Recessed Lighting Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Recessed Lighting to Help You Decide

Recessed lighting is a specific type of lighting fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling of a home or office. It’s been a popular option for decades because it has a range of benefits. However, there are certain drawbacks to recessed lighting as well. Consider these recessed lighting pros and cons before you decide to have it installed.

Recessed Lighting Pros

Here are the top 5 reasons why you may want to consider recessed lights:

1. They’re hidden: Recessed lights are perfect if you want to go for a more modern or minimalist look or if you think a traditional fixture would be too distracting. They’re also a good option for rooms with low ceilings, like basements, where traditional fixtures might get in the way and even cause a few bumps on the head.
2. They provide even illumination: When you have recessed lighting installed, you will have several lights evenly spaced across the ceiling of a particular room. This will provide the room with more even illumination, unlike a lamp or traditional lighting fixture that only illuminates the immediate area surrounding it and leaves some parts of the room dim.
3. They can add drama to décor: If you’ve got a piece of art, a prized painting, or a design element that you want to highlight in your home, just one or two strategically-placed recessed lights above the item can make it really stand out and add dramatic flair to the room.
4. They’re trend–proof: Recessed lighting fixtures are like stainless steel kitchen appliances—always in style. Unlike other lighting trends that come and go (e.g., track lighting, monorail lighting) recessed lighting is a good long-term investment because it never looks dated or out of style.
5. They work in wet areas: If you want to illuminate your shower or bath, then recessed lights are your only option. There are special recessed light fixtures made specifically for “wet areas” that resist steam and droplets of water.

Recessed Lighting Cons

Of course, there are drawbacks to recessed lighting that you should consider as well:

1. The lighting is limited: Each light itself only provides light to a limited area, so if you want to ensure that a room will be well-lit, then you’re going to need to install a lot of them. This can get pricey depending on the size of the room.
2. They leak air: To install recessed lights, you will need to cut into your ceiling. This can leave small gaps around each light and allow heat to escape in winter and cool air to escape in summer. That can affect both the comfort of your home and your energy bill.
3. They’re difficult to install: Installing recessed lighting isn’t a “do-it-yourself” job. Although some homeowners may be able to install traditional light fixtures on their own, they shouldn’t attempt to install recessed lighting. Recessed lighting installation is complex, requiring precise cuts into a room’s ceiling, careful removal of any insulation, and proper sealing up of any gaps or leaks. Leaving this project to electrical professionals like Apollo Electric is the best way to ensure the job is done correctly.

Now that you are aware of recessed lighting pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about getting them installed in your home or office. If you’re still not sure, then call Apollo Electric. Apollo’s team of professional and friendly contractors are ready to recommend the best lighting solutions for your home, office, or retail space. Apollo Electric has been providing the five boroughs of New York City with exceptional electrical services since 1995. Contact Apollo Electric today.