Usually when someone says, "I'm installing recessed lights in my house," they're usually referring to the ceiling. However, there's a growing trend of installing small lights in the floor. If you're intrigued by the look, but not 100% sure that you're ready to bore holes through your floor (or can't due to a lease), there are a few alternatives to achieving a similar lighting effect...
Look! Recessed Floor Lighting
Can lights from CB2 can be tucked behind plants or in corners to light up a specific area in the room. If $20 is too steep for your budget, Lamps Plus also has similar cans for a few bucks less.
Candles on the floor can be a fire hazard and come off a bit cliché, especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner. But we like the look of these oversized silver hurricane lanterns, big enough to case huge pillar candles. A similar candleholder: Pottery Barn's Capri Lantern.
Ikea's Grönö lamps are simple and discreet, ideal for placing on the floor without cluttering up a room or hallway.
[ Photos from Living Etc, CB2, and Dalboz17's Flickr ]
Comments (11)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Corey's Converted Barn
- Lezlee & Kirk's Beverly Modern Manor
- A South Austin Sunny and Sophisticated Home!
- Laura's Smallest Coolest
- Jen of Made By Girl's Vintage Chic Home
Top Posts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Perhaps you could tell us where those big elegant silver lanterns are from?
view bepsf's profile
I'm a bit frightened by the first image since the fixtures don't look like they are specifically for floor lighting. the glass covering of fixtures can and will get hot enough to burn your feet. PLEASE if you are going to do this make 100% sure the fixtures are "cool touch rated" or you could really suffer from some terrible burns.
view larchgirl's profile
larchgirl--
I have seen floor lighting like that first pic with fixtures designed for exactly this application. Relax!
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
I agree with larchgirl about the lights in the first image, but for a different reason: I'm not sure what the point is. These are not really recessed, and they're far enough out from the wall to ensure you'll be stubbing a toe on them. And have fun cleaning around them.
An odd (yet expensive) choice.
view TheNewUtahHouse's profile
Where do you get recessed floor light? The ones made for this purpose. I think I would like to do this? I have exposed brick walls and I was planning on replacing my floor anyway. I also like the idea of floor outlets which I have already used.
view parrishnut's profile
To those living in homes with imperfect walls (such as old plaster): Uplighting will highlight every ripple, hump, crack, patch or other irregularity like you wouldn't believe!
view Anna at D16's profile
bepsf, those beautiful silver lanterns are from Lombok. The company is based in the UK, not sure if they ship to the US.
Thanks,
Grace
view grace's profile
I've seen a friend do this on a concrete path with acrylic blocks and small LED lights, which would solve the heat issue, and save energy. Really cool-looking.
view brunocerous's profile
I looked around for true "walkover" floor lights about a year ago. I built a house with a hole in the concrete floor and electricity run to it. Unfortunately, all I could find online were in the UK. However, they were flat to the floor, unlike those in the picture and they are led which solves the burnt feet issue. Google "walkover floor lighting". I'd love to find an affordable version available in the US.
view citizengreen's profile
Patrick (the other one)--
I am relaxed, thanks for your concern.
view larchgirl's profile
Just be cautious with the Gronos. They're pretty fragile - I have this image of someone tripping over it and getting shattered glass all over the place.
view ryttu3k's profile