The invention relates to a lighting system comprising a light area and a side wall around the light area defining a recess. The light area is located at a base of the recess and a light exit window is located downstream at a top of the recess opposite the light area. The side wall comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion located upstream of the first wall portion. A clear, transparent pane is provided in between the first and second wall portion, wherein (essentially the whole of) the second wall portion is screened by the first wall portion from a direct line of view through the light exit window.