Wall Washing vs. Wall Grazing

• Wall washing = fixture farther from the wall, wider beam → smooth, uniform brightness. Rooms feel calmer and often “bigger.”
• Wall grazing = fixture close to the wall, narrower beam → strong texture and dramatic shadows (great for brick, stone, wood).

One-line rule: Farther & wide = wash (even glow). Closer & narrow = graze (texture).

Indoor Wall Washing

These two numbers get most people 90% of the way there; then adjust to the product’s cut sheet.

1. How far from the wall (setback)? Start at about one-third of your room height.

   • 8-ft ceiling → ≈ 32 in (≈2.7 ft)
   • 9-ft ceiling → ≈ 36 in (3 ft)
   • 10-ft ceiling → ≈ 40 in (≈3.3 ft)

2. How far between fixtures (spacing)? Keep spacing ≈ setback. For uniformity, avoid going beyond ~1.3× the setback unless your cut sheet says you can.

3. What “right” looks like: The glow should start just below the ceiling line and look even to the floor—no bright top band, no scalloped stripes. If you see bands, back the fixtures off a bit and tighten spacing.

Room Recipes

• Living room art/TV wall: 9-ft ceiling → try ~3 ft off the wall and ~3 ft between fixtures; dim to taste.
• Hallway or gallery: keep the same ratio along the run for a continuous wash.
• Home-office backdrop: warm-neutral white (≈2700–3500 K) and even vertical light for a flattering on-camera look.

DECKTOK RGBWW Smart Corner Floor Lamp — place 6–12 in from a corner wall and aim upward to create a soft wash. Use warm white daily; switch to color scenes for ambience.

Outdoor Wall Washing: Patios, Garden Walls & Façades

• Start with distance, then adjust the aim. Try lights ~12–24 in from the wall, then tune angle: a bit closer and more parallel for grazing (texture), a bit farther and more direct for a smooth wash.
• Be a good neighbor. Use aiming/optics that limit glare and spill (keep light off windows and the sky).
• Use warm color at night. A color temperature of ≤ 3000 K is a comfortable, dark-sky-friendly choice.
• Weather rating matters. Choose outdoor-rated fixtures so rain and dust aren’t a problem (check the product page/cut sheet).

DECKTOK Smart Outdoor Spotlights — start ~12–24 in off the wall. For a wash, back off and soften the aim; for a graze, move closer and skim the surface.

Buying Checklist

• Confirm it’s a real “wall-wash” optic. The product page or cut sheet should say wall wash and ideally show vertical illuminance/spacing tables.
• Match your geometry. Start with one-third height and spacing ≈ setback; then follow the manufacturer’s table for your exact optic.
• Pick the right color. Indoors, 2700–4000 K with good color rendering is versatile. Outdoors, ≤ 3000 K is a safe, comfortable bet.
• Controls. Dimming indoors; scenes/timers/smart control outdoors for evenings and energy savings.

Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)

• Stripey or “scalloped” walls → Back fixtures farther from the wall and tighten spacing (aim for spacing ≈ setback; cap around ~1.3× unless your cut sheet allows more).
• Flat look on a textured wall → You actually want grazing: move the light closer and angle it to skim the surface.
• Harsh exterior glare / lighting the sky → Use warmer CCT (≤ 3000 K) and careful aiming to reduce uplight and spill.

FAQs

What is a wall washer light?

A purpose-built light that delivers uniform vertical illumination so the whole wall looks evenly bright—unlike grazing, which sits close to show texture and shadow.

How far from the wall should indoor wall washers be?

Start at about one-third of your room height (9-ft room → ~3 ft). Keep spacing ≈ that same distance, and try not to exceed ~1.3× unless the cut sheet permits it.

What’s the difference between wall washing and wall grazing?

Washing is farther & wide for a smooth, even glow. Grazing is close & narrow for texture and shadow. A simple cue: around 12 inches or less is typically a graze; farther than that is usually a wash.

Any outdoor “starter” numbers?

Try ~12–24 in from the wall and adjust the aim. Keep the color warm (≤ 3000 K) and be mindful of glare and spill for neighbors.