Proper lighting is not only more cost effective, it also accentuates the personal style of a room. For instance, recessed lighting is a key element in both the style and function of a space. This type of lighting offers a streamlined, spacious look, sometimes highlighting artwork or other features. Whether renovating a house or building a new one, recessed lighting is a versatile lighting option to consider. Many different styles are available that focus on flexibility and energy conservation, so you should be able to find the models that work for you. Once their placement has been decided, look into the bulbs, trims, and housings you'll need to complete the look.
Standard bulbs, with their warm incandescence, remain a common, less expensive choice for general use. An "R" lamp bulb, though slightly more expensive, has a built-in reflector that helps cast the light in a spot or flood pattern. Halogen bulbs produce the whitest light at a lower wattage and provide better beam control. Low voltage halogen lamps offer excellent color spectrum light and have a much longer lifespan, though they will require a transformer. Low voltage systems typically operate at 12 volts and need special dimmers, but offer a bright, high-contrast light that's ideal for reading and working.
Black alzak recessed light trim and specular clear trim offer optimum performance and good glare control, while black or white baffle trims are economical and quite common. Black helps diminish glare at the ceiling level, but white trim is less conspicuous when the lights are out. For flexible, directional lighting, low voltage eyeballs can be rotated and adjusted vertically, which is excellent for accenting a particular object or task area. A wall wash trim uses an inside reflector to provide an even "wash" effect on the upper parts of a wall, making a smaller room appear more spacious.
If recessed light housing will be in contact with ceiling insulation, IC-rated housing must be used. This is usually rated at a maximum of 75 watts, though non-insulation varieties may be rated at 150 watts. Housings are typically designated for new construction, remodeled homes or sloped ceilings, so understand the nature of your project and what it will require in order to select the appropriate type.