When installing recessed lighting, the general rule of thumb is to place the fixtures 8 feet apart and in a straight line with the center of the trims being 12-14 inches apart. In hallways and longer corridors, it is important to stagger the recessed light trims.
In addition to following central points, one should also consider the actual task areas where light is needed. Consider the depth of any furniture, countertops, islands, and artworks that are in the space, as well as any workplace areas, to determine where to ideally place the fixtures.
Recessed lighting should be installed at least four feet from any wall and not placed in the center of the room. When lighting a kitchen, one should place the lights where needed, such as a refrigerator, stove, or sink.
Above any kind of seating or eating areas, such as a kitchen island or table, one should also consider having the recessed lights angled so that the light does not shine directly in the eyes of anyone sitting there.
Lastly, for bathrooms, one should install recessed lighting near the vanity, as well as in the shower area.
How many recessed lights should I put in my living room?
The number of recessed lights you should install in your living room will depend on the size of the room, the amount of ambient light present, the type of lighting that you wish to achieve, and the overall style of the room.
As a general rule of thumb, a small to medium-sized room typically requires four to six recessed lights, while a large room should have six to eight recessed lights. To create ambient lighting in the room, you may wish to consider installing two to three recessed lights supplemented by indirect lighting, such as candles or wall sconces.
In terms of the type of lighting you should install, it is best to opt for warm white lighting, particularly if you are seeking to create a cozy atmosphere. Ultimately, the number and placement of your recessed lights will depend on the desired effect, so it is important to assess your living room’s layout and needs before deciding how many to install.
Is recessed lighting good for a living room?
Recessed lighting can be an excellent choice for a living room, as it provides a modern, yet inviting look and feel. It can also be used to create different lighting effects to suit your style and the type of lighting you want in your space.
Recessed lighting can provide good overall ambient light, and it also helps with task lighting. It can also be used to direct light to certain areas, such as a feature wall or artwork. Another benefit of recessed lighting is that it can help create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
Considered and well-planned recessed lighting in your living room can help you create the perfect ambience for entertaining family and friends. Additionally, recessed lighting can be installed closer to ceilings compared to other types of lighting, which gives the room a higher ceiling look and creates a sense of space.
Should you put recessed lights over a TV?
No, you should not put recessed lights over a TV. This is because recessed lighting installed directly over a television can create glare and reflection, which can interfere with your viewing experience.
Also, depending on the lighting choice and the type of construction, the recessed lights may radiate heat that can potentially damage a TV or shorten its life span. If you do want to install lighting above a television, it is recommended that you use indirect lighting, such as wall-mounted sconces, fluorescent light sources, or pendant light fixtures.
These options will still provide illumination without interfering with your viewing. Additionally, you should consult an electrician if you are adding lights in the area to ensure that the wiring and installation are done properly and safely.
How far from a wall should recessed lights be?
The general recommendation for installing recessed lights is to place them 8-10 inches away from the wall. This distance should be kept consistent throughout the installation. The further away the recessed lights are from the wall, the more they will illuminate the surrounding area.
Additionally, this distance will help prevent any obstruction of light that can be caused by a wall in the light’s path. Depending on the particular project, however, it may be ideal to move the lights closer to the wall.
This is especially true when recessed lights are being installed in tight spots, such as hallways and staircases. In such cases, the lights can safely be moved closer to the wall to maximize their utility without the risk of obstruction.
Does light behind TV reduce glare?
Yes, light behind a TV can reduce the amount of glare on the screen, although the extent to which it helps can vary depending on the specific TV. Generally, the light should be diffuse and slightly dimmer than the max brightness of the TV in order to be effective.
Having the light come from behind the TV can help to make the perceived brightness of the picture more uniform, which will reduce the appearance of hot spots and glare.
In addition to lighting placed behind the TV, glare can also be reduced by adding a matte screen protector to the front of the TV, which will absorb ambient light and help to reduce reflections. The right angle of the TV can also be adjusted to reduce the chance of reflections and direct sunlight causing glare.
Generally speaking, it's best to place the TV at about a 30 degree angle from any direct light sources, as this will help to minimize glare on the screen.
How do you keep lights from glaring on TV?
