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Recessed Lighting 101
Looking to brighten a drab, dim space? Recessed lighting may be your answer. Here's what you need to know
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
What it is: Recessed lighting, sometimes called recessed cans or can lighting, is installed within the ceiling rather than on the ceiling's surface. It has two major components: housing, the space into which the bulb fits, and trim, the finished edge that sits on the ceiling.
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The type of housing depends on the ceiling material and insulation, and whether the lights are installed during new construction or a remodel. There also are specially designed housings to fit ceilings that angle up or down. Trim is largely a matter of personal taste and suitability with the décor.
Downlights, as the name suggest, beam light straight downward, while eyeball-style fixtures pivot within their housing. Depending on where you want light focused, you can choose one, the other or a combination for your space. If you're installing them in a damp space, such as a bathroom, basement or covered outdoor living space, be sure you select models that are rated for moisture.
Downlights, as the name suggest, beam light straight downward, while eyeball-style fixtures pivot within their housing. Depending on where you want light focused, you can choose one, the other or a combination for your space. If you're installing them in a damp space, such as a bathroom, basement or covered outdoor living space, be sure you select models that are rated for moisture.
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When to use it: Recessed lighting is often used for accent lighting rather than as the sole light source for a room. Because it's so unobtrusive (when done well, that is), it marries nicely with clean, contemporary or minimalist interiors. However, there's no style for which recessed lighting looks truly ill suited.
It can provide task illumination in kitchens and baths, and can spotlight a gallery wall or a dramatic piece of art. If you have a statement light fixture such as a chandelier, but need additional downlighting to brighten the room, recessed lights add illumination without stealing the fixture's limelight.
When not to use it: If you have a ceiling with detailed plasterwork, decorative coffers or a painted or papered motif, recessed lighting can detract from its beauty — you may not want ceiling fixtures at all. A concrete ceiling also isn't the best fit for recessed lights.
It can provide task illumination in kitchens and baths, and can spotlight a gallery wall or a dramatic piece of art. If you have a statement light fixture such as a chandelier, but need additional downlighting to brighten the room, recessed lights add illumination without stealing the fixture's limelight.
When not to use it: If you have a ceiling with detailed plasterwork, decorative coffers or a painted or papered motif, recessed lighting can detract from its beauty — you may not want ceiling fixtures at all. A concrete ceiling also isn't the best fit for recessed lights.
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How many you'll need: It's easy to go overboard and plan for way more recessed lights than you need, resulting in the dreaded "Swiss cheese ceiling" look. Consider several factors: which areas you want to illuminate, how much light floods the space already, how much visibility you need (a media room versus a kitchen, for example), the wattage of the bulbs you'll use and the height and square footage of your ceiling.
The size and spacing of recessed lights depends completely on your individual space and the effect you want — there's no universal solution. One general rule of thumb is to place 4-inch lights 4 feet apart and 6-inch lights 6 feet apart. Generally, you'll want to mount them 12 to 18 inches in front of the area you want to illuminate. Consult an electrician for advice about your specific situation.
The size and spacing of recessed lights depends completely on your individual space and the effect you want — there's no universal solution. One general rule of thumb is to place 4-inch lights 4 feet apart and 6-inch lights 6 feet apart. Generally, you'll want to mount them 12 to 18 inches in front of the area you want to illuminate. Consult an electrician for advice about your specific situation.
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by Bunker Workshop
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| Special considerations: One important factor is the electrical load of your circuit. If you want more lights than your present circuitry can handle, an electrician will be able to help you devise a safe solution. If you'd like to be able to control the amount of light throughout the day and evening, add dimmers. Cost: Again, this varies widely depending on your space. But as a rule, you can plan on roughly $100 to $150 per fixture for a basic model, including materials and professional installation. Costs go up from there. |
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The metal housing on this model from Bruck Lighting, available through Lumens, lends a streamlined, modern feel.
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A drum-style glass shade gives the Fabbian Easy Recessed Light, also from Lumens, a striking profile. It also comes in several recessed housing styles.
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A hand-molded, etched glass diffuser beams light down for a soft glow. The fixture comes in four colors: clear crystal (shown), satin white, amethyst and pale blue.
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This model features a poured-glass diffuser and fully recessed housing. Available colors include clear crystal, cobalt blue, jade green, Nile green/aqua, pale blue, rose and satin white (shown).
More:
Lighting: The Hardest Working Fixtures of the Home
Get the Lighting Right: 8 Mistakes to Avoid
More:
Lighting: The Hardest Working Fixtures of the Home
Get the Lighting Right: 8 Mistakes to Avoid
Ideabook published on March 9, 2012.
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