I have a customer whom is concerned about the placement of his recessed lighting, the concern stems from the placement of the lights. The desired appearance is to have uniform wall lighting and ample open space lighting. My conundrum begins with the placement of the cans. Is there a formula for calculating the placement of the lights (ceiling height +/- the distance from the walls)? The space I am constructing is completely open, separated only by a couple of partition for halls and a bathroom. The guys at Cooper (halo) have not yet respond, either way if someone has practical experience it more than likely would be more helpful.
Thanks
Replies
There are entire books written on lighting design but generally speaking a can light with a flood bulb will illuminate a circle the height of the ceiling so 8 ft ceilings will produce 8 ft circles of light. For general lighting 8 ft on center seems to work well although equal spacing in the room is more important. For super picky customers try rigging a bunch of lights on a loose piece of romex and hold them in postion. Don't forget trim kits as they have a dramatic impact on light dispersal.
Eric
If this is the formula you use keep in mind that the center to center dimension for each light will be ceiling height/ 1.5. This accounts for overlap and no nodes or dark spots.
If the ceiling is open, install a couple of furring strips and test the light pattern yourself - when the Client is NOT there. This way you can then approach the Client with information. This is one of the reasons why you have been hired, right? The Client can then disagree with you but you have at the very least given them a starting point to stray from.
Keep in mind that the lighting shedule will also be subject to where the existing joists are. The Arch/ Des/ Dec/ Client should be told this the very first time you discuss recessed lighting.
If it is new construction, the Framer needs to know the schedule BEFORE he starts to frame. Of course this is in Fantasy Land. I just couldn't resist.
Also a factor is the type of bulb chosen as light dispersal varies dramatically with different bulb configurations. I'm no expert on lighting; in fact, I usually bow out on lighting decisions, but the HO on the current house I'm building is doing his own lighting layout and has done basically what has been suggested thus far: temporarily setting up the cans AND, in his case, trying out a selection of bulb styles in an effort to achieve the light dispersal and spectrum that suits him.
I will usually end up with 5-6 feet spacing. There are an almost infinite variety of variables. Par30 or 40, type of trims, ceiling height, wattage, paint colour, etc. Some jobs end up only 39" to 48" spacing. You can add more lights and use separate circuits or use dimmers.
You will not get even wall lighting from cans.
Can lights also serve as task lighting so placement starts from that fact and spacing proceeds from there.
Excellence is its own reward!
The others are right. The cans, trims and lamps (bulbs) used make a great difference. Throw a dimmer or two into the equation and the possibilities are endless.
One small tip that has served me well in places. If you place cans in, actually about 2 to 4' from each wall, the corners it indirectly washes the walls in the corner and this counteracts the natural darkness of the corners. The effect is sometimes both subtle and dramatic as it indirectly lights the room and makes it appear warmer, friendlier and larger.
Why does your client want recessed lighting?
"The desired appearance is to have uniform wall lighting and ample open space lighting. " This seems anti-thetical. Can you suggest to him perhaps a nice chandelier or some sconces? Track lighting would be most flexible. Recessed lights are cast in stone - or, at least, drywall.
-Peter
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