I live in a house that has 7’6″ ceilings. There are no lighting fixtures in the living room/dining room, only one switched duplex that could control a floor lamp.
I have experimented with one recessed fixture, a 5″, but no matter what kind of or wattage bulb I put in, it seems to be shining right in my eyes. I also can’t stand anywhere underneath the lamp, as it is uncomfortably warm on my bald head!
What other kinds of lighting could I use in this great room area?
In older homes like these, the main remodeling goal is often a more welcoming, more social, and more functional kitchen.
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Replies
What about multiple wall sconce fixtures and a few more recessed on a dimmer ?
Perhaps ring the perimeter of the room w/ an upside down cornice box attached to the wall near ceiling (sorta' like rain guttering) and use florescent strip lighting.
Or find can lights to uplight at the walls. There are many inexpensive ones that are available in the box stores.
As for the downlight recessed fixture. There are different lamps. Floods and spots are different spread patterns for reflector type lights. Also if it is shining in your eyes make certain the lamp is the right size and stays hidden inside the fixture.
Overall what you want to see is light on an object or area. You don't want to see the lamp itself.
Your ceiling is too low for recessed lights. Accept it.
Try using torchers - these are free standing up-lights on posts and stand wherever you want them to and are plugged into wall outlets. They are commonly halogen lit (250w) and on dimmers. You can buy one for about $50-$70 and test it out to see what you think. What's nice about them is they offer reflective light - light which bounces off the ceiling. Less hot spots, more diffusion. It will also give the ceiling some visual height.
Another idea which I prefer is end table lamps. The lamps are placed on small tables which flank the sofa.
For the Dinning Room try the wall sconce idea. They are great soft and indirect light sources.
BTW the ceiling should be painted white and not the same color as the walls. White gives visual height and rooms are defined by corners. If you deny the corners the walls tend to visually meet in the center of the ceiling creating a cave-like effect. (I know someone's going to give me some $hit about this comment).
Thanks for all the great suggestions and advice. I've often wondered if the ceilings were just too low for recessed fixtures. The problem is how to light areas in the middle of the great room without having lamp cords strung all over the floor. I've seen something I believe is called a "pin" light, a recessed light that is very tiny. Any experience with these?