- Textured walls look three-dimensional if light is directed across the surface deliberately.
- Wallwashing is suitable for smooth surfaces; grazing light accentuates reliefs and textures more effectively.
- Warm white light (2700–3000 K) is most pleasant in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Effective interior lighting works in layers: general lighting, accent lighting and targeted wall lighting.
- The Hotel Austria illustrates how textures, curtains and lighting combine to create a harmonious overall appearance.
Why structures quickly look flat without good lighting
A textured wall – whether it features relief plaster, embossed wallpaper, wood panelling or natural stone – really comes to life thanks to light and shade. If light hits the surface vertically and evenly, subtle differences in height disappear. The surface then looks smooth, almost plain – despite its elaborate finish.
The eye can't really make out depth and texture unless light hits the surface at a certain angle. This causes small shadow lines along the raised parts. It's these shadows that make the relief visible.
So, if you're investing a lot of money in high-quality wall coverings or wallpaper, you should give just as much thought to the lighting. The two go hand in hand.
Light determines
whether a textured wall
unfolds its full potential
– or not.
Key Facts
So, what is wallwashing?
Wallwashing involves illuminating a wall as evenly as possible from top to bottom. Spotlights create a uniform lighting pattern without any visible breaks. The result is bright, welcoming and visually expands the space. Any unevenness or texture is softened to the eye.
Wallwashing is particularly suitable for smooth and plain walls or, for example, if you want to evenly illuminate a gallery wall without overshadowing any pictures.
What is grazing light?
Grazing light hits the wall at a flat angle, often less than 30 degrees. This so-called grazing light emphasises uneven surfaces, reliefs and material textures as much as possible.
Every raised spot casts a small shadow, and every dip appears darker. The result is dramatic, highlights texture and creates a distinct sense of depth.
Rule of thumb:
use wallwashing for smooth surfaces and galleries,
and grazing light for textured walls, natural materials and embossed wallpapers.
Which lighting fixtures work well at your home
Not every light fitting is equally suitable for highlighting textured walls. These types have proven effective in everyday use:
1. Recessed spotlight / Ceiling spotlight
Ceiling spotlights positioned close to the wall and fitted with swivel heads are the most versatile option. If you place the spotlight close to the wall (around 30–40 cm away) and angle it slightly, you can create a strip of light. The spotlight should be dimmable and fitted with LEDs to minimise any heat build-up.
2. Floor-to-Ceiling
Floor lamps with an upward-facing beam, placed directly in front of the wall, create an indirect, grazing light effect from below. They are particularly effective in corners and next to bookshelves.
3. Wall lights with directional light
Wall lights directing the light upwards or downwards are particularly suitable for hallways and bedrooms. They create a warm, inviting atmosphere and highlight the wall surface.
4. LED strip light (indirect)
When installed in nooks, behind curtains or in built-in shelves, an LED strip can create a soft, even highlight on the wall structure. This is particularly effective when combined with wallpaper in a linen or concrete finish.
The most common mistakes on structured walls
Following countless projects we have identified time and again the following mistakes:
1. Light positioned in the centre
A ceiling light positioned exactly in the centre of the room illuminates the walls evenly, thus preventing any shadows on the wall. Also, spotlights should be positioned close to the walls.
2. Colour temperature too high
Cool white light (over 4000 K) makes warm wall colours and natural materials look washed out. For living rooms and bedrooms, 2700–3000 K is ideal.
3. Lack of dimmability
Textured walls look different depending on the time of day. Dimmable lights allow for flexible adjustment to the time of day and mood.
4. Just one light source
A single ceiling light is not enough for a great lighting concept. General lighting, accent lighting and wall lighting should be combined.
5. Light fitting too far from the wall
The greater the distance between the light fitting and the wall, the less of a shadow effect you get. For textured walls, the rule is: the closer, the better.
Tips for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways
The Living room
with a lighting concept
A textured accent wall behind the sofa or the fireplace looks even better when it is highlighted with specific lighting.
We recommend: two spotlights mounted close to the wall, spaced about 80–100 cm apart, which illuminate the surface from above. Combined with indirect lighting from behind the sofa, this creates a sense of depth and warmth.
The Bedroom
A place of comfort
Wandleuchten neben dem Bett, die das Licht nach oben oder seitlich lenken, erzeugen eine entspannte Atmosphäre.
Eine strukturierte Wand hinter dem Bett – ob Tapete, Holzpaneel oder verputzte Fläche – wirkt besonders gut, wenn sie von unten mit einem Bodenstrahler oder Wandfluter in Szene gesetzt wird.
Hallway and entrance
Where functionality matters
Often, hallways are narrow and dark. Wall lighting with upward and downward-facing light visually separates the space and expands it visually.
Textured wallpaper or natural stone plaster in the entrance area looks particularly good with spotlights mounted sideways, illuminating the surface from the side.
CASE STUDY
Hotel Austria
Whats obvious here ist that textures, curtains and lighting are perfectly matched. The wallpaper has a striking texture, which works especially well in combination with light and various materials. Curtains made from fabrics of differing transparency create a warm and inviting atmosphere when lit from behind.
The lighting fixtures are understated, but not arbitrary. They highlight the surfaces, rather than themselves. This principle applies to every living space: the light enhances the room; lighting fixtures as standalone design elements are a completely different concept.
Good lighting design
doesn’t draw attention to itself.
It just makes everything
else more visible.
Textured walls need lighting to accentuate their qualities.
Wallwashing is ideal for smooth surfaces, whilst grazing lighting works best for surfaces with texture and depth.
Warm light, dimmable sources and a carefully considered layering of basic, accent and wall lighting make the difference between a room that looks good and one that truly makes an impact.
If you plan to accentuate walls in your home, you should draw up the lighting concept parallel to the actual wall design . Ideally, this should happen simultaneously.
Sounds exciting?
Get in touch with us!
Whether you’re planning to revamp your home, build a house, or give your hotel a fresh new look – in rooms, suites, the spa, restaurants or the lounge –
we’ve got the ideas, expertise and proven project management skills, and we’re always ready to listen to your ideas and concerns.
Case studies
Inspiration from real life
Lighting concepts are best understood in the context of actual room designs.
The following projects illustrate how textured walls and targeted lighting work together in the real world – from private homes to hotel interiors. Each example might be a potential Kick-off for your own design.
PRIVATE LIVING PURE FORM
A private residential project, planned, designed and supervised by the home INTERIOR interior design team: living in Tyrol with international flair. ✈
MOOSHOF****S, Bodenmais (D)
Collaboration on the redesign of the lobby area, lounge, rooms and suites: featuring striking wallpapers, fabrics, lighting, furniture and materials. ☀
DAS LIEBENER****S, Obergurgl
Fresh new design with contemporary elements that bring the interior of this mountain hotel up to date. Refined, elegant, classy.
Images: Adobe Stock, home INTERIOR