Do's and Don't of Recessed Lighting

DO

Photo from Google- Origin unknown

DON'T Photo from Decor Pad

I have had a lot of inquires lately about how to lay out your recessed cans and what size cans are best to use. There seems to be a trend going toward smaller cans to light up entire rooms, one I cannot understand. In my opinion the recessed can is not for looks but for function. They can provide a great source of general illumination in a living space, and they are also great to highlight art or decor.

If you use smaller cans (like 3, 4 or 5-inch) to light up an entire room, you will need to use more cans, and I feel like using more cans creates a look similar to the DON'T picture shown here, it's like you’re looking at stars in a sky. The first problem with the DON'T picture is the layout. To make your cans less noticeable you should lay them out in a grid system, like the DO picture, when your can's are in a symmetrical grid layout you are less likely to pay any attention to them.

When you use 6" cans you most likely will place them every 3', the standard 6" can uses a R30 incandescent bulb or a PAR 30 Halogen bulb. When you use a PAR30 or R30 flood you get 40 degree beam of light. So if you have 9' ceilings with a 40 degree beam of light you will illuminate a space of 6.6-feet in diameter with light. If you use a 4" or 5" can with a PAR20 or R20 flood light you are only getting a 30 degree beam of light. So 9 feet from your light source you are covering a 4.8 feet diameter with light. So you will need to place these cans every 2-2.5' for even lighting.

So if you have a space that is 15' x 15' and you use only 6" cans to light up your space, for an ideal even lighting you would use 9 cans. For that same space if you use the 4" or 5" cans, with a PAR 20 Flood, you would need to use 20 cans to get the same even lighting. That means a lot of holes in your ceiling and a lot more money on the product.

There is an ideal time to use the smaller cans, like to spot light art on a wall or to highlight a workspace, like over your sink in the kitchen. But when you are lighting big living spaces I recommend using the 6" larger cans.

New From WAC Lighting

Dorian

Roxy Cascade

Here are my 3 favorite pieces from WAC Lighting's new collection. They can all be used on track or mounted individually or in a group. Get details on these and even more amazing products here.

Braid Craze

Free People Sweater

Tech Lighting Madrid Pendant

Photo from Who What Wear

I thought I would change it up a bit and spotlight some of Tech's new pendants. These Madrid Pendants reminds me of the seasons chunky sweaters and of the braid craze a lot of stars seem to be sporting lately. Who wouldn't want to mimic these beautiful stars' fashion style in their home? I like that Tech comes out with new and unique lighting every year. Check out some of the other things new to their product line here.

Coming Soon

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We have a large stock order of George Kovacs fixtures on their way to the showroom. Here are three of my favorites from the order. Stop by to check them out!

FAQ- Light Bulb Changes Coming Your Way

Photo Scanned in from Home Accents Today Magazine

Check out the article in Home Accents Today magazine on how the new regulations on light bulbs will effect you for years to come. I get a lot of questions about this so check it out here!

TGIF

Photo from Desire to Inspire

My oh my this room speaks to me, I just LOVE it! This is just what I want to see on Friday afternoon as I am wrapping up the week of work. It makes me excited for the weekend.

As always love the elaborate ceiling medallion and the simple fan combination, don't you think it's amazing?

Find similar fans here

Imperial Trellis has done it again

Photo from House of Turquoise

Design by Graciela Rytkowski

Hudson Valley Lighting 5201

What do you think about Kelly Wrarstlers Imperial Trellis wall paper on the walls and the ceiling? Do you think it makes the space feel small?
I have loved this wallpaper for a long time, I love the color scheme and the counter top and of course the lighting. I think it is great to stick with classic sconces when you have so much going on with the walls. Hudson Valley does a similar sconce, shown above, if you wan to recreate this look.