Replies

1. 
   dutchblue | Sep 06, 2006 04:25am | #1

   Whats the ceiling height?  Is it task lighting (den/office), accent, or both?  What is the max wattage lamp allowed?   Are the room walls light or dark?  Any natural light in the room and does it need to supplement that during the daytime?  What size room?  How many fixtures were you able to get.  Are they insulation contact rated, and is there insulation above?   Is the circuit properly sized for the cans you want to add?  Flat or sloped ceiling?

   These are some of the questions we ask to get an idea of placement if we don't get to walk a home with a customer.

   Centered over the desk definately, anything behind you will cast a shadow. 

2. 
   diesel | Sep 08, 2006 07:13am | #2

   I installed 51 4" Halogen units this spring in my new house. 

   At that time I did a pile of research. The best advice I got was put a trim and a bulb in and temp wire the light with a plug.  Then power it up with an extension cord get a ladder and hold it in different positions on the ceiling. This will let you know 95% what your finished product will be.

   Other than that if your more the calculation type go here http://www.junolightinggroup.com/literature.html  Juno lights are arguably the best recessed and their recessed catalog is the best.  It has all sorts of layout concepts and graphs how to space recessed light based on bulb size and type.  It's the first download on the page.  Halo are also very good lights.

   When I did mine I used both the catalog and the method above(I'm the calculation check it again type).  I now have my trims in and lights on and I can't think of one that could have been in a better position.  The only change I would have made and still probably will is replace a pendant over the main kitchen sink with a recessed unit. 

   Very generally on a desk I would space it midpoint.  You want it in a position that it does not cast a shadow from your head or body on the desk.

   Happy lighting