Inspiration01Classic peripheral cove
An LED strip in a border around the room washes the ceiling with light.
Cove lighting: what it is and 11 ideas for your home
Soft, hidden light that glows from a ceiling recess. Here's how cove lighting works and where to use it.
InspirationCove lighting is light hidden inside a ledge, recess or groove, usually in a false ceiling, that bounces softly off the ceiling or wall. You see the glow, not the bulb. That indirect light feels warm and relaxing and makes ceilings look higher.
Here's what cove lighting means in practice, followed by 11 cove light ceiling ideas.
Inspiration02Cove over the bed
A floating panel above the bed with cove lights creates a calm halo.
03Wall cove
A cove on the wall throws light down a textured or panelled wall.
04Two-level cove
Coves in two ceiling levels add depth to large halls.
05Kitchen cove
A cove above the wall cabinets adds a soft glow to the kitchen.
06Curved cove
Curved coves follow soft ceiling shapes for a flowing effect.
07Cove behind TV panel
A cove around the TV wall panel reduces eye strain in dark rooms.
08Mandir cove
Warm cove light above the mandir makes idols glow.
09Colour-changing cove
RGB strips let you change colours for festivals or parties. Keep warm white for daily use.
10Staircase cove
Coves along stair walls light the steps safely.
11Cove in a dining recess
A cove around a dining-table recess highlights the eating area.
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How to plan a cove false ceiling
- Depth and gap: the cove needs space for the strip and a clear gap for light to spill out, usually 4–6 inches.
- Colour temperature: 2700–3000K warm white for homes; avoid cool white in bedrooms.
- Brightness: cove light is ambient; add downlights for tasks.
- Avoid hotspots: use good-quality strips with close-spaced LEDs so you don't see dots on the ceiling.
- Drivers: place drivers where they can be reached for repair.
Materials and rough cost factors
- LED strip quality and brightness per metre.
- Running feet of cove.
- Drivers and dimmers.
- Ceiling work to create the cove.
- RGB or tunable white strips cost more.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is cove lighting?
Light hidden in a ledge or recess, usually in the ceiling, that bounces off surfaces to create a soft, indirect glow.
Is cove lighting enough to light a room?
Usually not on its own. It's ambient light; add downlights or a main fitting for tasks.
Which colour is best for cove lights?
Warm white (2700–3000K) for living rooms and bedrooms. Neutral white works in kitchens.
Does cove lighting use a lot of electricity?
No. LED strips are energy-efficient and use far less power than old tube lights.
More false ceiling & pop ideas
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