Lighting in the home is often inadequate, forcing you to place additional floor and table lamps around the house to make up for this fact. With some planning and expertise, new lighting can be added in the home that will give you just the right amount of illumination that you need. Recessed lighting is a wonderful option for the homeowner who is looking to add lighting that is effective and minimalistic. It can be used for accents or can become the main form of lighting in areas such as a kitchen or office. The biggest issue when adding these lights is deciding where to properly place the light fixtures. Recessed lighting placement is crucial to get right the first time because moving even one light after installation can become a major undertaking.
Where to Place Recessed Lights
The first step when it comes to planning your recessed lighting layout would be determining the number of fixtures needed and their placement in the room. If the room is used as a playroom or den there does not need to be such intense light. On the other hand, a kitchen or bathroom will require a bit more lighting. A typical forty watt flood light will cast a nine foot circle when placed in a room with an eight foot ceiling. The light is brightest at the center of that circle and then weakens as it goes outward. To illuminate an area it is recommended that the fixtures or cans be placed no more than five feet apart. Keeping them this close together will ensure an even lighting scheme. If the desired effect is to have individual spots, then further placement is acceptable.
The lights can be arranged in straight lines or in a curved or square formation. Straight lines provide a more industrial look and are best suited for a kitchen or bath. Placing a row of lights directly over the edge of the countertop in the kitchen will help to illuminate the surface and minimize shadows as you work. If you’re installing lights in a living room or family room you have a little more leeway with your design. You can install lighting above a chair or couch to be used as a reading light, but try to avoid placing the lights randomly as it may make the room feel cluttered.
Recessed Lighting Installation
With any lighting, the switch is often overlooked but is a very important feature. It needs to be placed in an area that is easy to get to and is close to where the lights are being placed. Dimmer switches are usually used in this type of system and are a great way to adjust the feel of the room just by sliding a switch. These switches can be simple, with just a single toggle, or they can be high end units that even include remote control options. If there are going to be switches in several locations a two or three pole model will need to be purchased. If only one switch will control everything a single pole switch will do.
The electrical work can sometimes be done by the homeowner, but if you are uncomfortable with electricity and wiring a professional electrician should be consulted. It is also wise to check with your local ordinances to see if a permit is required before any work is started. With some planning and a little expertise, new recessed lighting can greatly improve the look of any room in the house.
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