shadows. The play between light and shadow dramatizes the look of the wall.

Tiny metallic points leave a big impact against a matte surface to resemble capitonne (quilted or tufted) fabric. Horizon lighting on our Pixels ceramic wall tile emphasizes the quilted texture.

Play with the light and shadow with this three-dimensional wall tile collection. Collection Delta is an architectural vision in ceramic. 


Grazing lighting highlights the slate-like look and texture of our More porcelain tile collection.\

Texiture ceramic wall tile delivers elegant simplicity in an exciting conversation between pattern, texture, and color. 

Spindrift interlocking marble tiles combine the comfort and class of a flat mosaic with the eye-catching shapes and organic style of stone pebbles.

A Word of Caution About Horizon Lighting

(Note that maximizing shadow and texture with grazing or horizon lighting can produce a negative effect. In this case, baffling the light can help provide a softer, more uniform profile to the tiled wall.)

Wall Wash Lighting

Wall washing is a technique in which vertical, indirect lighting is placed at a wider distance (18' to 36") from the wall. Consider the wall has a painted or tiled surface with a very flat finish, emphasizing uniformity and smoothness. With wall washing, the light can fall on the wall equally and uniformly, providing a "washed" effect so that shadows and defects disappear. Wall washing can also be used to enhance the texture of dimensional surfaces, such as ledger stone walls.

Hustle wall tile's recycled glass mosaics create a stunning focal point when wall washed. 

Rustic II natural stone cladding features a jutting edge arranged in a linear pattern, which  The interlocking design can be installed in a diverse range of stacked arrangements.

The fluted tile trend is hot, and our Sweet Bars tile collection delivers with an array of candy-coated hues, and with the right lighting, will provide dimension, interest, and texture to spaces. 

Sustainably made with upcycled glass, each Vihara wall tile is handmade of twisted tones, textures and hues that come together as one singular mosaic. 

More Playing with Light

Icon Terracotta Tiles

Simple, light, and devoid of decoration, Icon terracotta tiles offer minimalist character in geometric perfection.

Sideview Glass Mosaics

Sideview glass mosaics' richly faceted metallics reflect eye-catching style from every angle — in polished or matte, as a stunning showpiece or sparkling accent.

 

Something New to Consider for Your Shower

Schluter recently launched an impressive new shower niche LED light kit. These niche light kits are available at all Studios locations.

 

Ready to Play with Light? 

The Crossville Studios tile pros at our 27 dedicated locations are here to assist you in exploring the latest tile trends and help you specify your tile projects with confidence. Connect with us today!