Archive for the ‘recessed lighting’ tag

Recessed Lighting – Reviewing the Basics   no comments

Posted at 4:09 pm in Home Lighting

A recessed light is one which is fixed into a hole in the ceiling or wall and creates the impression that light is bursting forth from a hole in the ceiling or wall depending on where it is installed. They are perfect for creating a cozy setting while providing either directed light in the way of a focused spotlight or a wide light washing over a large area.


Recessed lighting provides an unobtrusive source of light for several uses. It can provide task oriented lighting when directed over your computer desk, or the reading desk, or provide soft and well diffused source of light for the living room, and all the while remaining discreetly out of sight in the nooks and crannies of the house.


The purpose for which you are installing the light fixture is critical as it helps determine what kind of trim you need to purchase. The trim is the part of the fixture that determines the kind of light you shall get in the end. There are three main types:


· Eyeballs: these can help you get directed lighting and are generally used where you need to generate task oriented lighting.


· Reflectors: these are used to maximize the light output of your recessed lighting. This is used when your objective is to get as much light intensity as possible from your light fixture.


· Baffles: these are used when you want a soft diffused light from your fixture. It is ideal when the purpose is to get a general or ambient lighting.


Recessed lights can provide a good source of light while adding a lineal feel to the room. This is because they fit into the overall lay out of the room while still being able to give directed light for highlighting certain areas of the house such as art pieces.


There are several recessed lights for your use, but it is critical that you pick the right model for the job. Some are designed for easy installation during remodeling and you will only need to cut a hole into your ceiling, while others are best used when carrying out actual initial construction.


Here are some tips to consider when using recessed lighting, add these to your personal style and need and you can’t go wrong.


· Do not use too many recessed lights in a row down a room, it takes a lot out of the cozy feel you could have created.


· Use recessed lights near walls of a small room to create an illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is.


· Take time when placing task oriented lights, so that it does not end up casting a shadow over the intended work space.


· Install lights a few inches in front of the object you want to light up, this ensures that the light falls on the object and not few feet off it.


However, it must be said that recessed lighting is not ideal for every situation, for instance walls and ceilings with ornate finishing should not be drilled into to place a light fixture. Take time to consider your needs and the overall theme of the room and house before drilling into your ceiling.

Written by Philly Decorator on August 18th, 2010

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