Coves fit well in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings and above kitchen cabinets. For best results the top of a cove should be at least 18 inches from the ceiling and its base at least 6 feet 8 inches from the floor. In kitchens, install the cove right atop the cabinet, although the clearance often will be only 12 inches. Kitchen with cove luminaire above the cabinets with a valance luminaire over the sink and under cabinet lighting Baffles, Louvers, and Diffusers Architectural luminaires can often be left open above and below the shielding board. Baffles, louvers, and diffusers can eliminate most direct views of the lamps from normal viewing positions and landings overlooking the room.
Baffles are parallel blades that come in different sizes, finishes, and blade heights, and spacings.
Baffles are manufactured 6 inches to 10 inches wide and 4 feet long. Polystyrene yellows, so acrylic and painted metal make better louvers. Louvers are finished in white, silver, and gold. Diffusers completely eliminate all views of the lamp, but they reduce the light output from the luminaires more than louvers and baffles do. Builders cut diffusers from acrylic, K-12 prismatic lenses.