(Image credit: Zane Carter Architects)

What Are Artificial Light Wells?

Create the feeling of a skylight with a large LED can that dispels soft illumination.
LED light sources, discreetly hidden in strategic corners of the bathroom, can replicate the effect of natural light while in fact being purely artificial. These can range from ceiling to bathroom wall lighting integrations that work especially well in small bathrooms that are dark, under-lit, or lacking windows large enough to bring in sunlight.

“Artificial light wells are a game changer; they don’t just imitate daylight, they create atmosphere,” says Fontanella, founder and CEO of Argent Design. “When placed with intention, these illuminated voids can mimic the softness of a skylight or the glow of late-afternoon sun. We use tunable white LEDs that shift temperature throughout the day — from cool and energizing in the morning to warm and calming by evening. Beyond function, they add a sculptural element, like a slice of architectural light that lifts the ceiling and instantly elevates the mood of the space. The effect is almost cinematic: light as both design and feeling.” Sometimes concealed, sometimes set at the very center of the bathroom, these light wells can create the illusion of an outdoor opening, blurring the line between indoors and out.

In this project by Zane Carter Architects, an artificial skylight enhances this sense of openness. “The bathroom is lit through a combination of a skylight, which brings in natural daylight, and integrated LEDs that take over when the light drops,” explains Sam Alawie, director at Zane Carter Architects. “The interplay between the two creates a consistent, layered atmosphere throughout the day.”

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