Architectural Downlighting with LED is an energy efficient way to light a room and deliver a minimalistic look.
Recessed lighting, also known as can lighting or downlighting, is a popular choice for modern homes and commercial spaces due to its sleek design and versatility. Recessed lighting is installed into the ceiling, with the light source being recessed within a housing unit. This creates a clean and minimalist look, with the light source blending seamlessly into the ceiling. New LED recessed lighting fixture come in a wide range of designs, styles and light intensity.
When it comes to designing a space with recessed lighting, there are a few key factors to consider in order to achieve the desired effect. These include the type of room, the ceiling height, the purpose of the lighting, and the desired ambiance.
Firstly, it is important to consider the type of room that the recessed lighting will be installed in. For example, a kitchen or bathroom may require brighter lighting to aid in cooking or grooming tasks, while a bedroom or living room may benefit from softer, more ambient lighting for relaxation and entertainment. The type of room will also dictate the number of lights needed and the spacing between them. Light intensity, measured in lumens, is a big part of recessed light design. This will be covered in another article.
Ceiling height is another important consideration. Higher ceilings may require more lights in order to adequately illuminate the space, while lower ceilings may only require a few lights to provide sufficient lighting. It is also important to consider the beam spread of the lights when determining the spacing between them, as wider beams will require fewer lights but will need to be spaced farther apart.
Recessed lighting also allows for light to be focused and directed at artwork, walls and architectural features. A mix of recessed lighting that pivot and swivel to shine light on an interior details can be a major design element in a room. This purpose of the lighting should be taken into account when designing a space with recessed lighting. Consult one of our Lighting Designers to learn more about highlighting a specific area or architectural detail, it may require more understanding of the different types of recessed LED lights to get the right mix.
The desired ambiance of the space is also an important factor in recessed lighting design. Warm-toned lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cooler-toned lights can provide a more modern and clinical feel. Dimmer switches can also be installed to allow for adjustable lighting, which is especially useful in spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms where the lighting needs may vary depending on the time of day or the activity taking place.
In terms of spacing, there are a few general guidelines that can be followed when installing recessed lighting. For ceilings that are 8 to 9 feet high, the lights should be spaced between 4 and 5 feet apart. For higher ceilings, the spacing can be increased to between 5 and 6 feet apart. It is also recommended to space the lights at least 2 feet away from the walls in order to avoid casting harsh shadows.
It is important to note that these spacing guidelines are just that – guidelines. Every space is different and may require adjustments to achieve the desired effect. Consulting with a professional electrician or lighting designer can help ensure that the recessed lighting is installed and spaced properly.
Recessed lighting can be an effective and stylish way to light a space. When designing a space with recessed lighting, it is important to consider the type of room, the ceiling height, the purpose of the lighting, and the desired ambiance. Following general guidelines for spacing can also help ensure that the lighting is installed properly, but consulting with a professional can provide the best results. Connect with Sundial Lighting to learn more about recessed lighting and some of the unique LED recessed lights we have in our showrooms.
Visual Comfort’s Recessed Lighting comes in a wide range of styles and features. The ELEMENT 4” Wall Wash solution sets a new best-in-class performance benchmark for recessed downlights. These ELEMENT Wall Wash solutions create a beautifully uniform high output flood of LED light without scalloping or hot spots, eliminating shadows and emphasizing the smoothness of a wall from top to bottom. The light can be mounted with no trim and finished with drywall mud and the provided plaster plate.
About Sundial Lighting
Sundial Lighting is a leading supplier of light fixtures in the Okanagan Valley. We supply lighting fixtures to residential and commercial builders in Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Summerland, Peachland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos. We have been a major regional lighting store since 1975 and have two Lighting showrooms in Vernon and Penticton. Our experience in the residential and commercial lighting industry is led by our Lighting Consultants who are experts at finding the right lighting fixtures for your budget.
If you are renovating your home or looking for new lighting fixtures to brighten up an existing room visit one of our showrooms or give us a call to book an appointment. You won’t be disappointed in the selection you find and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect CSA approved light for your needs.
If you are in the Trades and would like to open a commercial account at Sundial Lighting please contact us or call to set up an account. We offer a comprehensive Lighting Service for builders and electricians and work closely to align with construction schedules and budgets.
