Thursday, August 20, 2009

Exterior Recessed Lighting: What You Need To Know

Exterior recessed lighting is available in many colors, shapes and styles. The lighting adds value to your home by making it look elegant. This lighting is of high quality and is known to resist collision making it perfect for exterior installations. They are available in varieties that will add an effect to your compound. To instantly change the appearance of the backyard this would be the best choice of lighting.

When you install exterior recessed lighting you will be bringing in the most beautiful lighting effect to the surroundings. At night the exterior part of your building will look organized and attractive. This is because the lighting will brighten the pathway and make the yard look fabulous.

It is perfect when it comes to holding parties and when entertaining the family and visitors. When the sun goes down you do not have to transfer the party indoors since the exterior recessing lighting will brighten the party area. They can also set the mood for any occasion making the garden look neat and attractive. In addition installation of these lights is not complicated and maintenance is very easy.

The most appropriate places to install these lines are the verandas, decks and exterior entertainment areas. This lighting can act as security lights. They will add on the general appearance and improve the look of the outside part of your home. They will also create a good display making your visitors feel welcome and confident when they visit your area of residence.

The installation procedures may be highlighted on the light kit and you can easily follow the instructions. The first thing is to get to know where the power source is, so that you can initiate installation. It is advisable to space this lighting to ensure that too much light does not fall on the same area. This will protect the circuit by avoiding overload. When connecting makes sure that the power is off since it can cause electrocution.

It would be appropriate if you use the electrical tester just to ensure the lights are off. You should try to properly install the exterior recessing lights since they give the first impression of your home to your visitors. For better results you can install the light next to the object you need to illuminate. This will make the garden look elegant. You can also look for stylish fixtures to add the beauty to the garden

When shopping for the exterior recessed lighting they are many things that you should consider. The first important aspect is the size, this is because they are available in different sizes and it may be hard to determine which one to choose. You need to look for long lasting bulbs and other fixtures. The cost should be pocket friendly without compromising the quality. They are a variety of exterior recessed lighting fixtures that are available in the market. Identify the one that pleases you and install it in your garden or backyard walls to give it a radiant look all the time.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Reccessed Lighting Trim

The lighting in and outside your home can be a crucial design element, highlighting favorite architectural features or invoking a particular mood. It can also be functional, illuminating work space with style. One of the best types of lighting that fits most any decorative situation is recessed lighting. Because it is set into a ceiling or other flat surface, this type of lighting is quite versatile and can easily customize any space.

One of the best ways to set your space apart from others is the recessed lighting trim. This visible component of the lighting lies level with a flat surface, whether it is a ceiling, wall, step or special platform or foundation. The trim is the best way to customize your space through lighting. There are a number of styles, materials and colors to choose from.

Decorative or Architectural

One type of recessed lighting trim is deemed decorative or architectural. The visible portion of the lighting is for artistic purposes and chosen to accentuate the overall design theme in the room. If your living space is contemporary and colorful, you could find trim for your recessed lighting in a hand blown art glass design or even a reflective surface such as highly polished chrome or actual mirrors. Of course, if you rather have something unobtrusive that blends into the background, you can choose a trim in the same color as the flat surface the light fixture is installed in.

Eyeball Style

This eyeball style is shaped exactly as it sounds. The light fixture protrudes slightly from the trim and is adjustable, meaning you can direct the beam of light emanating from it in the direction of your choice. Another adjustable recessed lighting trim is the gimbal ring, quite similar to the eyeball style, only it is adjustable from within the recessed hole that houses the lighting fixture.

Reflectors and Baffles

Reflector recessed lighting trim uses shiny, mirrored materials to reflect light to create a brighter look than what the light bulb alone would produce. Work spaces are a common place in the home in which to install reflector trim.

Baffles are used in conjunction with the shiny reflectors to direct light into a specific area. Concentric rings can be seen within the reflective lighting housing and are great for deflecting harsh glare from the light bulbs.

Pinhole Trim

Sometimes known as wall wash recessed lighting trim, this pinhole-style has only a tiny fractional opening in which light is allowed to escape. The result is a wash of light on the walls and other surfaces instead of a clearly delineated scalloped shape. You might find this type of trim accenting hallway walls, art objects or even decorative drapes with a type of diffused light.

Recessed lighting trim is what makes rooms pop with light. When it has the power to make an impact design-wise in a living space, you know it is a crucial decorative tool. Take your time and shop wisely when choosing your recessed lighting trim as it can make or break the look of your living space.

Monday, March 23, 2009

LED Recessed Lights

LED recessed lights are a bright and efficient way to illuminate your home. The LED light bulb has been used for years in a number of applications but only within the last few has it effectively transferred to home use. There are two basic types of LED recessed lights – directional and diffuse.

Directional LED recessed lights provide a focused beam of light to a particular area, usually a place that you want highlighted like a special painting or picture or even a unique architectural element in the home. Diffuse LED recessed lights are perfect for common areas where bright lighting is not needed. Because LED lights easily cut through dark areas, only a few are needed in a room to adequately illuminate it.

