Upgrading your light fixtures during a renovation can be a very smart move – after all, if the walls are already being altered in any way, you might as well take advantage of the chance to rewire, add a new fixture, or change out an old one. To take a room such as a kitchen, dining room, or even a bathroom to the next level, consider adding recessed lighting during your next remodeling project. Why recessed lights? Let’s explore the benefits of this recently popular lighting method.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lights are fixtures housed within a ceiling, wall, or other surface so that they are flush with its face instead of being mounted on top so that they stick out. The light seems to be emanating from the surface itself instead of from a separate fixture. Often the trim around the light is made to disguise it or otherwise hide its source from sight–edging around it may prevent direct light from the bulb, or reflective trim may make it seem like a more significant light source than it is.
Why is it desirable?
There are a few reasons why recessed lighting has risen to popularity over the last couple of decades.
- It can make a room appear larger. Because no visual space in the room is being taken up by a hanging light fixture (such as a pendant, fan, or chandelier), recessed lighting can give a room the appearance of being bigger than it is without sacrificing the amount of light given off. In fact, you may even get more even lighting from recessed lights since you can place them strategically over the ceiling.
- Achieve the “wall washing” effect. Often with a traditional hanging light fixture, you end up with shadows on the walls because the singular light source is centered in the ceiling. Recessed lights can be directed toward a specific area, so you can have some focusing their light on the walls. In contrast, others aim down to the center, eliminating shadows and bathing the entire room in even brightness.
- Highlight areas you want to stand out. Designers in every field understand that there are specific tricks to draw the human eye toward a specific area or object, even if they aren’t aware of it. For interior spaces, lighting has a huge effect on where the eye is drawn. With just a subtle difference in lighting, you can focus the eye toward whatever space you choose. Recessed lighting can help direct specific beams of light to achieve this effect in places like a living room wall where you’ve hung some treasured artworks, a bookcase in your study of which you’re proud, or the tub of your luxurious bathroom.
- Light a room without harshness. If you have to be up before the sun, it can be painful to stumble around a too-bright kitchen while your eyes are adjusting to the sudden change. Instead, recessed lighting provides a soft glow to make waking up easier. Your other family members will thank you as well since the light from recessed fixtures is less likely to reflect down a hallway and wake them up. You can take advantage of this same effect in the evenings when hosting guests–the moody glow creates a cozy atmosphere like a fancy club or bar. Many recessed lights even come with the option to change their colors, so having these lights placed underneath cabinets or along the edges of the floor can turn a regular evening into quite the party.
If you are interested in installing recessed lighting or overhauling your home’s lighting systems, call Promise Electric. Homeowners should never attempt electrical projects on their own unless they have electrical knowledge. Don’t risk a dangerous situation – call us today.
