skip to main content

looking for some direction choosing leds for family room

9 years ago

I want to add some recessed led lights to the family room, in the ceiling, 2 to 3 per wall, for light and mood, so I want them dimmable. There are so many out there to choose from. There isn't much room because there is a 2nd floor above the ceiling.

So I'm having trouble narrowing down a fixture, but also, is there an advantage to choosing low voltage or 110?

Any suggestions to get me start are appreciated!

thx

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

David
9 years ago
Possible choices
1. 2. 4" and above. This option uses standard cans and each lamp module contains the necessary electronics.

It makes more sense to go with line voltage (110V AC) than low voltage for the following reasons.
1. Cost - the price of a 2" recessed light > $100. You'd probably need more.
2. Lighting characteristics.

If you're not redoing the ceiling, you'd have to use retrofit cans for the 4" and above. The The final location of each light depends on the location and direction of the ceiling joists as well as whatever else (duct work, water supply/ fire sprinkler lines, plumbing, ...) is above the ceiling board.
18tons
Original Author
9 years ago
thx David - 110V sounds like the way for me. Can you suggest any rule of thumb in terms can size vs room size, given that these aren't the main lights? or maybe some online layout help?

Seems like all of the LED can type lights that I see are retrofit, meaning they use a standard can then use the retrofit LED bulb. Are there cans out there that were originally meant to be LED lights? Bottom line - Should I be thinking standard can with retrofit LED fixture, or a fixture that was designed to be an LED fixture from the start?

thx again!
Related Discussions
Help me choose a bookcase for my family room!
Q
Comments (11)
Couple of things with these barrister bookcases: if you (like me) have large books (textbooks, art books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.), you will need to make sure that the barrister bookcases are deep enough. I found that several were too narrow for my larger albums and collections. Glass doors are really elegant and keep the dust off the books (important for my allergic family), but they do tend to discourage casual browsing (also good to keep little sticky fingers off your nicer books, but a bummer for adult readers who become reluctant to pick something off the shelf). My guess is that anythign in a glass case becomes "collectible" instead of for everyday use and enjoyment in the eyes of those who are browsing. I prefer the Hampton Bay bookcase, but that's probably because it resembles my favorite furniture piece in my house. :) Make sure you check on ebay in the antique and used furniture section. Last time i looked, I saw many wonderful pieces that would work great as bookcases -- particularly some old curio and china cabinets. You might find something really spectacular there and get a great price. After I had already purchased my bed and the barrister bookcase from EA, I won on ebay a 1940s demi-lune Drexel dresser (mint), an 1880s French marble top side table with drawer and door (near mint), a gentleman's armoire, and a small buffet for super cheap -- all gorgeous pieces and I didn't pay more than $250 for any of them. (English Gentleman's armoire, reproduction circa 1950) French marble top side table, circa 1880s and 1940s Drexel demi-lune dresser (used as bedside tables -- ignore the lamps; they're in a "transition" stage) (small buffet)
...See More
Family room redo (ready to finally make some decisions)
Q
Comments (75)
I have not thoroughly read through the above posts but I wanted to chime in! I am occasionally asked to help friends pull together a room, my advice to them is to keep it simple. I like to keep most items neutral and add pillows, throws and accessorizes for color and personality. For your chair that you are looking at in a blue - consider a accent chair of dark wood with upholstered seat cushions in a beige tone that goes with the lighter tones in your rug. The brown of the wood to bring in the darker brown tone and your sofa. Add some fun pillows not matching. Keep the curtains a simple linen with a nice ORB rod and rings. Bring in your animal print in a throw or pillows. Nice thing with this way of decorating is it will be easy to try different throws and pillows and accessories to pull it all together with out committing to a fully upholstered piece that you may not love. For you ottoman I would use a rectangle one in a cream color using a nice tray and colorful print throw and accessories to pull it all together.
...See More
Help choosing curtains and wall color for family/play room
Q
Comments (14)
Thank you all! Definitely following the consensus and going with blinds over curtains - I'm thinking something neutral since I don't yet know what color we will paint the walls (and also, since these windows are so small, I don't necessarily want to draw attention to the window area). decoenthusiaste: You are right, we don't actually need blackout. We just need something that will provide privacy. Beth H. : This was so so helpful, thank you! Will definitely play around with all these ideas - this is really giving me some inspiration. everdebz: Unfortunately no other windows. Definitely agree that we need to bring into more light, especially table lamps, to warm up the space. Maureen: I agree that ~white walls and light furniture is the way to go. I think the brown armchair is on its way out (which is a pity, because it's so comfortable!) I will try to update this thread as we make progress. First up is blinds...
...See More
Help choosing a couch and tables for a rectangular family room
Q
Comments (6)
Suggest looking at lots of inspiration pictures to decide on a direction and have a plan before making changes. Here are some ideas and you can always make changes slowly. - A lighter, neutral couch would be a good choice and place your chairs facing each other. Would feel similar to room below; lighter and larger. - Incorporate blue (that compliments chairs) with new cushions and/or rug choices. If a light couch is not practical, consider blue. Neutral lumbar cushions on your two chairs for a more modern and better proportioned feel. Remove the pictures by window and valance (feel dated and busy) and add a long rod so drapes rest on the walls (IKEA has great prices and lots of choices). Accessories: Consider a collage (try IKEA) over couch to create more balance and interest (and move what have to dining room. I’d paint the couch’s side table and floor lamp a crisper white and update shades to a drum white style, per above pictures. Dining room: The chairs feel beachy and suggest painting them black for a more contemporary feel. A rug could also ground the room.
...See More
David
9 years ago
3 suggestions
1. Lighting level according to room usage. e.g. - Kitchens, drafting rooms need better and more lighting.
2. Existing room style considerations - in some cases, recessed lighting is not desirable or possible - steeply sloped paneled ceilings.
3. Practicality - cost and effort involved.

