What size recessed lights?

16 years ago

The electricians have begun wiring our home and we are not sure of what kind of cans to install. My favorite designer, Candace Olsen, of Divine Design always uses a wealth of can lights to brighten a room, but I am not sure what lights to use. For example in our master bedroom we have 10 foot ceilings and a room size of 16 x 18 ft. With a central light fixture and a plan of 8 can lights, what kind and size should they be... I really don't want to notice the can lights themselves. Any suggestions??

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Comments (2)

dim4fun
16 years ago
The lighting design should come before electricians start wiring. The order is - floor plan including ceiling details, furniture plan, lighting plan, then wire house. Good lighting design is just not that simple. Shoot from the hip and you might not hit what you wanted. Usually one starts with, how much light do I need, from where should it come and what kind of lamp and fixture combination will accomplish this. What is the style of home and the clients tastes?

Your request for cans that are least noticeable on a master bedroom ceiling may be best met with a small aperture 4" low voltage adjustable fixture. Since you have a central fixture the 4" cans can light the pillows and accent your wall hung art, the fireplace, etc. What will you do for the seating area? Table lamps on nightstands and at the seating area will help fill it all in. Or consider wall sconces above nightstands for a cleaner nightstand look.
brutuses
16 years ago
Keep in mind those low voltage lights like Candace uses and are being recommended are 3 x's the cost of a regular 6" fixture.

I can't tell you what to do, I can only tell you what I'm doing. I'm putting in 6" recessed lights to highlight art, wals, drapes and things of that sort so I'm putting in eyeball trim on all the fixtures that way I can direct the light. In reading this forum I've learned a little bit about the different types of light bulbs you can use that will actually change the light range, color, etc. without having to invest in the very expensive low voltage lights. For instance, instead of putting in low voltage lights to highlight the dining room table and fireplace, I'm going to use halogen PAR 30 lights with narrow beams which will offer a cleaner, brighter light to highlight those 2 areas so they will stand out. Also, I have dimmers on all my ressed lighting which I think is important to control the lighting for the specific task or mood you're trying to achieve. All of my recessed lighting will be for highlighting different objects and areas of the rooms.

I know my plan is not the "best" plan, but it's one I can afford and I believe will serve my purpose.

I have all white ceilings and all my recessed trim is white so it tends to dissappear.

Also, remember you will have or should have other sources of light in your rooms, i.e., table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, chandeliiers and up lights. Good luck.
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