Recessed Lighting 101
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Proper lighting is essential for any area. There are many types of standard lighting fixtures, but one that seems to pop up everywhere is recessed lighting. (Recessed lighting can also referred to as can lighting, down lighting or pot lights.) But really, why would anyone install these? And, are there any out there that scream, “style?”
Recessed fixtures brighten a room and, through the light they give, direct your eyes around a space. Essentially they can fill a room with light, and when they are installed on dimmers, they can also help create mood and wonder.
There are three parts to a recessed light fixture:
Housing
The housing is the entire unit that is installed into your ceiling. Often this housing is installed. It includes the area that holds your light bulb (lamp).
Trim
The trim is the area of the fixture that you will see. This includes the decorative flush-mounted edge that rests against the ceiling and the area you see that reflects the light. (Some refer to this as “inside the can.”) When decorators specify recessed lighting, they are concerned with the way the trim will look in a space. It can stand out or blend in, depending on the size, the finish and the style. Trim comes in a range of sizes from 3” to 6” in diameter. The 6” diameter spreads more light and works well if you want to wash an area with light. Smaller diameter trims give a more modern look. There are several types of trim available to consumers:
- Baffle Trim
- Reflector Trim
- Lensed
- Wall Washed
- Decorative Trim
- Adjustable trim
Lamp
The lamp is basically your light bulb. Many years ago, only incandescent bulbs could be used with recessed lighting but now you can find fixtures that allow you to use incandescent, halogen, xenon, cfl (compact fluorescent). Depending on the type of light you want, you will need to purchase the appropriate light fixture. Some lamps/bulbs require a transformer, so you will need to decide on what type of light works best in your space before you decide on your fixture.
A room where recessed fixtures are commonly found is the kitchen. Recessed lighting can be helpful to the cook but it can also highlight cabinetry and decorative items. But really, you can put recessed lights wherever you need additional light, as long as your ceiling can accommodate the housing!
