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.