All About Recessed Lighting

Sep 16, 2011
Zoobia Ilyas

A close-up image of a recessed light fixture. - I, BrokenSphere [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wik

Learn the advantages and disadvantages associated with recessed lighting fixtures.

Home building expert Tim Carter dates the popularity of recessed lighting back to the 1950s, when homeowners wanted fashionable and sleek lighting options. Recessed lighting addressed these desires, and so they became a popular option during the decade. Because they are, by definition, a hidden light source, recessed lighting provided a simple option that did not affect the ceiling's aesthetic.

Unobtrusive by design, recessed lights are built using three elements. The first element is the housing. It is basically a hollowed out part of the ceiling that cradles the light bulb. The second element is the actual bulb. Cone-shaped, these bulbs send a beam of light down into the room. The third element is the trim, which is the only part of the light fixture seen by the naked eye. It sits against the ceiling, and is often customized to match the room's decor. Just like all types of lighting, recessed lighting does offer some distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Advantage: No Unsightly or Dangerous Wires

Experts at Creative-Outdoor-Lighting.com explain that every component of a recessed lighting fixture is tucked away neatly inside the ceiling. There are no dangerous wires hanging down or strewn across the floor. Because of their unobtrusive nature, recessed lighting is safe for many individuals, including kids, disabled people or seniors.

Disadvantage: Non-Transferable

Unlike table lamps or other portable light fixtures, recessed lights are permanently installed in place. They cannot be moved to other areas of the house. Experts at Recessed Lighting Fixtures Central identify this as a challenge in rooms designed for more than one purpose, such as living rooms and family rooms. Furthermore, when recessed lighting is the only sole source of light in a room, it cannot be adjusted to direct light in various directions. To overcome this disadvantage, install recessed lighting in single-purpose spaces, such as bathrooms.

Advantage: Saves Energy

According to Home-Lighting-Design.com, recessed light fixtures use low voltage bulbs which makes them energy efficient. To further control the amount of energy used, install a dimmer switch that provides control over how much light bulbs release. Keeping the dimmer switch to a low level of brightness will require less energy, saving you money on energy bills while limiting damage to the environment.

Disadvantage: Creates Poor Lighting Conditions

Because recessed lighting is located inside the ceiling, they always light objects from above. While this can benefit art displays and furniture, it does not create the best lighting conditions for people. Experts at Recessed Lighting Fixtures Central explain that recessed lighting draws attention to imperfections while creating unflattering shadows on the face. Because most people do not want their wrinkles on display, recessed lighting is not a realistic lighting choice in areas where people gather, take photos, put on makeup or shave.

To overcome the disadvantages associated with using recessed lighting, do not rely on them as the sole source of light. Instead, combine recessed lighting with other light fixture styles to add brightness to a room.