apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You can always install dimmers on recessed lights, but then you have to use non-green light bulbs, I think...

Plan A
Consult a lighting designer to go through some selections and a layout with you if you have the means.

Plan B
Make sure everything is on a nice dimmer system-and use very few direct overhead fixtures. Try to use wallwasher types set off the wall at a minimum of 18" in signifigant spaces to create an ambient effect and fill in the rest of the rooms with lamps, pendants, etc. (spacing can be determined by the cone angle vs. the ceiling height which as almost always provided by the manufacturer i.e. lightolier) By using wall washers (there are also some other overhead type fixtures that would work if you have enough space in the ceiling) you will mediate visual glare that causes the 'stadium effect' and soften the ambient light in the room. Rule of thumb = light vertical surfaces, not floors except when you are featuring something on them like a furniture arrangement, art piece, etc. If you have too much direct lighting everyone will look very unflattering in the space and not want to spend time there--to quote seinfeld they'll be "a two-face."

Hope this helps.

Isn't there some issue with using CFs in enclosed recessed lighting, having to do with the heat decreasing bulb life? That could be a con if you're trying to be "green". Just a thought...

i had recessed installed in my dining/family room as well as the wallwasher type (to illuminate photography on the wall) as mentioned by matthew. let's just say the wallwasher type is on 99.9% of the time, compared to the standard overhead. the glow from the wall creates a beautiful ambiance you can't get from directly overhead light. it's also on a dimmer so you can dial it to suit the mood. yes they're not green bulbs but i run them dim and the rest of the house is on cfls.

I like Mathew's suggestions on recessed lighting. I like what they can do and should be used to augment lamps and the like. One thing to think about is using them to light tables and such in a living room say. Only issue with that is that it kind of limits what one can do as far as furniture arrangements.

I do think that in a hall, they might be a good place as you want to be able to see where you are going.

As far as CPF, they can be used no problem as PAR lamps of this type are made for for them without overheating. Dimming is not a problem with regular incadescent bulbs, they just get a little more red/yellow when dimmed, don't know about CPF of the dimmable type though.

On a personal note, I like the effect recesed cans give as they don't just wash the room in a general flat light, but create pools of light that allows for a rich lighting texture that is quite nice I think.

Back to the original question: A lighting designer can help you avoid costly mistakes. I'll bet a good design can save you money by, say, eliminating the "overlighting" problem (fewer fixtures = less money), and planning for maximum impact on your budget.

Of course, you should use a variety of sources for your lighting, not just cans...floor lamps, table lamps help to create a less institutional feel, so budget for those, too.

My recessed lights were installed by an electrician. 4in high hats on a dual switch with dimmers. That eliminates the stadium affect.

they make dimmable cfl's, get then here!

http://e3living.com/catalog/45/energy_saving_lighting?gclid=CPrw5bTYnY8CFQWAHgod6jbMTQ

I have recessed cans around the perimeter of bedrooms, kitchen and dining room, with pendants in the center of most rooms, and use lamps as well. Kitchen, hall and dining room have cfls, hope to switch out the others in th next 6 months. I like the new 4" recessed fixtures, they are less obtrusive. The pendants are what everyone notices, but the recessed cans are what really light the room up.

Everything is on dimmers, except lamps. I started with 2 rooms with dimmers and have switched to all rooms but bathrooms, but want them dimmable, too now.

any thoughts on recessed lighting in a room with vaulted ceilings?

not only do you get too much light, but SWISS CHEESE ceilings...

I love our recessed lighting. Some is semi recessed (visible fixture) and the rest can be rotated and is always aimed slightly towards the wall. We had a lighting designer go through the entire apt and help us. Guests think we are nuts because almost everything is on a dimmer in our apt but it is very nice (and dimmers help save energy as well). I agree with Jako on the swiss cheese effect but I was so tired of crappy light. Also, if we crank 'em all up we can get a statium effect.

I rent and we have some nice light fixtures but I'm looking for a recessed lighting effect. Could anyone tell me how can I achieve the look without having to install the actual recessed lighting? Not that I don't want to but I can't do it since I rent.


Thanks in advance for your help :D