One way to keep lights from glaring on TV is to install an anti-glare filter to the front of the monitor or TV. This filter is like a thin sheet of plastic or glass that will help block out light that is entering the viewing area.
It can also make it easier to see what is on the TV in brightly lit rooms. Additionally, make sure to position the TV away from any external sources of light, such as windows, lamps, or other reflective surfaces.
To make sure it is not affecting your viewing experience, you should reposition the TV or adjust the angle of the filter if needed. Finally, consider investing in blackout blinds and curtains in the room if available.
This will help further reduce any external light from entering the room and potentially reflecting off the TV.
How do you light a TV in a room?
Lighting a room with a TV can help to create an inviting atmosphere and set the mood for watching your favorite shows. The method of lighting will depend on the size and shape of the room, and the desired task lighting for watching your TV.
If you are in a smaller space, such as a bedroom, you can use wall-mounted sconces or directional track lighting to light the area around the TV. Point the lights away from the TV and towards the walls to help reduce the amount of light that is reflecting onto the screen, while still illuminating the space.
For larger rooms, you can use floor lamps or ceiling fans with internal lighting. These can be used to light up the entire space, as well as provide focused lighting around the TV. Use lamps that fit the style of your room and make sure to angle them down, away from the TV to avoid glare.
For the best experience, you can also alternate between ambient lighting and task lighting depending on the time of day or task at hand.
By choosing the best lighting method for your TV area and space, you can create an inviting space for entertaining with friends and family and enjoy a comfortable viewing area for watching your favorite shows.
How do I get rid of the light glare on my TV?
There are several ways to reduce or eliminate the light glare on your TV.
One option is to change the position of the TV. Digital displays have a glossy finish, which means they are reflective and can bounce the light back. Move the TV such that it’s not directly facing a window or lamp and the light reflection should lessen.
Another option is to treat the windows in the room or else use blinds or curtains. If the source of the glare is coming from outside, filtering or blocking the light before it enters the room can noticeably improve the look of your TV.
You can also try changing the settings on the TV. If your TV has a setting called “Anti-glare” or “Reduce reflection” toggle this option on. Depending on the model, it should help the TV more accurately sense the ambient light and adjust the settings accordingly.
Finally, you can purchase antiglare filters for gaming and TV screens. They attach to the display itself, blocking any reflection from lighting sources. They also protect the eyes from any harmful blue light from the TV.
Can you have too many recessed lights?
Yes, you can have too many recessed lights. Installing too many recessed lights in a space can create a washed-out appearance, as the ambient light from too many small sources can create a less-than-ideal illumination in the room.
It can also contribute to higher energy bills, as too many recessed lights can create a “brightness overload,” with lights competing for attention and amplifying glare. Additionally, recessed lights can contribute to a feeling of intrusive light, since they have to be placed in the ceiling, which can be intrusive to the feeling of intimacy and homeliness in the space.
When considering the number of recessed lights to install, it’s important to assess your goals and make sure you are not installing too many. Consider the size and shape of the space and make sure the recessed lighting is balanced between the ceiling and the walls.
Additionally, include other types of lighting, such as wall sconces, table lamps and floor lamps to add ambient and decorative light. Finally, if you are installing a dimmer switch, you can adjust the intensity of the recessed lighting to suit the occasion or mood.
How many can lights for a 12×12 room?
The number of can lights needed for a 12×12 room depends on a few factors, including the size of the room and the desired light level. To get a good estimate of how many can lights to use in this room, you will need to consider how much ambient lighting and natural light the room gets, as well as the size of the room and the height of the ceiling.
The more ambient lighting in the room and the more natural light, the fewer can lights you will need. The larger the room, the more can lights you may need as well. For example, if the room is larger than 12 feet by 12 feet, more can lights may be needed to spread the light across the room.
Finally, the higher the ceiling, the more can lights will be necessary in order to get the desired light level and to avoid shadows.
Ultimately, a 12×12 room may need between 4 and 8 can lights, depending on the factors mentioned above.
How many can lights can be on one switch?
The wiring in the walls, the type of switch being used, and the size of the breaker box. Generally, it is recommended that no more than nine 120-volt can lights be operated on one switch. However, if all lights are 75 watts or less, then up to twelve lights can safely be controlled by one switch.
