Indirect lighting is where light from luminaires is directed exclusively onto a ceiling or walls and reflected back into the room. Lamps are screened from view and light emission above eye level prevents glare.

Indirect lighting is generally used in combination with direct lighting. Used on its own, it can create a diffuse atmosphere with pale shadows. Where indirect lighting is used, ceiling and walls should be light-coloured for high reflectance; in dark rooms, indirect lighting would require high-wattage lamps, which would result in high energy consumption.