How far from the wall for recessed cans?
I have to install 2, 3†recessed lights over a new fireplace surround / mantle that I just built. The ceiling and wall are finished and I’m using the “remodel†type cans. They are the eyeball type models, each containing a 50-watt bulb. I have no problem with the wiring portion of the task however I’m trying to figure out how far from away from the wall the lights should be positioned. I’m concerned that if I’m too close to the wall the light will appear “coned†on the wall where if I’m too far away the light will get diluted. Does anyone have any advice on what distance away from the wall the cans should be? How far apart should the cans be from each other? I was thinking about mocking something up to play with the positioning but I thought I would ask all of you.
As always, any advice is appreciated.
Replies
I've had good success using 18" - 24", but that's usually with 4" eyeballs. I ususally do what you suggest and mount them temporarily to get a feel for the light they throw off. It'll vary a lot depending on the style of bulb and design of the fixture.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
One of the reasons for decrorative lighting that eyeballs give you is the coned light effect.
You will end up with that, because your point of aim is a spot high on the wall above the mantle and because you have a small eyeball. There are wall wash lights with a broader spread, but they still give some of the same att that height.
about 18" should be right, but you are tightly coniuned acording to mantle height and ceiling height, so the previous suggestion to hot wire it and play around testing the glow and spread is best.
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After I posted my message I was thinking about weather if the eyeball model is the most appropriate for the same reason Piffin pointed out. I may get the coned looked by default from using an eyeball. I think I know what Piffin is referring to when he mentions a wall wash type lenses so I think I’m going to rethink this a bit more. For positioning, I’ll hot wire everything together and play around with the locations.
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To lightly wash the wall with a 4'' can and no eyeball or wall wash trim, 12'' (preferred)- 18'' . There will still be an arched top, but the full light area will start about a foot to a foot and a half from the ceiling. If you can find a good juno catalog, they should have a "triangle of light" diagram showing the different spreads from different hts. 3'', a tad closer.
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Edited 3/2/2007 2:57 pm ET by calvin
Thanks Calvin, I'll check out Juno.
What are you doing? trying to light artwork over the mantle without good area light will throw the under mantle area into shade. Go to a good lighting supplier and seek advice. I have three 4" at about 4" from the wall, center aimable w/ special bulb (about 30 bucks!) for the art and two general spread fixtures for area illumination. The two gen purpose cans are on a dimmer.No wall wash. Jim
Remember the bulbs too -- some are flood and some are narrow spot bulbs.
Billy
Edited 3/4/2007 1:07 pm ET by Billy