Effect is the way light behaves in the environment and the sensations it conveys.When combined with each other, they guarantee a project refinement (Photo: Disclosure / Lufe Gomes)Direct, indirect, diffused, uplight, downlight and wallwasher light.There are countless lighting effects, but do you know how and where to use each one?There are so many names that people are even scared and always end up opting for the basics.However, when you understand this part of the world of light, you can make your home even more functional and elegant.Before starting the subject, it is important that you know that the effect is not related to the type of lamp, but how you use the light and how it behaves in the environment and the perception it brings.For these reasons we should not specify an effect by lamp.It is necessary, in advance, to make an evaluation of the project to understand what each environment needs and see what type of lighting meets the activities that will be carried out in this space.Think light is information!All the elements, surfaces and/or objects that we illuminate will be visibly understood as the most important in the space.In a practical way, you need to look at the project and see which elements you want to highlight: a painting, a piece of furniture or a covering?So, light up!There are different types of lighting that we can use when applying light, providing comfort, creating effects and scenes.Direct light was used in this space signed by Paula Forest to illuminate the passage and also highlight the closet (Photo: Disclosure / Felipe Abe)Direct light is used when we want to highlight something or when we need more light at a certain point, such as coating, sculptures, paintings, etc.I do not recommend using this light effect in places of permanence, such as sofas and armchairs, as it is extremely uncomfortable and ends up generating glare.Usually, you find this effect in recessed or overlapping spots, with a well-closed beam of light, but we can also achieve the same result with other lighting fixtures – wall sconces, floor lamp and table.The big flaw here is to use direct light only with spots and not explore the possibilities that the world of lighting provides.In the project by architect Paula Foresti above, for example, the direct light effect was obtained with a clip-on lamp, positioned in the resident's closet.This lighting creates the effect of light and shadow that I talk about so much and is so important to bring refinement to the project.The downlight and uplight effect are variations of direct light and serve to highlight.In this project, signed by Patricia Pasquini, the spots were positioned to bring a light from the top down, highlighting the paintings.(Photo: Publicity / Rafael Renzo)As the name suggests, downlight is a downlight effect and uplight is the effect created by lighting “from the bottom up”.They are the variations of direct light, as I mentioned above.To obtain this downlight effect, it is necessary to use recessed or superimposed luminaires with a well-marked focus, directing the light beam in a punctual way.It is important to always pay attention to the opening angle.In the uplight, a plane is needed, such as a wall or vegetation, so that the beam of light does not get lost in the space.In this environment signed by Duda Senna, we can see the power of indirect light, which, when used correctly, enhances and brings general light to the environment (Photo: Disclosure / Mariana Orsi)Unlike the first effect, indirect light needs some plane for reflection, such as a ceiling or wall.This one, honestly, is my favorite, as it is softer and more comfortable.Anyone who thinks that this type of lighting is just for the bedroom is wrong.She looks great in any environment.I usually use it as general ambient light, as it has homogeneous lighting and does not reach the eyes, being extremely comfortable, not generating glare.In the project above, made in partnership with Duda Senna, I specified an indirect light pendant for the living room.We move to the right, giving a feeling of spaciousness to the space and ensuring cozy lighting.The kitchen, designed by Patricia Pasquini, asked for a diffused and cozy light for the environment.This effect was only possible because of the diffuser acrylic, already existing in the piece (Photo: Disclosure / Rafael Renzo )The kitchen in the photo above, signed by Patricia Pasquini, required a diffused and cozy light for the environment.This effect was only possible due to the acrylic diffuser already in the piece.The diffused light effect requires a diffuser, acrylic or milky glass, or even a fabric dome, to distribute it evenly.Normally, it is used for general ambient lighting and its application is very versatile.It is interesting to combine with another type of effect, with direct light, for example.Therefore, we create scenes and distribute circuits to bring lighting possibilities and different sensations.Wallwasher is the effect created with inlays or lamps with asymmetrical angles to direct the light.They can create punctual or continuous effects, ideal for "washing the wall" and highlighting that coating, facades or even paintings.Despite having mentioned some environments where you can apply the effects, I don't believe that there are ready-made rules and formulas.Everything has to meet the project, style and needs of the resident and his intention with that lighting.The ideal is that the effects are combined with each other to make the place more interesting and refined.Columnist Nicole Gomes (Photo: Publicity | Art: Casa e Jardim)