Light House
How to Select and Layout Recessed Can Accent Lights
Laying out recessed can accent lighting can be intimidatingif it is your first time but there is no need to worry. In this article I will go over the basics of recessed accent lights from types, trims, bulbs, and how to position them. I hope the information below will help answer all your questions about recessed can lights.
Accent lighting is used to highlight or focus light on a specific area of a room or space making it stand out from its surroundings. It may be used to highlight Art Work, furniture, statues, and other objects. To begin you need to figure out what you want to accent. Once you have selected the area to accent you need to decide what type of light will work best.
Recessed cans come in the following sizes 3", 4", 5", and 6" inches. In rooms with a ceiling lower than 9ft I recommend using 4" recessed cans. If you ceiling is over 9ft I recommend a 5" or larger recessed can. It is a general rule that the lower the ceiling the smaller the recessed light opening should be.
Accent lighting does not have a specific rule to follow for spacing. Depending on the size of the object or area 1 or more lights may be needed. In single light applications the light is placed 6" to 18" in front of the center of the item or area being accented. In multiple light applications the lights are usually spaced close together 1' to 2' apart. To assist you with the layout of multiple accent lights I recommend using an adjustable beam flashlight to simulate the light location. This allows you to experiment and try different positions and placements that will simulate the finished result.
Once you have selected the location of the light you need to determine what trim you will install. The trim is the ring and reflector that covers the inside housing of a recessed can light. The trim is typically one piece and it installs into the can housing before the lamp is installed. The trims purpose is to reflect or aim light out of the recess can while covering the metal housing. Trims come in many different styles so I will describe the most common. Baffle trims are used for general ambient light. This is standard white ring with a white or black interior. This type of trim is good for evenly distributing light. An eyeball trim is used when the light needs to be focused in a specific direction or area. They can typically be rotated 360 degrees and can tilt 30 – 60 degrees up and down. If you want focus light on an exact area they work great because after the installation is complete they can still be adjusted. Wall wash trims are used along walls and wash of light. The trim is very similar to a baffle trim but half of the light opening is covered. The half cover focuses light in one direction creating a wash effect. Reflector or Alzak Trims have a white trim ring and a shiny metallic gold or silver interior.
Last are the different bulb options. When you are selecting a light bulb make sure you are not exceeding the recessed can and trim maximum wattage. Exceeding the recommended wattage can create a fire hazard. Also check to see what size lamp is recommended for the light housing and trim. Once you verify the max wattage and bulb type you can select the desired wattage and light focus. Bulb wattages vary from 20W to 100W. The higher the wattage the brighter the light will be. Light focus refers to the way the bulb disperses light. For accent lighting I recommend a narrow flood, wide spot, or narrow spot depending on the size of the area being highlighted.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has answered your questions and you are now ready to start your recessed can accent light project. Good Luck!
About the Author
Thanks again for taking the time to read my article. For more information about recessed can accent lights please visit my website. My website covers the types, design, layout, installation, and much more. If you do have any questions I have provided an email address on my contact page!
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