In some cases, it may be possible to control more than twelve lights, but this should only be done with the advice of an electrician who can assess the existing wiring, breaker box, and make sure all components are properly rated to handle the increased load.
How many LED lights can you put on a circuit?
The number of LED lights that can be put on a circuit depends on many factors, including the voltage and amperage of the circuit and the wattage output of the individual LED bulbs. As a general rule of thumb, a 12-volt circuit is able to carry approximately 15 amps total, with each individual LED bulb typically using around 0.5 amps.
Therefore, a 12-volt circuit could support up to 30 LED lights. However, if the circuit is not able to deliver the wattage needed by the individual light bulbs, you may need to decrease the number of lights that can be connected to the circuit.
Additionally, consider the energy requirements of the individual bulbs, as a 3-watt LED bulb will use more energy than a 1-watt LED bulb, so you’ll want to be mindful of this as well. Ultimately, the most suitable solution for a given situation will depend on the specific requirements of the circuit, its capacity, and the wattage requirements of the individual bulbs.
Why do some of my recessed lights flicker?
Recessed lights can flicker for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is due to a loose electrical connection. If a bulb is connected to a loose wire, the light will flicker because an adequate amount of electricity cannot be provided.
Another common cause of flickering lights is due to a faulty bulb. A flickering light can indicate that a bulb is going out and needs to be replaced. Additionally, nearby appliances and heavy machinery can cause interference with the wiring, which can cause lights to flicker.
Finally, if a circuit is overloaded, it could result in the lights flickering on and off randomly. In any of these situations, a qualified electrician should be contacted to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Do recessed lights need to be evenly spaced?
Yes, for both aesthetic and practical reasons, recessed lights should be evenly spaced. Equally spaced recessed lights can create an even, symmetrical distribution of light, providing a more pleasing tone to a room while also reducing harsh shadows.
Additionally, if the lights are not well-spaced, the uneven lighting can create an unappealing environment with overly bright and/or dark areas. When planning the spacing of recessed lights, keep in mind any furniture placement that could cause an obstruction in the light beams.
Additionally, make sure you leave at least 6 inches of space between the wall and the light. This will ensure that the lighting is comfortable, even, and will not create any glare or shadows on objects or walls.
Do can lights need to be symmetrical?
No, can lights do not need to be symmetrical. Generally speaking, the way a space is lit is primarily based on aesthetic and practical considerations, so the layout of lighting fixtures can often be determined by the look and feel desired by a designer or homeowner.
However, that being said, in certain cases symmetry can create a more desirable look, and can also help to achieve more even lighting throughout a room. Therefore, depending on the desired outcome for a particular space, it may make sense to consider placing can lights in a symmetrical layout.
How far should 4 inch recessed lights be from the wall?
The general rule of thumb for installing 4-inch recessed lights is to have them at least 6-12 inches away from the wall. The distance of the fixture from the wall can vary depending on the purpose and coverage you are looking for.
If you need a wide spread of light, the fixtures should be installed closer to the wall. This will help even out the illumination. If you are looking for more spot lighting, the fixtures should be installed at the maximum distance of 12 inches away from the wall.
In addition, certain guidelines should be followed when installing recessed lighting, such as using the appropriate lumen rating, beam angle and trim type for your application. Technical advice from a qualified electrician is highly recommended.
How do you install can lights in a straight line?
Installing can lights in a straight line is a straightforward DIY project that can help to give your space a modern feel and improved lighting.
To do so, first, locate a joist in the ceiling that is large enough to accommodate the size of the fixture and doesn’t have any support beams in the way. Use an electronic stud finder to make sure you’ve located a good spot, and make a mark with a pencil where you’d like the light to be installed.
Next, measure and mark the distances between the lights that you’d like to install. Make sure each light is spaced evenly so the line looks straight when you’re done.
Cut the holes in the ceiling using a can light hole saw. Make sure the hole is centered over the mark you just made and be sure to wear protective eye goggles and a mask.
Once the hole is cut, use a drywall saw to remove any debris, then feed your electrical cables through the hole.
Attach the trim of your can light onto the housing, then hook it up to the power source and cover the wires with a junction box.
Use screws to secure the trim flange in the ceiling and you’re done! With a few simple steps and the right materials, you’ll be able to quickly and easily install can lights in a straight line.
