Again, thank you VERY much for your help. I swear, the more I learn, the more I realize I have yet to learn. - So I've move the 2 a bit further away from the TV, so they're now ~5' apart (from the sofa lights). - I've added a table lamp for reading. These are the only things I know: - I want IC (since we're installing insulation for the 1st floor ceiling) - I want white baffles (I want them to blend into the ceiling). - I don't want halogen (concerned about the heat from the bulbs; we have low ceilings and someone mentioned that it felt like being under interrogation lights) But there are so many more questions... 1. What is special about an alzak trim vs. another trim? 2. Someone mentioned that 1 switch (or source) can handle up to 8 lights, but each switch is consider a light. I'm thinking of doing a 3-switch. So that leaves only 5 lights left, so what does that mean for the other 2 lights? 3. Can I use these lights? Do lights ?age? How do the bulbs look once in; do they stick out or recess far in? Sound like a good deal? - 'Ten 6" Juno IC22 Recessed Lights w/ white trims $50 total' These are new construction, insulation contact recessed light. I bouth them a couple years ago and decided to go with a different style so I don't need these anymore. They have never been installed and power has never been applied to them. I have ten complete fixtures w/fixture and trim. 4. So if I don't want halogen, does that mean no low-voltage for me? What are the advantages of low-voltage? I read that they require a transformer that may be difficult to replace if they break, etc, and that their bulbs are more expensive. So I'm seeing more CONS than PROS. I have to search harder, but the only lighting store near me (besides the big box stores) do not sell recessed lighting.

Great question! While our light sizing guide doesn't cover this exact scenario, it does mention the idea of using two chandeliers to light a long dining table. In that case, we recommend choosing a chandelier that is one third of the table's width instead of table's width minus 12. Perhaps we can adapt this advice for use in your family room. Your room is 21'x16'. Our standard ambient-chandelier advice suggests adding those numbers together and then looking for a chandelier that is that width/diameter, or 37 in your case. Maybe instead of doing that, you could look for two chandeliers that are about 25 inches in diameter (1/3 of 37 is 12, so 37-12=25). Then, each chandelier can be hung in its 'half' of the family room. The standard hanging height for a chandelier in ambient use is 7 feet above the floor. Of course, you can adjust this hanging height as needed, perhaps hang the chandeliers a bit higher, so as not to obstruct the TV. I hope this helps!

Better lighting schemes consist of layered lighting from multiple sources and points. So yes, you should consider both recessed and pendants. Pendants with transparent shades will distribute light 360 degrees. Recessed lighting is distributed in a cone shape and make highlights and reveal shadow areas when used alone. Expect to pay more for this room than you have experienced for your library. Most electricians charge a premium for high work, sloped housings cost more, and, as you probably have already accounted for, rates have increased from years ago.

On a tight budget, i would put my budget in floor lamp lighting and task lighting since you say you have 4 lamps right now. The limits on light kits for fans make them worthless for your purposes. I would consider chandelier to suit your style because it could be large and supply a lot of light. Can you post some photos of the room to help us assess your best allocation of dollars.