Direct lighting refers to a lighting setup in which the majority of the light travels directly from the source to the area being illuminated.  Direct lighting is best for focusing light on work surfaces, tables, or countertops, and it is usually used in environments such as work offices, gyms, and warehouses.

Indirect lighting refers to lighting achieved by directing light emitted from a light fixture toward a wall or ceiling, rather than directly toward the area to be lit.  Reflected or diffused light created by indirect lighting is often used to avoid glare or shadows created by direct lighting.  Sunlite’s thin-profile linear fixtures are excellent for creating indirect lighting.