As their name says, recessed lights are installed in canisters that are recessed into your ceiling. This gives them a clean, contemporary look. Different types of recessed lighting make them especially versatile and compatible with different furniture styles.
Pros of Recessed Lighting
The advantages of recessed lighting include being flush with the ceiling, which hides cables, wires and switches and makes the light seem more natural. Many types of recessed lighting can be aimed, which makes them good accent lights and adds a touch of drama to a space. They also come in a variety of sizes, wattages, trims and trim colors. You can also choose from different shapes of lightbulbs. The shape of the bulb affects the direction of the light.
Cons of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting can be complicated to install. A ceiling not originally made for recessed lighting has to be prepared. An electrician must saw through the ceiling and install housing, cables and the canister, though now there are recessed lights without canisters. On top of this, they have to connect wires as they would with other ceiling lights and carefully replace insulation. Another con is that some people think recessed lighting looks old-fashioned or a little business-like, like lighting in a hotel lounge.
Before LED lights became widespread, people who used recessed lighting had to be aware of the heat of incandescent lightbulbs. Because this heat would escape upward, homeowners were warned to never install recessed lights directly below an attic. The cool temperatures of LED lights allow more freedom when it comes to where recessed lights can be installed. Even with LED bulbs, there can still be a risk of fire from hidden wires. You’ll also need more than one light to properly illuminate an average-sized room.
What They’re Best For
Another good thing about recessed lights is that they can be combined with other types of light. In the kitchen, you can use recessed lights with pendant lights above a breakfast bar or kitchen island. You can also install recessed lights under your wall cabinets. The bright light they emit helps greatly with meal preparation and cleaning up.
You can also use recessed lighting in your bathrooms. They look good above vanities and medicine chest mirrors, and their light helps with the morning toilette. Some people also install waterproof recessed lights in their shower.
Recessed lighting may be just the thing for basements that are converted into living spaces. One idea is to install them around the edges of the ceiling to wash a small space with light. This makes the space look larger.
Get in Touch With Us for Lighting Ideas
Recessed lighting can be both beautiful and versatile. If you are considering adding this type of lighting to your home or need electrical service, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals at We Care Heating & Air Conditioning of Central Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
