Also referred to as pot lighting or can lighting, recessed lighting is typically mounted in the ceiling rather than surface mounted on the wall or celling.
Have a Plan and Be Informed
A lighting plan is a very important factor to consider when home building, remodeling, or renovating. Lighting sets the mood and affects your surroundings, so consider the environment you will plan to use with recessed lighting. Will it be task, accent or decorative or a combination of all three? Not only is functionality import, esthetics obviously are as well – sometimes even more so. Explore your options and be sure to consult with a certified electrical contractor or lighting designer to know what is feasible and what may not be when taking on a new home project. Having a basic understanding about the proper lighting you aim for will give you the confidence that you are making the right decision. You will no longer be in the dark about what is best for you and your home.
NOW WHAT
Prior to Choosing
Location, Location, Location
Don’t Veer Too Far from the Wall. When lights are located at a great distance from the wall where the beam angle may not meet the wall, it can give a darker, cave-like appearance due to darker walls. Having a wall-wash effect from recessed lights, brightens a room by properly lighting the wall space.
Too Much of a Good Thing
To avoid a room feeling too sterile or stark, make sure you have layers of lighting beside just having recessed lights. Recessed lights do provide ample effective and efficient light; however, adding other lighting sources, such as floor or table lamps, is a wise from both a design and practicality choice.
No, Those Aren’t Bags Under Your Eyes
It’s just poor lighting perhaps. Recessed downlights naturally focus their beam of light downward; thereby causing undesirable facial shadows when placed above a bathroom sink and mirror area. This is especially the case if it is the only light source in the space. Having bathroom lighting that casts light from the side of the mirror and works with the recessed downlights, will balance things out, minimizing shadowing, and you will look much better and brighter!
‘Saturday Night Fever’
Be aware of the distance between ceiling fans and light fixtures. For these types of issues, your professional electrician is the hero here. Unless you’re a huge fan of the 70s, the ceiling fan and lights should be carefully considered. Ceiling fans hung too low or too close to the beam angle of can lights may cause a strobe effect as the blades rotate causing an on and off shadow.
Not to be Confused
Simply because one lighting fixture may be bigger than another – let’s say an 8-inch can vs. a 6-inch can – doesn’t mean it provides more light or is brighter. The amount of light is dictated by the lamp, the light source, and a said type of lamp will suit different light fixture sizes.
An Important Role
Bulbs play an important role. The bulb/lamp that’s used in recessed lighting has a significant role in the brightness, quality of light, angle of the beam, and the efficiency of the fixture. Deciding on the initial lighting fixture is only a part of the process – choosing the correct bulb/lamp to accommodate your lighting needs is the other half. Consult with your electrician or lighting designer with help on deciding the right lamp and fixture combination.
Best Laid Plans
A drawing, sketch, or blueprint of your actual ceiling showing the proposed layout of recessed fixtures is key to be able to visualize things in their proper place. Prior to actually going forward with the plan and cutting the holes, marking the fixture locations on the celling will be super helpful and ensure design and placement is done to your satisfaction.
Thinking about recessed lighting for your new home or renovation in Frederick, MD? O’Grady Companies has the experience and the skills to make your space beautiful and inviting! Let our licensed electrical contractors walk you through the process and give you great ideas to make the most of your vision and budget. Call for a consultation and estimate today!
