Even if you live in your dream home, every once in a while everyone gets the itch to renovate or update their space. While there are many ways to transform the look of a room, lighting often gets overlooked. Truth is, lighting can significantly change the ambiance of a room, and installing recessed lighting is a great example of this.
Recessed lighting is characterized by lights set inside of a ceiling or wall.
Recessed lighting can make your room appear larger, because there is no fixture taking up visual space. The effect of how recessed fixtures cast light, known as wall washing, can also add to the illusion of a larger space. Recessed lights are also safer, keeping bulbs and wires away from pets and children.
Choosing Your Recessed Lighting
- What size and type of light do I need?
There are over 20 distinct types of recessed lighting that you can choose from. Also known as “can lighting,” homeowners love this type of home illumination for its low-profile design. Aside from a small amount of trim, the light is fully concealed within the wall or ceiling. Homeowners have a choice of many housing types, trim types, and styles – not to mention light bulb type and extra features like a control panel. Regardless of the type of recessed lighting you choose, you’ll mostly find 5-inch and 6-inch lights used for general lighting. 4-inch lights can be obtained for specific task lighting (such as over a desk) or accent lighting. - How many lights will you need?
You may assume that a few bright lights will do the trick. But when it comes to lighting, the spacing of the lights is most important. Too few lights, no matter how bright, will leave you with dark spots around the room; too many lights will be overwhelming. Most experts space recessed lights 40″- 80″ apart depending on room dimensions, ceiling height and beam angle. - How will the lights be controlled?
Consider how the lights will be used in each room. Should they all turn on together with one switch, or would you like to control them separately? Maybe you just want to turn one or two on when you walk into the room briefly, or wish to light up a reading nook while the lights over the bed remain off. Dimmer switches are very popular as well, allowing you to control brightness as well as which bulb turns on. Dimmer switches are recommended by most designers as an ideal way to not only completely control your lighting, but be able to create different moods based upon needed usage.In most cases, the controls are strategically located where you enter and leave the room. If the room has more than one entry point, you should install controls and switches at each doorway if possible. Walking across a dark room to turn on the lights actually defeats the whole purpose of the project! Many people are looking at “smart” ways to control their light fixtures, from wireless controls to apps on their smartphones.
No matter what style of recessed lighting you choose, the smart call to make for installation is to Promise Electric. We will make sure your lighting is installed professionally, up to code and with maximum safety for your family. no matter the home renovation, if it includes electric – call Promise Electric of Sarasota. You’ll be glad you did.
