Have you heard of recessed lighting, and do you use it in your home? If you have been to a gallery where artworks and paintings are displayed, you will most likely find large light fixtures in place to illuminate the entire room, while such fixtures are not common in smaller rooms. Recessed lighting is also common for homes with large living rooms, so if you are looking to style your home, you need to install the right options, especially in the ceilings.
Recessed Lighting Explained
Recessed lighting is a light option installed inside a ceiling or surface area. They are mostly used in ceilings but can also be installed inside doors or closets for good measure. Unlike your standard lighting, luxury recessed lighting is mainly for beautification and not the main Illumination source for interior spaces.
They are highly recommended for rooms with very low ceilings that may not be fit for bigger lamps that may scrape people’s heads. They are also suitable for larger rooms that may or may not need standard lighting for illumination. In modern times, they have become integral parts of home designs.
Furthermore, recessed lighting is available for different commercial and residential applications and is used for a wide range of settings like accent, task, or to boost ambiance. They are usually vintage and sleek and add to the overall aesthetic of the living area.
Components Of Recessed Lighting
There are three components in this lighting fixture, and they are
- Frame – This is the mounting frame installed in between the joists to secure the bulb in the ceiling
- Housing – The housing is a cylindrical piece of metal that protects the bulb and other fixtures by hiding them inside.
- Trim – This is the exposed component that the eye can see. It is inserted into the housing and is responsible for the light appearance and quality.
When shopping for recessed lighting, you should pay close attention to the type of trim addressed below.
Recessed Lighting Trims
When it comes to choosing the right trim for your lighting fixtures, there are nine distinct types to consider, each catering to specific applications and personal preferences. Understanding these various trim options can help you achieve the desired lighting effect and ambiance in your space. Here’s an in-depth look at each type:
- Reflector Trim: This type of trim features a reflective surface inside the fixture, which serves to intensify and amplify the light emitted by the bulb. Reflector trims are an excellent choice when you want to maximize brightness in a room.
- Open Trim: Open trims are designed to position the bulb flush with the ceiling, concealing the inner fixture. This clean and minimalistic design is often preferred for a streamlined, unobtrusive appearance.
- Pinhole Trim: Pinhole trims create a unique, modern aesthetic by directing all the emitted light through a narrow channel or aperture. This design choice results in a focused, somewhat colder light that can be particularly striking in contemporary settings.
- Baffle Trim: The interior of the baffle trim is ribbed, serving the dual purpose of minimizing glare and preventing unwanted reflections. Commonly found in residential settings, baffle trims allow for precise control over the intensity of light entering a room.
- Gimbal Trim: Gimbal trims are distinctive for placing the bulbs further back in the ceiling and offering adjustability. By tilting and repositioning the housing, you can control the direction and focus of the light, making them versatile for accentuating specific areas or objects.
- Eyeball Trim: Adjustable and versatile, eyeball trims enable you to pivot the bulb to different angles, allowing for customizable lighting effects. This feature is especially useful when you want to highlight specific objects or create a unique ambiance.
- Shower Trim: Designed for wet areas like bathrooms, shower trims emit light in narrow strands while featuring tempered glass to keep moisture out. These trims provide adequate illumination in damp environments while maintaining safety and functionality.
- Canless Trim: Canless trims do away with the need for an external electrical box. Instead, they utilize the electrical wiring inside the home as the fixture’s housing, offering a sleek and minimalist appearance that blends seamlessly with the ceiling.
- Wall Wash Trim: Wall-wash trims utilize a blocking shield to control the distribution of light. They are often employed for artistic and design-oriented applications, focusing the remaining light on walls or specific styling features to create a visually striking effect.
Conclusion
Recessed lighting is advisable for low-hanging ceilings or in spaces visited or occupied by tall people. You should put a lot of thought when deciding on the one to buy, but rest assured that they will improve the quality of your work or living area. You can shop for yours online or visit a physical store to make your selection for a good price. If you are in doubt about the best trim option, seek the help of a lighting expert.