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What is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting is recessed lighting that is built into a ceiling, wall, or other surfaces. Housing, trim, and bulb are the three primary components of recessed lighting fixtures. The housing is the majority of the fixture, concealed within the wall or ceiling, and houses the fixture’s electrical connections. Baffles, reflectors, and shades are all examples of trim, which is the decorative, visible element of the fixture. The bulb, which is the part of the fixture that creates light, is the final component.

Benefits of Using Recessed Lighting

When homeowners are remodelling or renovating, one of the main things we do at Gregg Electric is assisting them in upgrading light fixtures. Switching from a hanging light fixture to recessed lighting might often be all that is required to transform a room completely. Recessed lighting has grown in popularity in recent years for various reasons, one of which is that it makes a space appear larger. This makes it particularly popular in smaller areas or any room that requires a sense of spaciousness.

So, what are the advantages of installing recessed lighting?

  1. Recessed lighting gives the illusion of more space because it takes up less visible space. Nothing hangs down to violate the visual space of the ceiling since the light cans are installed into the ceiling.
  1. Recessed lighting has the effect of “wall washing,” making a room appear larger. That doesn’t imply you should wash the walls with soap and water. Wall washing is a lighting effect that uses the proper trim to shed more light around the space (the part of the light visible from the hole in the ceiling). A directed reflector and a light scoop direct light onto the wall in wall-washed trim. If your ceiling is slanted, an “eyeball trim” can be applied.

Recessed lighting must be positioned suitably away from the wall and apart from each other to maximize the wall washing effect. Recessed lighting should be spaced at the same distance from each other as from the wall. If your ceiling is 9 feet high, for example, we will place the recessed light fixtures 2-3 feet away from the wall and each other. The greater the ceiling height, the greater the gap required. Then, using the directed reflectors, position the lightings toward the wall, practically washing the wall in overlapping, ambient light. What’s the result? The recessed lighting expands and brightens the space.

  1. Recessed lighting also shines a light on a wall you wish to draw attention to for various reasons. Consider recessed lighting if you want to draw attention to a wall bookshelf, works of art, or a special collection.
  1. Recessed lighting has additional advantages. For starters, the trim, lights, and reflectors are available in various colours, allowing them to be used to update a room in a variety of ways. Recessed lighting is also safer than hanging lights because the shell protects it from dust, children, and accidents.

Recessed Lighting Types

They’re typically used in ceilings, but they can also be used in walls and the ground.

  • Ceilings: Recessed downlighting from the ceiling is the most popular application of recessed lighting, and it’s what we’ll focus on here.
  • Walls: Use an angled flange to guide your light down to illuminate a pathway or onto steps when recessing a light into a wall.
  • In the Ground: Typically used to illuminate a route or uplight landscaping in outdoor applications.

More for you:


When and Where to Use Recessed Lighting

Recessed Lighting- Gregg Electric

You might want ambient or general lighting, focus your light on a piece of art or create a “wall washing” effect.

When you want to brighten up a space with a lot of traffic, such as your kitchen or living room, use ambient/general lighting

  • Accent/Spot Lighting: If you want to draw attention to a particular feature, such as a piece of art or a fireplace mantel. When spotlighting paintings, a 30-degree angle is ideal for reducing glare.
  • Wall Washing: By installing recessed downlighting near a wall and bathing it in light, you can bounce light into a space in a less harsh way than direct downlighting.

How to Choose Recessed Lighting

After deciding why, how, and where you want recessed lighting, there are a few elements to consider before making your decision, including:

  • What you wish to illuminate
  • What size and type of housing do you want for your fixture?
  • Whether you want a diffused or spotlighted effect, we’ve got you covered.
  • Type of light bulb
  • Trim

But, before you think about any of these things, safety should be your top priority. When it comes to recessed lighting and safety, there are two factors to consider:

  • Fixtures. Insulation-compatible or sealed recessed lighting fixtures are recommended.
  • Number of circuits and fittings