aussies, Can you tell me the name and location of the store where you saw the CREE LR6 lighting display? (I believe we are both in the S.F. North Bay.) Did you get a price on the LR6 "light bulb"? I just got a price from one of Lamps Plus stores of $130 + tax, and was surprised bec I thought they were closer to $100. no_clever_name and beenthere, Can you tell me where you purchased your CREE LR6 lights, how long ago, and the price you paid? I talked with Cree Lighting's customer service dept today and found a little more info on their LED lights. LR4 - 4" recessed architectural downlight: Its available for sale now in a 15 degree beam spread, 540 delivered lumens, 10.5 watts, and CRI 94, and also a 30 degree beam spread, 515 delivered lumens, 11.1 watts, and same CRI of 94 (the sun is considered 100 CRI). The LR4 is available with or without the housing, and in 6 trim colors. LR6 - 6" recessed architectural downlight: Only available as a lamp w/attached trim (fits in most 6" housings). Did not give me a beam spread but said it was for "general illumination", delivered 650 lumens, 12 watts, and CRI 92. They recommend 6ft apart with 9ft ceilings. They will be coming out with an adjustable LR6, similar to a gimbal bulb (hangs down from the ceiling), but did not say when that would be. This bulb is also available for the dedicated fluorescent fixtures. Both the LR4 and LR6 are available in 2700 K (similar to incandescent light and better for residential), and 3500 K, used more for offices. Both can be dimmed to 20% with regular dimmer switches. She stressed their lumen rating was the amount of delivered lumens, suggesting that other incandescent bulbs may or may not deliver the lumens stated. This may account for why no_clever_name's KD said she needed 8 LR6 lights, but she was happy with only 4. I think this may be a solution for my kitchen lighting, even tho the bulbs are v.very expensive. I also like that they're rated for 50,000 hours, so doubt I will be replacing them in my lifetime! Here is a link that might be useful: CREE Lighting Co.

The "gold standard" among the new technology LED lighting for office/commercial spaces is Cree's TrueWhite® CR series troffer lighting. pdf product pamphlet here: https://www.1000bulbs.com/pdf/cree-zr2440l35k10v-lighting.pdf I have a Cree TrueWhite® fixture and it makes the surroundings look slightly more colorful than fluorescent or ordinary LED fixtures. If you choose to go with recessed LED fixtures, I would suggest something like EnviroLite brand because it has higher CRI (meaning it makes skin tones and red colors look better than regular LED) and it also has a "color temperature" of 3000K. You probably do not want to go with 2700K because it is too orange-tinted. Check the details on the packaging before buying.

Imagine the worst commercial space you've been in, like a 1970s office building with bad fluorescent lighting or the worst fitting room you've ever used. 5000k lighting will be worse. You must see this before you commit to installing it in your home.

I will also suggest inexpensive 4xT8 fixtures. T5's are "better", but more pricey. Consider editing your post to include the 'growing tomatoes' subforum as well. I have seen other light recommendations there, but I can't find them again. Just because LED is cool and new, remember regular old shop lights are cheap and very energy efficient. You can also put them practically on top of your plants without worrying about burning their leaves, which is a concern with high power (multi-watt) LED diodes. If you like videos describing the benefits/drawbacks of some products this youtube guy has them: https://www.youtube.com/user/albopepper/videos such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KcJf1Tbmbg.