Recessed Lighting Guide
When weighing lighting options for a new home or a major remodel, recessed lighting or luminaires may be the way to go. Recessed lights are sleek and modern. They don't attract attention when turned off, but they provide warm, natural-looking light for rooms when they are turned on. Unlike surface-mounted lights, which are attached to the ceiling with an exposed housing, recessed lights remain flush with the ceiling. They can also be used to illuminate certain parts of a room, opening up a small space to make it look bigger, and drawing attention to certain areas of your home.
Benefits and Caveats
Recessed lighting works well in areas of your home that have low ceilings, as they prevent taller individuals from hitting their heads on surface-mounted light fixtures. They provide a modern look because the fixtures are flush with the ceiling and not particularly attention grabbing. However, recessed luminaires are difficult to install into a home after conventional light fixtures have been placed, because the fixtures must be installed before the ceiling is completed. Unless a home is undergoing a large-scale remodel, recessed lights are usually not the best choice for those who have a traditional fixture already installed.
Effect
The placement of recessed lights can dramatically enhance a room's appearance, but you must make certain that they are placed in an aesthetically pleasing way. Higher wattages will need to be used if lights are not placed closely enough to areas that require more direct lights, such as kitchens and work areas. Once lights have been planned for these areas, you can choose to place luminaries anywhere you see fit. Steer clear of placing the lights too close together or too far apart, or grouping them in one particular spot. The best effects will be achieved when you space them out appropriately.
Installation
Should you decide to install recessed lights, you will need to follow your state or locality's residential codes for lighting. All recessed lights should be IC rated, which will prevent a fire hazard in instances where the lights come into contact with insulation. Certain ceilings do not allow for installation (or make installation very difficult), so consult with a professional before attempting installation on your own. If you plan to retrofit recessed lights into sockets made for mounted fixtures, you can purchase "remodel job" recessed lights-just make sure that the lights you purchase are not too wide or deep to fit into the space allowed.
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