How to Choose Recessed Lighting for the Family Room

The family room serves many functions. Recessed lighting can provide the space with general illumination, accent lighting and task lighting. Here's how to choose recessed lighting that fits your needs.

Instructions

1. Sketch out a map of your family room and divide it into task areas.

2. Decide what type of lighting will be most useful for each area. .

3. Calculate how many lights you'll need for general lighting. The rule of thumb is to have one 4-inch recessed light for every 4 square feet of ceiling space, or one 6-inch light for every 6 square feet of ceiling space.

4. Take special equipment into account when planning your lighting. The position of your television and home computer equipment can influence the placement of recessed fixtures.

5. Consider dimmer controls that allow you to adjust the level of lighting with individual lamps.

6. Choose recessed lights with reflector bulbs for general lighting.

7. Create a dramatic accent using wall-wash lights that bathe a room in indirect light and color.

8. Use eyeball lights to illuminate game and reading areas.

9. Position low-wattage lights where they won't create glare on television and monitor screens.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want bright lights for reading, but softer, dimmer lights for watching television, use dimmer switches to adjust the level of lighting in the room.

• Always use insulation contact (IC) light housings if there is insulation present above the ceiling.

• Always check local ordinances before buying housings and lamps to be sure that your design complies with safety and energy codes.

• Get advice from a lighting professional or electrician to be sure that your installation is safe.