Architectural Lighting
Light that defines your space
Light That Builds Character
Architectural lighting goes beyond illumination: it shapes how you perceive space, texture, and form. Our installations use coves, reveals, uplighting, and grazing techniques to emphasise your home's best architectural features. Whether highlighting a stone wall, creating floating ceilings, or washing oak panelling with warm LED strips, we design lighting that becomes part of the architecture itself.
Cove lighting is one of our signature techniques. Concealed LED strips in ceiling recesses create the illusion of a floating ceiling, adding height and drama to any room. We design coves with precise diffuser placement to eliminate LED spotting and ensure even, soft light. Dimmable and tunable white options allow you to shift from energising cool light during the day to warm, relaxing tones in the evening.
Uplighting and wall grazing add vertical drama. Ground-recessed fixtures wash walls with light that emphasises texture and height, making rooms feel larger and more impressive. For exterior facades, architectural uplighting transforms your property after dark, highlighting brickwork, stone, and architectural details while enhancing security. Every installation uses IP-rated weatherproof fixtures with professional cable management.
Architectural Techniques
Cove Lighting
Concealed LED strips that create the illusion of a floating ceiling with soft, diffused ambient light.
Uplighting
Ground-recessed fixtures that wash walls with dramatic vertical light, emphasising texture and height.
Wall Grazing
Light placed close to textured surfaces to emphasise every detail and create visual interest.
Spotlighting
Precision accent lights for artwork, sculptures, and focal points with adjustable beam angles.
Stair Lighting
LED strips and recessed markers for safety and visual impact on staircases.
Garden Lighting
Uplighting trees, washing walls, and illuminating water features for magical outdoor spaces.
Areas We Serve
Brands We Use
Architectural FAQs
What is architectural lighting?
Architectural lighting uses light to emphasise building features, textures, and spatial qualities. Techniques include cove lighting that creates floating ceilings, uplighting that washes walls with dramatic vertical light, grazing that highlights textured surfaces, and spotlighting that draws attention to artwork or focal points. Unlike general illumination, architectural lighting becomes part of the building design itself.
Which architectural lighting techniques do you specialise in?
We specialise in cove lighting with concealed LED strips, uplighting with ground-recessed fixtures, wall grazing for textured surfaces, and precision spotlighting for artwork. We also design stair lighting with LED strips and recessed markers, facade washing for exterior architecture, and garden uplighting for trees and water features. Every technique is selected based on the specific architectural elements in your property.
Can architectural lighting be installed in period properties?
Yes, and this is one of our most requested services. In Georgian and Victorian properties, we use slim LED strips concealed behind cornices, uplighting that highlights original plasterwork, and spotlighting that showcases period fireplaces and panelling. All installations respect original features: we avoid drilling into historic plaster, use existing voids and crevices for concealment, and select fixtures in antique brass or period-appropriate finishes.
What is the difference between cove lighting and uplighting?
Cove lighting conceals LED strips in recessed ceiling channels, creating the illusion of a floating ceiling with soft, diffused light. It is ideal for contemporary interiors with clean lines. Uplighting places fixtures at ground level, directing light upward to wash walls with dramatic vertical illumination. It emphasises texture and height, making rooms feel larger and more dramatic. Both techniques are often combined in the same scheme for layered effect.
Do you design exterior architectural lighting?
Yes, facade lighting is a significant part of our portfolio. We use ground-recessed uplights to wash exterior walls, linear grazers to highlight brick or stone texture, and subtle illumination for entrance canopies and porticos. All exterior fixtures are IP-rated for weather resistance, and we consider light pollution regulations for properties in sensitive areas. Exterior architectural lighting enhances curb appeal and security while showcasing your property after dark.
How much does architectural lighting cost?
Costs vary based on technique, scale, and control complexity. A single cove lighting installation might cost £1,500 to £3,000. A whole-home architectural scheme with multiple techniques and smart control typically ranges from £8,000 to £25,000. High-end installations with bespoke fixtures, custom metalwork, and Crestron or Lutron integration can exceed £50,000. We provide detailed quotations after assessing your specific requirements.
Which areas do you cover for architectural lighting?
We install architectural lighting throughout London and the Home Counties. In London we regularly work in Chelsea, Kensington, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge. In Hertfordshire we cover St Albans, Rickmansworth, and Harpenden. In Surrey we serve Weybridge, Cobham, and Guildford. We also travel to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Want Architectural Lighting?
Book a consultation. We will show you how light can transform your home's architecture.