What is the primary function of cove lighting?

Cove lighting primarily serves to highlight architectural features by creating a soft wash of light across surfaces, such as walls or ceilings. This indirect lighting method enhances the aesthetics of a space by accentuating interesting design elements or textures without being overly harsh or intrusive.

By directing light up towards the ceiling or into a recess, cove lighting adds depth and dimension to the environment. It creates a visually pleasing ambience that can help in softening the overall illumination of a room, contrasting elegantly with more direct lighting solutions. This effect can transform a space, making it feel larger and more inviting, while also showcasing the architectural details that might otherwise be overlooked.

In contrast, while options like providing direct lighting over workspaces or serving as the main source of illumination are important aspects of certain types of lighting design, they do not align with the subtle and indirect purpose of cove lighting. Similarly, while colored lighting effects can be achieved in various lighting designs, they are not the primary purpose of cove lighting, which focuses more on indirect and decorative illumination.