LED module lamps like the CR6, RT6, ... are self contained units that can be put into new construction or remodel cans.

On the other hand, there are companies / brands that have custom parts - for example Halo has LED specific cans and LED modules - they were designed to fit together.

Cree also make cans and lamp modules. Unlike Halo, the modules from Cree (CR6, CR4, LR6, ...) are mostly usable in housings from other manufacturers.

In the case for Halo, they attempt locking customers in by using proprietary connectors (non GU24/ E26).

In jurisdictions mandating energy efficiency laws (e.g. - title 24 in CA), you'd need to install non E26 base cans that are rated air tite. The common alternative is the GU24 connector. However, custom bi pin / quad pin connectors are also deployed by different manufacturers.
18tons
Original Author
9 years ago
thx davidtay - There are not any existing lights and I don't have access from above, only through the hole that I would cut. Is there a style that is hardwired right to the fixture that I can just pop in, or what? Not sure how to go about this. thx
David
9 years ago
If there is sufficient height (~8") above the ceiling board, you could install retrofit cans.
For example
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-6-in-Aluminum-Recessed-IC-Remodel-Housing-6-Pack-CAT7ICRM/202057577?N=5yc1vZc7ni#specifications

If there isn't enough space, you could install junction boxes and use surface mount disc lights like the Lighting Science glimpse or similar lights from Halo, Sylvania, Commercial Electric.
For example
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lighting-Science-Glimpse-5-in-and-6-in-LED-Retrofit-and-Surface-Disk-Light-DISCONTINUED-GLP6-WW-120-WH/203750895?keyword=glimpse

All the wiring needs to be fished.
18tons
Original Author
9 years ago
thx for all your help David!

I'm still looking and learning. I see led
panel lights. They seem very thin and it looks like they don't even need
a junction box. Is there a downside to these. The prices seem good too.

Here's one on amazon... for example. thx
David
9 years ago
A junction box is required whenever you have wire splices (line voltage)

Related Stories

GRAY Choosing Color: Give Me More Gray Days

By Natalie Myers

Layer On the Grays for a Sophisticated Look in Any Room

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Give Your Compact Patio Some Major Style

By Laura Gaskill

11 ideas and examples to take your outdoor room from snoozefest to stellar

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters

By Becky Harris

If you’ve fallen for a gorgeous slab, pair it with a backsplash material that will show it at its best

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

DINING ROOMS How to Choose a Rug for Your Dining Room

By Love Your Room LLC

Measure Well to Be Sure You (and Your Dining Chairs) Have Room to Move

WINDOW TREATMENTS How to Choose the Right Window Blinds

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Get the privacy, light filtering and look you want with this breakdown of blind options

TILE How to Choose the Right Tile Layout

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Brick, stacked, mosaic and more — get to know the most popular tile layouts and see which one is best for your room

REMODELING GUIDES Top 10 Tips for Choosing Shower Tile

By By Any Design Ltd.

Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower

DECORATING GUIDES How to Choose a Lampshade

Height, width, shape ... we turn you on to all the info you need to pick the right shade for your lamp and your room

Sponsored

More Discussions

New kitchen! kitchen hardware, faucets, and pendant light advice

12

Moooi Random Light II vs other brand

2

Help decide on new lights for our kitchen?!

7

Toe kick lighting

1

Recommendations for a two light wall mounted vanity light

1