Recessed lighting basics
Recessed (pot) lighting is ideal for rooms with low ceilings or for rooms where hanging fixtures are too obstructive. Entryways and kitchens are examples of such spaces.
Other Uses
Recessed lighting can also be used in accent lighting and task lighting (in kitchen countertops as in the image at right, or in bathrooms, or in reading tasks) or to get indirect lighting effects (wall-washing).
The fact that recessed lights are hidden can be important: rooms become more open and will look more spacious.
Image: Energy Star
New homes vs. renovating projects: the installation
Recessed lighting is easy to install in new buildings, and often difficult to implement in existing homes, where drilling holes and managing the electrical wiring can be problematic.
See:
Recessed lighting installation
Disadvantages
Besides, recessed lights may also pose some safety issues, or cost and energy-efficient interrogations that should be addressed.
See:
Disadvantages of recessed lighting
Selecting fixtures
Recessed fixtures involve housings and trims.
Housings can be low or line voltage, or specially designed for remodels, while trims are mostly of two main types: non-adjustable fixed down-lights (gimbals) and eyeball trims, which can be rotated and pivoted.
See, for details: Recessed Lighting Trims and Housings
Recessed Lighting Lamps
See: Recessed lamps
Placement
Recessed lights should be carefully located to get the the style, mood or the efficiency you want.
See also: