Home Style Decorating

Recessed lighting has presently gained a following and its modern design and subtle way of lighting an area has made it an appealing choice for discriminating homeowners. This type of lighting is also called can or pot lighting because it is embedded in the ceiling (or sometimes in the wall) and is contained in a cylindrical container. This type of lighting can provide diffused lighting or a focused effect so it can be used to emphasize or to provide general, broad lighting to a fairly large area.

Recessed lights provide focused illumination and give you an uncluttered look and are virtually invisible until they are turned on. Recessed lighting is diverse as it can be used anywhere in your home including over the dining room table and to highlight some particular special features such as artwork. Reflectors are frequently used to increase light production and baffles can also be installed and will minimize the glare factor and moderate brightness.

When recessed fixtures are the sole source of lighting for a particular room, you should position one fixture for each 25 to 30 square feet of floor space. When considering ambient lighting, floodlight reflector bulbs are a good choice while spotlight reflector bulbs should be used when focused, accent lighting is desired. Halogen or incandescent fixtures are recommended to save energy.

When it comes to installation, you will hit a little snag if you are renovating or remodeling but if your house is brand new, then the installation is easy. Before the drywall is installed on the ceiling, a bracket is fixed to the ceiling joists using nails or screws. The actual metal housing containing the lights are then attached to the bracket. The housing is positioned so that it will be flush with the drywall. The recessed fixture must be heatproof because of ceiling insulation. Insulation contact rated housings should be used use housings that are airtight to increase energy efficiency. If you’re not using insulation contact housing, at least 1/2 inch distance should be maintained from any combustible material and a 3-inch distance from thermal insulation.

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