When designing a living room lighting plan, one of the most popular and versatile options to consider is recessed lighting, also known as can lights or downlights. Recessed lights can provide both ambient illumination as well as task and accent lighting. With proper placement, recessed lighting can be used to showcase the best features of your living room and set the perfect mood.
What is Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting consists of luminaires or light fixtures that are installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling or wall. This creates an unobtrusive lighting effect since the fixtures themselves are recessed into the architectural space. The trim or border of a recessed light fixture is visible, but the light source is set back, creating neat rows of directed light ideal for many applications.
Recessed lighting comes in a wide variety of configurations such as adjustable angle lights, wall wash lights, spotlighting, linear lighting, and more. This versatility, combined with the subtle and streamlined look of recessed lights when not illuminated, makes this type of lighting a popular choice for living rooms as well as kitchens, hallways, and bedrooms.
Benefits of Recessed Lighting in Living Rooms
There are several reasons why recessed lighting should be considered for living room spaces.
First, recessed lights are an excellent option for providing ambient or general lighting. Multiple can lights spaced evenly on the ceiling can bathe the entire living room in a soft, uniform light, free of harsh shadows. This overhead lighting illuminates the space beautifully without competing with other fixtures and decor.
In addition to ambient lighting, adjustable recessed spotlights can also provide directed task lighting. Focused beams highlight seating areas to make reading or other hobbies more comfortable. This reduces eyestrain since the light is positioned above and behind the user, reducing glare.
Recessed lights also work well for accent lighting, drawing attention to specific architectural details and design features. Small pinspots can showcase artwork while washlights grazing walls add depth and drama. Lighting a niche or display gives it focus.
Finally, recessed lighting offers aesthetic versatility through the use of different trims and lenses. A row of recessed lights can have either a smooth and subtle look or make a design statement, depending on the trim choice. The style of light – narrow spot or wide flood – also impacts the look and function.
Factors to Consider Before Installing
While recessed lighting can elevate a living room’s lighting design, proper planning and preparation is needed to ensure success. Here are some important factors to consider before starting your recessed lighting project.
Room Size and Ceiling Height
Consider the size and ceiling height of the living room space. For rooms with 8′ ceilings, recessed lights should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. A good general rule of thumb is that fixtures can be spaced up to 1.5 times the ceiling height; for example, lights in a room with 9′ ceilings could be placed up to 13.5 feet apart.
Ceiling Type
The style of ceiling is also a factor. Recessed lighting not only works with standard flat ceilings but can enhance coved ceilings, tray ceilings, and vaulted ceilings. Consult a professional electrician to ensure each ceiling type can structurally and safely accommodate recessed lights.
Goals and Activities
Consider the primary uses for the living room lighting. Is the focus on ambient lighting for entertaining? Or is the priority task lighting for reading? Factor in these goals before deciding on recessed lighting layouts and bulb types.
Budget
The costs of fixtures, bulbs, hiring an electrician, obtaining permits, and related expenses should align with your project budget. Recessed lighting is an investment that can significantly enhance living room design.
Where to Place Recessed Lights in a Living Room
When deciding on placement, here are some key areas to consider installing recessed lighting in your living room:
Above Main Seating Areas
Lighting above sofas, chairs, and other primary seating areas is essential. This provides excellent task lighting for activities like reading. Place recessed lights about 18-24 inches in front of and slightly wider than the seating area to avoid glare.
Room Perimeter
Lining the perimeter of the living room with recessed lighting washes the walls with a subtle glow. Spacing lights 2 to 3 feet apart around the edges of the room provides soft ambient lighting.
Focal Points
Accent lighting focused on architectural details and focal points adds emphasis. Recessed lighting on fireplace mantels or niches draws the eye to these features. Picture lighting illuminates treasured art.
Ceiling Details
Recessed lighting can complement ceiling details like coves or tray ceilings, becoming an integrated design element. Consult an architect on the best placements.
Balanced Layout
Mix up recessed lighting locations throughout the living room. Overhead ambient lighting, task lighting, and directional accents should balance each other. Lighting only one space or area can look uneven.
Choosing Bulb Color Temperature
The bulb installed in recessed lighting impacts the overall look and feel of the living room. Here are some primary options:
Soft White – 2700K to 3000K
This light has a warm, yellowish tone that mimics incandescent bulbs. The low color temperature creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
Cool White – 3500K to 4100K
The bright, crisp light from these bulbs provides excellent visibility for tasks like reading. Their white tone feels energizing.
Daylight – 5000K to 6000K
Cool blue undertones give this light a natural, refreshing quality like sunlight streaming in. Daylight bulbs can help balance the warm tint of other living room lighting.
Installation Tips and Wiring
Proper installation and wiring ensures recessed lights are safe, long-lasting, and visually appealing.
Hire an Electrician
Only a trained professional should handle the electrical complexities of installing and wiring recessed lighting fixtures. This expertise prevents safety hazards and code violations.
Insulation Requirements
Insulation must be cleared from areas where recessed lights will be installed to avoid fire risks. Special insulation-contact fixtures can also be used.
Dimming Capabilities
Many recessed lights offer dimming abilities for further ambiance control. Discuss dimmer compatibility with the electrician during the planning process.
Permits and Codes
Any electrical work requires permits and inspections. Recessed lighting must adhere to local building codes for layout, wiring, and materials to pass inspection.
The Importance of Layered Lighting
While recessed lighting provides excellent ambient and accent illumination, incorporating lamps and sconces brings additional benefits.
Visual Interest
Mixing multiple fixture types creates depth and visual interest in a space, balancing the recessed lighting. Table and floor lamps introduce style and warmth.
Task vs. Ambient Lighting
Recessed lighting excels at ambient illumination while portable fixtures like swing arm lamps better serve tasks like reading. Combining both types caters to different room functions.
Warm and Inviting Ambiance
The addition of table lamps, sconces, and other fixtures provides lighting at eye level for a cozier, more inviting and comfortable atmosphere compared to overhead lights alone.
Common Recessed Lighting Mistakes To Avoid
With some careful planning, you can prevent the following common recessed lighting errors:
Too Many Lights Too Close
Avoid overcrowding recessed lights. Follow the recommended spacing for ceiling height. Too many close fixtures causes glare and uneven lighting.
Lighting That’s Too Strong
Recessed lighting should provide soft, not harsh, illumination. Choose the appropriate bulb brightness and color temperature for the room size to avoid an uncomfortable glare.
Improper Angle
Adjustable recessed lights must be angled correctly, avoiding pointing straight down. Light should be directed in front of and wider than seating areas.
Forgetting Eye Level Lighting
Layer recessed lighting with table lamps and sconces to create a human-centered lighting experience full of visual interest and comfort.
The strategic placement of recessed lighting is key to maximizing the potential of any living room space. With the proper layout, thoughtful luminaire selections, and professional installation, recessed lighting can provide exceptional ambient, task, and accent illumination tailored to your unique space. Always plan the locations and functions of recessed lights based on room size, seating areas, visual goals, and activities. Balance recessed lighting with other fixture types like portable lamps for a warm, inviting ambiance.
By applying the tips outlined here for perfectly-placed recessed lighting, you can showcase your living room’s best architectural elements while creating a comfortable oasis for relaxing or entertaining. When designed thoughtfully, recessed lighting becomes an invaluable asset, elevating your living space’s style, functionality, and atmosphere.