Hi, The bathroom fixtures are generally installed pointing down, but nothing prevents you from trying it the other way. I think if you flip it around you'll have two spotlights on your ceiling and that'll be awkward looking and not a great use of light. 60W incandescents are fine, I don't think switching there will improve things. Altho I would certainly suggest LED or CFL to save power. LED preferred of course. I would lean toward more bulbs of lower wattage. 100W bulbs are power-suckers and should be avoided. Can you exchange the fixture or are you sold on keeping that? Maybe a fixture w 3 sockets, or even better, two and two down the sides of the mirror instead of on top? Or switch out the vent fixture to include a light again... that would definitely add some general light to the room and cut out some shadows.

Thanks -- I figured that that I'd probably be okay with the 6.5" holes, though obviously before I commit to something I'll have to ensure that they'll work for me. More than anything, though, I'm curious about what makes a "quality" retrofit/remodel housing, considering the wide range of prices. Here are some examples: I'd likely considering something 'cheap', like this, at Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.ca/product/6-in-i-c-remodel-housing/913659 Compared to others like these: http://www.canadalightingexperts.com/lighting/11-314-472-0-190925/Sea-Gull-Lighting_Remodel-Non-IC-Housing-11017.htm (mid-priced) http://www.canadalightingexperts.com/lighting/11-314-472-0-241530/Thomas-Lighting_6--Recessed-Housing-PS9-RM.htm http://www.canadalightingexperts.com/lighting/11-314-472-0-220274/Thomas-Lighting_6--Asic-Remodel-Recessed-Light-PS1-RM.htm http://www.canadalightingexperts.com/lighting/11-314-472-0-166926/WAC-Lighting_6-inch-CFL-Shallow-Remodel-Non-IC-Air-Tight-R-F608D-R-A.htm (airtight?) Any comments? Thanks again! ~Geoff

well,upon further investigation,to my dismay,I found that this is indeed a "new construction" assembly. that's why that metal ring wouldn't come out,it's part of the whole assembly which was nailed in 35 yrs. ago. I WAS able to remove the socket plate and gained an inch and a half in depth so my "Cree" retrofit just might fit. the nice thing about the :Cree" is that you don't have to use torsion clips to hold the retrofit in the can but you can buy some clips that hold the thing in the can that are for cans without "ears". tnx,

I would look at a 3500- 5000K bulb in a contemporary setting that is a natural daylight type light with no yellow which is much nicer to work with than yellow cast to colors. $” is not bad especially if you keep the trim the same color as the ceiling.