Recessed Lighting Choices

Lightolier White Baffle 6" Trim

You want recessed lighting? Of course you do… recessed lighting adds so much and can be very energy efficient.

But what kind? Have you been to the lighting store and been baffles by the different types of recessed lights? There are many sizes, types and trim choices, and an electrician can’t even tell you how many you ought to install in a room til you have chosen the style and size, and probably the trim type as well!

Do you want 6 inch, 5 inch or 4 inch fixtures?? We can help you decide which is best…

• 6″ lights are known as full-size, they take R40 or Par 38 size bulbs, usually in wattages up to 150 Watts each, and use a variety of trim styles. CFL bulbs are usually PAR 38 size in 19 or 23 watt. Use these fixtures in large areas, informal areas and utility areas (kitchens, playroom, mudroom, pantry, family room, etc. We most often recommend white baffle trims with these lights.

• 5″ lights are a compromise in size and function, and use PAR 30 or R30 size bulbs, usually up to 75 watts each. Use them in bedrooms, dining room, living room, or kitchen, and when used for art lighting, choose a wall washer or eyeball trim to accent your paintings… CFL Bulbs are easily compatible with these fixtures…

   

  

  4" Low voltage trim

   

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• 4″  line voltage incandescent lights are less noticeable, use PAR15 or R20 size bulbs in 50 watts or less, and are used in display lighting, art lighting, small spaces, or wherever you need a small splash of light or prefer to have less visible fixtures, typically in formal spaces. These lights usually cost more and require more lights per square foot of space so you probably don’t want to do a large room general lighting layout with 4″ lights.
• Low Voltage Halogen 4 inch: These are very different from incandescent 4 inch lights, and are often the choice in the most formal spaces, where art lighting is the main goal, or where you really need complete beam control, such as in a master bedroom or dining room to accent the art or light the open spaces, but retain separate control of other areas, such as the table or bed. Glare is very controlled due to tightly defined beam width, and many trim choices are available, most are aim-able. Bulbs are MR16 type up to 5p watts, but with illumination similar to 100 watts incandescent. Be prepared to pay more per fixture ($75 to $125/each for trim, bulb and housing) and you’ll want them about 50% closer together than larger incandescent fixtures. We usually place them 4′ apart for general layouts and 2′ apart when lighting large art pieces.
• 3 inch miniature recessed or surface puck lights: these little guys are able to go flush with the surface (recessed) or surface mount and are only about one inch deep either way. They fit in tight spaces, work well as under cabinet lights and display lights, and are usually 20 watts each. With a high intensity 20 watt Xenon bulb they make a nice bright pool of light two to three feet wide on a shelf or counter when mounted 18″ to 30″ above the surface.