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Recessed Lighting (part 2)

Adjustable trims have been around for some time in the form of protruding ‘eyeball’ styles. Contemporary styles allow for truly recessed mounting while maintaining the adjustable angle by using compact low voltage bulbs within the housings.

Sloped ceiling trims, a variation on adjustable trims, allow recessed lighting fixtures to produce direct downlight even when mounted in vaulted ceilings.

Wet location trims are sealed for use above showers and as outdoor lighting. Though typically rated for sixty watts, new trends are now available that provide increased brightness and beam control.

Wall wash trims have a reflector inside that forces the light up onto a wall for an even “wash” effect. Use these trims to give a feeling of space to a smaller room, or to illuminate groupings of photographs. Wall wash trims are typically spaced from 20–30 inches from the wall and 20–30 inches apart.

Recessed lighting as task lighting and accent lighting
Task lighting provides sufficient lighting for a specific function. Recessed lighting excels in task lighting applications when used in tight groupings over common functional areas such as kitchen counter tops and ranges. Smaller recessed lighting is also ideal over bathroom vanities. Choosing a recessed fixture for task lighting is typically a matter of determining how much lighting is needed. Small, low voltage fixtures may be aesthetically preferable for smaller task surfaces while larger areas may require higher wattage line voltage fixtures.

Accent lighting is used to highlight focal points or create ambience. The painting on the wall may be highlighted specifically, or a soft light may be cast on dining room walls to create the desired ambience. To use recessed lighting for accent lighting, find recessed fixtures with adjustable trims rather than fixed trims. This will allow light to be cast at an angle to shine on walls etc. Accent fixtures are frequently low voltage. They are often used to illuminate art, which makes the excellent color rendering and precise beam spread characteristics available in low voltage halogen bulbs an ideal choice.