Recessed Lighting Tips

Recessed lighting can truly add an interesting dimension to your home or office space. But there are some things you need to keep in mind when planning and implementing the installation of recessed lights.

General guidelines

One recessed light will approximately illuminate an area of the floor space that is equal to the height of the ceiling where the recessed light is installed.

Ceilings that are sloped up to 8 to 12 pitch would benefit from using an eyeball trim that will help to direct the light straight downward.

When installing a recessed light in order to illuminate a specific area such as mantle or fireplace, the distance that the light should be installed from the wall should be approximately 60 percent of the distance of the ceiling from the object. In other words, if the top of the fireplace mantle is 5 feet from the ceiling, the light should be installed about 3 feet from where the wall meets the ceiling.

When illuminating an entire room with recessed lights, a spacing of about 6 to 8 feet between lights should adequately illuminate the room. A farther spacing of 12 to 14 feet will provide a softer light to the room.

Recessed lights installed closer to walls add more reflection and make the room seem brighter. Lights installed farther from walls make the corners seem darker and create the illusion of a lower ceiling. Installing recessed light approximately 3 feet away from walls is a good place to start.

Task lighting in kitchens should be installed in the center of the islands. Counters positioned directly under cabinets should have recessed lights centered over the edge of the counter tops. The spacing should be about 3 to 4 feet for adequate illumination.

Different trims will likely have different maximum wattages. Recessed lighting housings that are insulated have lower wattage restrictions than that of housings which are not insulated. Check the label found inside the housing for the maximum wattage allowed for that particular application and trim.

Low voltage halogen recessed lighting is best for reading, task, or hobby activities that require white and brighter lights. Halo recessed lighting and juno recessed lighting are also options.

Standard A bulbs are the most widely used. They are inexpensive and provide a warm incandescent light that is perfect for your general lighting needs.

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