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Lighting Design Dilemma living room

Recessed Lighting on Low 8' Ceilings

5 years ago

Hello all, I have 8' popcorn ceilings in my condo. I was told by the contractor that I'd have to drop my ceiling ~3" for the metal frame, gypsum board, and lights.

Are there any products on the market (other than stretched ceilings) that do not require to drop the ceiling more than 3-4 inches?

Featured Answer

iamtiramisu

5 years ago

Not an expert/electrician so I could very well be missing something, and in a house vs. condo so maybe that makes a difference somehow, but we have 8' ceilings and had recessed cans which were replaced with LEDs and LEDs added to deal with spaces that new holes were being added but space was tight. These are super low profile and have 'pucks' vs. the huge cans/metal frames and don't take up the nearly the space that the old cans did. As an example, check these out: Lithonia WF6 - 6 in. Ultra Thin LED Downlight

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Comments (6)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
5 years ago
I'm guessing you aren't allowed to penetrate the firewall with the unit above you? 'Faux' cans are only 1/2" thick, presuming you strapped the whole ceiling with 2x4's (1 1/2" thick) and 1/2" drywall you would lose a two inches overall. Might be worth it.
peggysue_1975 thanked HALLETT & Co.
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PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
5 years ago
Do you have concrete between floors of your building? If so, that's probably why they're telling you to drop the ceiling. I wouldn't want to lose the height and might, instead, look at a cable system that can connect to electrical wiring through the walls. It's cooler looking than the old track lighting but could solve your general ambient lighting situation.

Something like Tech Lighting's Kable system might work with the right connectors into the wall. Consult with your electrician and lighting salesperson before buying so you get all the right pieces.
peggysue_1975 thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
Erin Behrmann
5 years ago
We just put Globe ultra thin recessed Lights into our kitchen. I believe the profile of the light Is around 1/2” and the work box was very thin and easily attached to a joist. It was extremely easy to put into the ceiling. running the Romex from light to light wasn’t as easy, but it was doable. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Globe-Electric-Designer-Slim-Glare-Control-4-in-White-Integrated-LED-Recessed-Kit-91210/303240026
peggysue_1975 thanked Erin Behrmann
peggysue_1975
Original Author
5 years ago
@Sabrina Alfin Interiors - yes, I have concrete between the floors. Would you happen to have any pictures with a cable system set up? I'm going to Google some as well. Thanks!
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
5 years ago
@user1980, if you go to the Tech Lighting web site, they have a gallery. Search the gallery photos for the K-lite systems and several configurations pop up.
peggysue_1975 thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors

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