Sure, it’s inefficient. But it’s more cozy. Also, those lights are usually dimmable, giving the halogen lights an even warmer colour temperature. Together with the indirect light, they were great for bedrooms or living rooms, when you don’t want or don’t need harsh ceiling light. Of course, no one would use them, when they’re trying to work on something or read or something like that. Home lighting isn’t always about the most efficient way to light a room.
I for example still prefer indirect light in my living room, most of the time. Sure, it’s LED by now, but it’s still way nicer to let the light bounce off the wall while I’m just chilling. And if I actually need more light, the ceiling lamp still exists…
Or how would you propose to create a cozy, soft and comfortable lighting atmosphere?