Common Types of Commercial Lighting Spread 
We are often asked about types of light spread and how it affects the installation environment. 

Direct
Direct Light is where a light fixture points straight down towards a desk or floor and the light travels in a straight line to the surface we are lighting.

Indirect 
This provides a much "softer" working environment compared to direct light and usually means the project is using a suspended fitting which then reflect light off the ceiling and onto the desk/floor which provides higher uniformity.

Direct-Indirect
Most commonly this will be from a suspended light fixture and offer a popular hybrid as Direct light is more energy efficient and indirect improves uniformity (providing a "softer" environment), reflecting light off a ceiling is less efficient than Direct as there is light-loss from the ceiling offering improved uniformity of light compared to direct and increased energy efficiency compare to indirect light only. 

Diffuse (Omni-Directional)
This is where a suspended light will output light in a 360° sphere of light which provides light evenly in all directions (towards ceiling, wall, floor or desk. 

See graphic below:

These may be the most common types of fitting light spread for most applications but there are less common ones too, for more types of light spread, or if you have any questions, then please get in touch!