Recessed Lighting on Display in the GTA

New, But Not New...

One of the newest and most modern lighting trends came about with the introduction of recessed lights. This new craze has become a trend because of the unique nature of its installation; a small, hollow space in the ceiling.

The Placement of Recessed Lighting

The placement creates a sleeker look; with the lighting being concentrated in the area directly below the bulb. Did you know that because of the unique design, it is also known as a ‘down light’ or ‘pot lighting’? Cool right?

Three recessed lights on a smooth white ceiling

Now that we have introduced this lighting style, let us spend a little more time talking about them.

A Stroll Down Memory Lane: Potlights

Recessed lights have been around for quite a while. 

They were first invented in the early 1940s and consist of three main parts. These parts are referred to as housing, trim and the bulb.

What are these parts you may ask? Well the bulb is there and the housing, as its name suggests, is the part that holds the bulb holder and is located within the hole in the ceiling. The trim area of this fixture refers to the area that covers the housing and so is the part of the lighting that is visible.

For electrical contracting help with the installation of recessed lighting in the GTA, talk to Unique Potlight, based in Newmarket, Ontario.

Differing Options

There are different types of recessed lighting options. Oh yes!

You can choose from:

• Incandescent bulbs
• LED bulbs
• Halogen bulbs
• Compact fluorescent lamps, and
• Low voltage halogen bulbs. 

LED recessed lights added to kitchen counters

Did you know that the direction in which the light travels is based largely on the shape of the bulb? Some of the bulbs to look for include reflectors, bulged, parabolic reflectors and multifaceted reflectors.

Recessed lights are also about offering variety in style... You must give the ladies a choice, after all.

There are different types of trim options from which you can choose. The options for trim include:

• Fluorescent trims
• LED trims
• Low Voltage trims
• Decorative Crystal trim and 
• Line Voltage trim

Why Choose Potlights / Recessed Lights?

So, why choose recessed lighting? 

It’s just another light right? Wrong! Recessed lights are designed to offer lighting but to do so more discreetly.

It is ideal for areas in which a cleaner and less cluttered look is desired. In these areas, the bulb itself is removed from direct sight but the function is still maintained; a total bonus if ever I heard one.

The recessed lighting is also on-trend and likely to stay this way. The design is not overdone, which makes it a fit for homes and offices with either a traditional or modern setting. This on-trend lighting style should remain classy even as design features and styles change.

Recessed lighting is also perfect for those rooms with low ceilings. Keep hitting your head on those hanging bulbs in the basement ceiling? Are you one those hosts who have guest bending to walk through some rooms?

Let us get that fixed with some recessed potlights!!

You may not know this but recessed lighting also boasts a waterproof feature. Yes, it is as exciting as it is true.

Recessed lights are designed to seamlessly and effectively work in areas exposed to moisture. This includes pools, Jacuzzi tubs and shower stalls. Recessed lights are considered to be quite versatile.

The design allows owners to personalize their fixture. You can choose desired trim and colour, the lighting style as well as the location and direction of the illumination. For the other pro of recessed lights, let us just say energy efficiency!

Everyone loves to save money and most recessed lights are rated by Energy Star; conserving energy expended. The recommended bulbs are also primarily LED which, while conserving energy, is also known to last longer.

Having looked at the reasons recessed lighting is a smart option, where should you install them?

Where to Install Pot-lighting?

Now, this is one of the novel features of recessed lights, they are designed to work effectively in almost any room. They are however best placed above kitchen counters, over the dinner room table for those family dinners, in shower stalls, over that gathering island in the kitchen and most definitely all around the theatre room; for the ideal setting as you enjoy that favorite movie series.

Did you know that recessed lighting can also be used as accent lights? Smart and trendy homeowners are now also using these lights to illuminate artwork and focal walls and spaces around the home... Snazzy!

Solo LED light against a black background

Placement is Key

To maximize the effectiveness of the lights, it is important to strategically place the bulbs. You are encouraged to measure the length of the ceiling or area in which the lights will be placed. The holes for the bulbs on an eight foot space should be at least four feet apart; with larger spaces needing a six inch bulb.

The approximated calculation allows for even distribution of the light around the desired space. Bulbs to be used in this setting are usually rated between 75 watts and 100 watts. It is important to also budget in the electrician’s cost for the wiring.

The charge here will vary depending on the area as well as the costs for the other items such as tapes, wires and ducts. The minimal costs makes choosing this feature a must; even with a budget to consider. Additionally, including this update around your home will make rooms lighter and brighter; therefore improving the value of your home. Amazing isn’t it?

Cons and Downers

We have highlighted much of the pros for the recessed lighting but what of the cons? Are there any downsides to installing these new trends in your home?

Well, one of the most important concerns about recessed light installation is placement. When the lights are placed in close proximity to each other or installed down one line, it creates less of an elegant look and more of a commercial or industrial feel.

Choosing to install recessed lights means also acknowledging that they can never be covered by insulation. Attempting to cover the holds, will cause the heat created by the bulbs to start a fire. They may also leak air after being installed. It is therefore important to take note of the gaps around each pod; ensuring that the spaces are made air tight. Problem solved if you ask me!

We now know the pros and cons of this cool lighting feature. As you start planning for that new upgrade, do not forget that these lights should fit seamlessly into the created space and zones are ideal for greater function, style and appeal.

 Freshly installed 9 LED Recessed Lights