Why Recessed Lights Are the Go-To Solution in Offices
Types of Recessed Lighting
How to Choose Recessed Lighting
Frequently Asked Questions About Recessed Lighting
recessed lighting

Why Recessed Lights Are the Go-To Solution in Offices

Recessed lighting provides a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for office lighting, making it a popular choice among designers and architects. Recessed lights, also known as can lights or downlights, are often considered a popular office lighting solution for several reasons:

  • Uniform Lighting: Recessed lights are typically installed in a grid pattern, providing even lighting throughout the space, with fewer shadows and dark spots.
  • Space-Saving: As the lights are installed flush with the ceiling, they don't take up any floor or desk space, making them ideal for small or crowded offices.
  • Energy Efficient: The best recessed lights use highly energy-efficient LEDs, reducing utility bills for the office.
  • Adjustable: When choosing recessed lights, consider styles with adjustable features for brightness and direction, which allow you to customize the lighting based on your needs.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing: The clean and sleek look of recessed lights adds a modern touch to your office space while creating a professional and polished appearance.

Types of Recessed Lighting

Several types of business and residential recessed ceiling lights can be installed to illuminate your room. The specific types of recessed lighting that are best for a particular room will depend on various factors, such as the intended use of the space, the desired level of lighting and the overall design aesthetic.

  • Fixed Recessed Light Housing: This kind of recessed light is stationary and cannot be adjusted once it's installed. Fixed recessed lighting is typically used for general illumination and is the most common type.
  • Adjustable Recessed Lights: For complete 360-degree control of your recessed LED lights, consider using adjustable recessed lighting. This fixture provides high-quality light wherever you need it. These lights also have instant-on capability and can withstand frequent switching on and off.
  • Recessed Wafer Lighting: LED wafer lighting fixtures are an excellent lighting solution for spaces with limited ceiling space or for use on eaves or overhangs. These super-thin downlights emit very little heat and are suitable for both new construction and renovation projects. Installation is easy and straightforward after the hole is cut. Wafer lighting is particularly well-suited for living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
  • Can Light LED Retrofit Kits: When renovating your home or business, you'll want to replace outdated light fixtures with newer, energy-efficient LED ones. In this scenario, using a recessed lighting kit is the ideal way to upgrade old fixtures. These kits come with all the necessary components to replace inefficient lighting fixtures with modern, energy-efficient LED technology.
  • Commercial Downlight Fixture: When it comes to LED recessed lighting for commercial use, it needs to perform various functions based on where it's installed. Opting for a commercial-grade fixture offers greater flexibility in terms of selecting the appropriate wattage, correlated color temperature (CCT) and dimming settings.

The Three Parts of Recessed Lighting

Lamp type, housing and trim are the three parts of recessed lighting. When choosing recessed lights, you'll do so based on these components.

  • Lamp Type: The most-recommended type of lamp is the LED. It has several advantages over outdated lighting, such as long-lasting performance, high energy efficiency and reliable illumination.
  • Housing: The part of a recessed lighting fixture that's installed above the ceiling is called the recessed lighting housing. If your recessed lights will come in contact with insulation, make certain you install fixtures rated IC (insulation-contact). If you're not using IC housing, allow at least three inches between the insulation and your recessed light fixture. Airtight (AT) certified recessed lighting reduces the airflow between non-air-conditioned and cooled floors to maximize energy efficiency.
  • Trim: The finished portion of a fixture that's visible after installation is called the recessed lighting trim. It's usually smooth, but you may opt for trim that manipulates the light to give you a different effect.

How to Choose Recessed Lighting

Choosing recessed lights for commercial and residential applications requires you to consider four primary factors. Once you've created a plan that includes all these considerations, you'll know how to choose recessed lighting that works best for your space.

  1. Usage: Review the intended use of the space and the lighting needs for that area. Determine the amount of light required and the color temperature that will enhance the space's ambiance.
  2. Location: Take into account the ceiling height, insulation type and spacing between the recessed lights. Choose fixtures that fit the room's design aesthetic and function.
  3. Lamp Type: Consider the type of lamp being used, its energy efficiency and its dimming capabilities. Of course, LEDs are generally your best bet because they get high marks in every category.
  4. Style: Select a style that complements the room's decor and provides the desired level of lighting.
  5. Fixture Size: The size of the room, ceiling height and the lighting needs for the space will all determine the size of recessed lights you choose. Generally, the larger the room and the higher the ceiling, the larger the fixture size.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recessed Lighting

We've addressed some common questions about recessed lighting below. If you need more information, please reach out to our lighting experts.

how to choose recessed lighting

What Is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lights, also known as "can lighting" or "downlighting," are designed to sit flush with the ceiling surface. Installing flush-mount recessed LED lighting can create a modern and appealing look in your space. These ceiling light fixtures can also be used to highlight building features, artwork and decorative objects. Furthermore, dimmable LED recessed lighting offers energy savings and the ability to create a relaxed, mood-enhancing atmosphere.

What Are the Different Sizes of LED Recessed Lighting Fixtures?

There are a wide variety of sizes for LED recessed lighting fixtures, ranging from as small as 2 inches in diameter to as large as 8 inches or more. The most common sizes are:

  • 2-inch downlight fixtures: These are the smallest LED recessed lighting fixtures and are often used in tight spaces or for accent lighting.
  • 3-inch downlight fixtures: Slightly larger than 2-inch fixtures, these are also often used for accent lighting or in areas where space is limited.
  • 4-inch downlight fixtures: These are the most common size of LED recessed lighting fixtures and can be used for general lighting in most spaces.
  • 5-inch downlight fixtures: These are a slightly larger option than 4-inch fixtures and can provide more light output for larger rooms or higher ceilings.
  • 6-inch downlight fixtures: These are larger fixtures that can provide ample light output and are often used in larger rooms or for higher ceilings.
  • 8-inch downlight fixtures: These are the largest LED recessed lighting fixtures and are often used in commercial spaces or areas with very high ceilings.

It's important to note that the size of the fixture can impact the amount of light it produces, as well as how it looks in a space. It's best to choose a size that is appropriate for the room and its intended use.

How Many Recessed Lights Do I Need to Buy?

The number of recessed lighting fixtures required depends on the size of the room and the level of brightness needed. In larger spaces, multiple recessed lights may be required to provide adequate lighting. Additionally, consider the spacing between fixtures to avoid under- or over-lit areas. Warehouse-Lighting.com provides Free Lighting Design and Layout assistance to help you plan your lighting scheme.

Can I Install LED Lamps in My Existing Recessed Lighting Fixtures?

You can replace the bulbs in your existing recessed lighting fixtures with LEDs, provided the fixtures are compatible with LED lamps. LEDs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Select LEDs that are the appropriate size and wattage for your fixtures. Additionally, if you're using dimmer switches, ensure the LEDs are dimmable. If your current fixture doesn't accommodate LEDs, you can always pick up retrofit recessed lighting kits that will enable you to make the switch.

Rely on Warehouse-Lighting.com for Recessed Lighting Solutions for Your Space

If you're looking for high-quality recessed lighting fixtures, count on Warehouse-Lighting.com. You'll find a wide selection of recessed lights for both residential and commercial applications plus knowledgeable customer support and competitive pricing. Whether you need LED downlights, adjustable recessed lighting or retrofit kits, Warehouse-Lighting.com has you covered. Plus, our commitment to providing energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting solutions ensures you're making a responsible choice for the environment. Shop today!

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