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Structures – choose by your constraint
All indirect lighting structures compared: space required, building work, retrofit suitability and light quality.
Constraint first
What is limiting you?
Low ceiling
Limited loss of ceiling height, or a retrofit with little space. A standalone wall profile takes 17 mm; plaster-in profiles take less but need a structure.
Retrofit
Finished room, no demolition. Surface-mounted profiles need 17-29 mm and no plasterboard work.
Light cove
New build or renovation. A plasterboard bulkhead at the edge of the ceiling. Full dimensions, installation steps and construction detail.
All structures compared
| Structure | Min. space | Building work | Retrofit | Light quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside a bulkhead / plaster-in | 9-14 mm | Tape or filler | Yes | Accent |
| Z-profile / wall profile | 17-29 mm | Screw fixing | Yes | Good |
| Light moulding / small box | 50-80 mm | Carpentry | Yes | Good |
| Light cove | 50-250 mm | Plasterboard work | No | Excellent |
| Bulkhead (edges) | 150-300 mm | Framing + plasterboard | No | Excellent |
| Dropped ceiling (whole room) | 200-350 mm | Framing + plasterboard | No | Excellent |
Frequently asked questions
Which indirect lighting structure should I choose?
The choice starts from the constraint, not from preference. Is a renovation under way or is the room finished? How much ceiling height is available? A finished room only suits a surface-mounted profile or a light moulding.
How much ceiling height does indirect lighting take?
At minimum 12 mm with the slimmest surface-mounted profile. A plasterboard bulkhead takes 50-61 mm and a dropped ceiling 100-200 mm. The slimmest plaster-in solution leaves the light surface 7.5 mm from the finished ceiling.
Can indirect lighting be added afterwards?
Yes. A surface-mounted profile is screwed onto a finished wall or ceiling and needs no building work. The slimmest retrofit profile is 18 mm. Plaster-in solutions require plasterboarding.
What is the difference between a light cove and a dropped ceiling?
A light cove is a box built at the wall-ceiling junction that lights the ceiling; a dropped ceiling lowers the whole ceiling so that a light slot is left at the edges. A dropped ceiling takes more height but gives a more unified result.
Does indirect lighting need planning permission?
No. Interior lighting and dropped ceilings do not need a permit. Electrical work requires a qualified installer but no permit.