Recessed Lighting Basics

Recessed Lighting can be used in combination with other light fixtures to add needed light to a room when one fixture just isn't enough. All you need is a housing and a trim!

Housings come in two flavors: New construction housings nestle between ceiling joists and are typically installed during construction.  Remodel housings fit into holes cut into an existing ceiling space. Your insulation further determines the type of housing you need: if your ceiling has insulation, use an IC-Rated housing to ensure 3 inches of clearance and avoid fire hazards. You can use Non-IC housings if you don't have insulation, or if you make certain that you have a sufficiently large gap separating your housing and insulation.

Once you've settled on your housing, you'll also need a trim, which is the visible ceiling counterpart to the recessed, invisible housing.Trims come in a variety of sizes and styles and tend to match specific housings. The simplest way to shop recessed lighting is to find your trim, and then add the corresponding housing.

Q: How many fixtures do I need?

A: That will depend on the room size and function along with the recessed lighting fixtures you choose to use.  In general, for standard 8 foot ceilings, 100 watt recessed lighting fixtures will be spaced 2 feet apart. 150 watt recessed lighting fixtures will be spaced 3 feet apart when using Par or R-Type bulbs or 4 feet apart when using standard “A-type” bulbs.

Q: What size recessed trims should I use?

A: This is more of an aesthetics question and will depend on personal style and feel of the room. For smaller rooms 3-4 inch recessed trims will fit the space well.  Larger rooms that also have higher ceilings can use 5-8 inch recessed trims.  Directional spot trims are perfect for illuminating walls or art work since light can be re-directed if needed.