The benefits of LED recessed lights are many, particularly when you focus on the bulb and its superiority over incandescent bulbs. Here are just a few of the benefits:

1. Long life – LED bulbs last much longer than regular incandescent bulbs and at least 8 times as long as compact fluorescent bulbs.
2. Energy Efficient – Unlike regular light bulbs, the LED only uses 3 to 10 watts of electricity, greatly reducing your electricity usage, resulting in lower utility bills. Plus, the life of the LED bulb could be years in comparison to the incandescent bulb.
3. Resilient – Incandescent bulbs shatter easily but LED lights are solid and can withstand a bit of abuse.
4. Environmentally friendly – No mercury is used with LEDs which is beneficial to the environment on those rare occasions when you have to replace a bulb. In addition, the LED bulb is cool to the touch as it does not build up heat, unlike the incandescent bulbs.
5. Cost efficient – While the LED bulb is more expensive at first, the price is more than recouped over time simply because they last a lot longer than other light bulbs.

The fact that LED bulbs do not heat up is a plus when it comes to LED recessed lights. Because recessed lights are installed flush with a surface, regular bulbs sometimes pose a hazard with the build up of heat and potential to overheat, causing a fire. However, LED versions are quite safe and can be installed virtually anywhere, even enclosed places such as closets, cabinets and attic spaces.

LED recessed lights are also perfect tools if you want to create a particular mood in a room because you can purchase bulbs for them in a variety of colors. Plus, the "white" bulbs come in two versions as well – a "cool" white for work spaces and a "warm" white for living areas or small spaces.

If you have the opportunity to install LED recessed lights – do it! You will realize energy savings the first month you have them and help the environment at the same time.

Outdoor Recessed Lighting

Outdoor recessed lighting offers you a great way to highlight your favorite outdoor areas without detracting the focus of attention from them. These lights tuck away out of eyesight until it gets dark and you turn them on to illuminate your outdoor areas such as patios, walkways, driveways, pool sides, decks and verandas.

One of the main reasons why outdoor recessed lighting is becoming more popular is that it is friendly for the environment. Recessed lights outside contribute less light pollution than street lights, security flood lights and even regular porch lights. The environmental benefits include less disruption of insect and bug reproduction as well as migration of birds. The cleaner, less obtrusive outdoor recessed lighting also is less likely to disrupt your sleeping patterns too.

It is important to create a lighting plan before jumping into any outdoor recessed lighting project. Recessed lighting is much harder to remove and relocate than other types of lighting so planning ahead is crucial. Be aware of your surroundings when you create your lighting plan. Will the recessed lighting be shining into any windows of your home? Will it be in a high traffic area that requires a lot of maintenance?

When you plan for outdoor recessed lighting, choose lights that allow you to adjust the angle of the light bulbs. The ability to direct the beam of light from the lighting fixture is important, especially if you are highlighting any landscaping features such as a bubbling fountain, gazing ball or special flowers. In addition, being able to adjust the light bulbs is great for better lighting management and positioning, particularly if you need illumination for a special party outside, cookouts or any type of outdoor entertainment.

One of the types of outdoor recessed lighting available is the wall mounted light. Perfect for those lighting designs that require lights attached to a vertical surface, the wall mounted light can be found in a number of styles and finishes. These lights are perfect for patio areas where you need illumination for your barbecue cooking station.

Recessed down lights are great for porches and patios with low to high ceilings. With this outdoor recessed lighting option, you do not have to worry about any light fixtures hanging down providing obstructions for tall visitors or even carrying tall objects. Well lights are great recessed options if you want to illuminate walkways along landscaped features or even paths. These lights are installed at ground level pointing up, usually imbedded into a walkway or a small stand built specifically for the purpose of outdoor recessed well lights.

Special fountains, fish ponds and other water features may use some type of outdoor recessed lighting. Stairs also may be the recipient of recessed lighting as well. Outdoor paths with stairs, patios with stairs or even a staircase outdoors can benefit from recessed lighting to provide illumination to your destination.

Just remember – planning ahead is very important when installing outdoor recessed lighting. Make sure your intended spot will work for your lighting fixture and that it will shine light in the appropriate places.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Choosing Recessed Lighting

Are you sick of those table lamps? Recessed lighting offers a subtle out of the way bright solution to any living space. The right pick of recessed lighting can provide an alternative to any dim or dreary living space. Recessed lighting can change the mood of any room. Whether you’re cooking, reading, entertaining or just watching television, bringing just the right lighting to your situation will provide just the right mood for your versatile lifestyle.

Low voltage, fluorescent, LED or multiple recessed lighting can be a compliment to any space. Recessed lighting also frees up your space. No more plugs in lamps running across your high traffic rooms. No more worries about if your table lamp still matches your furniture or if your area rug matches your corner lamp. The beauty of recessed lighting is that it fits right into any style. No matter how often you change your décor your recessed lighting will always be in good taste.

