Help selecting the right recessed lighting for a master bedroom

8 years ago

I would to install 3" recessed lighting (potentially 4") in the master bedroom (remodel). Maybe 6 lights. Not sure how to best decide on how many.
I am looking for a complete kit. I would prefer a product line that also has gimbals.
I am looking for LED or MR16 (with LED bulb) line voltage.
I guess I would be OK buying a light that comes with halogen and replace it to a LED bulb.
I prefer a shallow model as I want to make sure not to have placement issues with ducts in the ceiling.
I found some kits. But mostly the kits are only sold online and I can't recognize the brands.

Some examples:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/BAZZ-Flex-4-Series-3-in-White-LED-Recessed-Lighting-Fixture-with-Designed-for-Ceiling-Clearance-310LPL7W/204722808?AID=11210757&PID=6158792&SID=ifmmrk2b6g00zhv3001rw&cm_mmc=CJ--6158792--11210757&cj=true
http://www.homedepot.com/p/BAZZ-3-in-White-Recessed-LED-Lighting-Fixture-303L5W/204722754?AID=11210757&PID=6158792&SID=ifmmrxyvrh00zhv3001rw&cm_mmc=CJ--6158792--11210757&cj=true
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-Lighting-3-in-GU10-Matte-White-Gimbal-Recessed-Kit-LK3GMW-M6/202512135?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cBase&gclid=CNWr_aXTusgCFQQKaQodjO4J8Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

I am looking for some recommendation on what product to choose and some rules on how many/placement.

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Comments (4)

David
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
There is a whole range of prices for (recessed lighting < 4" in diameter) ranging from the low $20 - $30 to $160 + per light. The higher output, longer lived ones tend to cost significantly more.

For example

Juno has 2" recessed lamps (with and without gimbals) that could cost between $120+ to $200. Although pricey, they are well made.

For example

http://www.lowes.com/pd_635486-38269-2A-930S1-WH___?productId=50249825&pl=1&Ntt=juno+2%22

Gimbals could get out of alignment over time, requiring periodic adjustment.

Some basic considerations
1. Are these intended to provide the main lighting? If so, higher output lamps would be needed.
2. The light dispersion - cone of light could be relatively narrow (assuming < 4" aperture) leading to more units.
3. How much glare will you get from the lamps?
4. The CRI (Color Rendition Index) also counts towards the cost.
5. Is dimming important? If so, what is the advertised dimming range and what is the dimmer required? (most likely an ELV dimmer).
6. If an electrician is going to install the lights, the labor cost will be per can and potentially become the dominant cost.
7. The lights will likely be placed around the perimeter of the room i.e. ~ 1' to 2' from the walls.
destruct05
Original Author
8 years ago
Would be hard to justify that amount of $ for Juno.

1. yes, main lighting.

3. not sure about the glare. probably not much based on reflection

4. True. I recently went with Soraa bulbs for another application. Overall, it seems to have a unit that takes MR16 line voltage might be the smartest move.

5. yes. need dimming. I still can select the dimmer

6. DIY
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David
8 years ago
Yes, it is difficult to wrap one's head around the costs. Even so, it would be helpful to dig deeper to find out more about such things as the components used, construction, light spread and dimming range if possible for each of the potential choices.

Some lamps do not dim below 20% which makes for a narrow visible dimming range. The lamp fixture could dictate the type of dimmer - for example if you select a low voltage halogen MR16, a MLV dimmer could be required.
destruct05
Original Author
8 years ago
I had good luck with MR16 GU10 line voltage LED. Don't want to go with low voltage. So, I am paying basically just for a can with a trim.

Then again, a known brand would be a plus. Here is aonther brnad I never heard before: Utilitech

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=289424-53058-9201101&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=1241365&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Help selecting the right recessed lighting for a master bedroom

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David

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Help selecting the right recessed lighting for a master bedroom

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