You may be renovating an old home or decorating a new one. Recessed lighting can be used as simply an alternative to lamps or other types of lighting or to highlight certain accent features in a room. Recessed lighting can be easily placed in any area in the home. You may choose to place one or two recessed lighting fixtures on either side of an accent wall that holds a beloved piece of contemporary artwork, or above your bed for nighttime reading. Maybe your kitchen is where you spend most of your time. Recessed lighting can be placed right under your countertop. Whatever your needs or wants, recessed lighting comes in many options. You can choose from traditional low voltages to more contemporary high voltage lighting with the many styles of lighting available. Dimmers can also be installed in most recessed lighting setups, this allows you even more control over the amount of light you have in your living space.

Recessed lighting is high quality lighting at affordable pricing. In addition to the décor it adds to a room, recessed lighting is subtle, stylish and is much more cost effective than lamps or other types of lighting. Its energy saving efficiency is well worth the investment. There are many ways to install recess lighting to have just the effect you may be looking for in your home or office space. Depending on your needs and your space, recessed lighting holds many available options. Its simplicity and subtleness allow you to find just the right mix of practicality and style to beautify and brighten any space.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

How To Install Recessed Lighting

A lot of homeowners have recessed lighting in one room or another. This style of lighting, embedded into the ceiling, was first used in the 1940’s. Recessed lighting, once installed, is able to concentrate on any area in whatever room the lights moved around to. The recessed lights can be used as a narrow spotlight or a wide floodlight. The best thing about installing recessed lights are: no cords are dangling, switches, lampshades or bulbs will obstruct the homeowners view.

Recessed lighting comes in three styles: fluorescent, halogen or incandescent lighting. If reducing energy costs is what a homeowner is seeking, fluorescent recessed lights will solve that problem. If a homeowner prefers halogen recessed lights, those bulbs come in low voltage varieties.

With all these features about recessed lighting, here now is how to install them in your home:


Hardware Needed to Install Recessed Lights

This is the hardware needed for installation: Stud Finder, Drywall Saw or Drill with attachment for cutting holes, Drill with a long bit, Wire Strippers, Safety Glasses, Voltage Meter, Screwdriver, Linesman Pliers, Eye Goggles, Pencil, Utility Knife and any hardware which came in the lighting kit. Before cutting into the ceiling, lay out all the hardware on the floor or a nearby table to see if all the parts are there.

Electrical Wires and Joists

With the stud finder and ladder, look for the joists. Joists are to be avoided when drilling the holes to install the light fixtures. To be sure no wires are cut, climb into the attic and locate the junction boxes. All that needs to be cut is the drywall.

Cover Furniture and Flooring

Because drilling taking place, place a drop clothe or large bedding sheet on nearby furniture and flooring. There will be drywall falling on furniture and flooring which can not be avoided. It is best to cover any furniture and flooring before drilling takes place.

Use Recessed Lighting Template

When the recessed lighting kit was purchased, a circular template should have been included as well. With a pencil and the template, trace a circle around the template where the holes will be cut. For cutting one hole, all thats needed is a utility knife as the drywall is not solid. For safety purposes, always wear the safety eye goggles. If the homeowner will be drilling more than one, to save money and time, use the hole cutting saw instead. When using the hole drilling saw, all that needs to be done is place a dot, with pencil, in center of hole saw where the fixtures will be installed.

Electrical Wiring

Once holes are cut into ceiling, the electrical wiring should be run from the power source into the switch box. Now the wiring needs to be run into the holes for the lighting fixtures. Be careful to not cut any wires when sending wiring through holes. It is best to use a drill with a long bit because this is a way to avoid cutting extra access holes. Take you time when doing this as it will not be wise to cut any wires.

Matching Wires

Now it is time to match the white wires with white wires, the black wires with black wires and the ground wires with the ground wires. To make sure wire caps do not come off, it is always necessary to cap off each wire and use electrical tape as well.

It is necessary to follow the recessed lighting directions found in the box, but if the homeowner needs more clarification, this article will help you out. When deciding to install recessed lighting, this process will take between 4 to 5 hours to complete. If the homeowner needs a friend to help them out, find a friend indeed.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Welcome to The Recessed Lighting Guide

It might seem odd to start up a site devoted to recessed lighting in all of its forms, but that what we are here for. Recessed lighting is a great way to discrete light both the interior and exterior of your home.

We hope to bring you full coverage of this topic by giving you the information you need to find, choose, buy, and install recessed lighting. If you are looking to light your house in exciting new ways, be sure to be watching this space in the future.

The first topic we want to keep you informed on is the different styles of lighting out there. There are exterior and interior lights, which come in a variety of bulb styles. There are even environmentally friendly LED lighting options available for those who choose to go that route.

Once you have chosen your desired type of recessed lighting, we want to keep you up to date and informed on the best places to find cheap recessed lighting. There are many options out there so you want to make sure you compare before you buy.

Once you have your lights, you want to get them installed. Installing recessed lights can be a little tricky at times, so we hope to bring you some articles that will help walk you through the process and get you going in the minimum amount of time.

So, that's just a basic outline of what I hope to accomplish with this site. Thanks for visiting, and we hope you will stick around to learn more about the wonderful world of recessed lighting.