Indoor decorative Lights & Lighting (2024)

FAQs

What is the best color temperature for recessed lighting? ›

2700K – this is warm white and is probably the most standard. This is used most often in homes in recessed lighting, decorative lighting, and table lamps.

The Role of Lighting

Proper lighting can help us accomplish more during the day, relax better in the evening, and even sleep better at night. Lighting should highlight architectural features, bring attention to art and high-end furnishings, and make colors stand out.

Halogen and LED bulbs are the most common bulbs for recessed lights. LED lighting helps lower energy costs, and the bulbs are cool to the touch.

Use diffuser film: Diffuser film can be placed over LED lights to soften them.

But, in general, you're best bet would be to choose light bulbs in warmer color temperatures (2700K-3500K, or thereabouts). Warmer color temperature light bulbs will have less blue light, which can potentially be dangerous over the long run for our eyes.

Bright white (4,000 to 5,000 Kelvin) is between white and blue tones. With a less cozy and more energetic feel, bulbs with this color range are best for work spaces (such as a home office or garage) and kitchens with chrome fixtures. Daylight (5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin) has a more bluish tone.

The right lighting illuminates the interior design and highlights your home's best features. There are four main types of lighting – ambient, task, accent, and decorative.

Good light indoors is stimulating during the day with an intensity that is at least 5x higher and relaxing during the evening with an intensity that is at least 5x lower, than the current standard for vision.

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent that gives a close approximation of natural daylight, known as "white light." Colors appear sharper under halogen light and the bulbs can be dimmed.

However, there are alternatives to recessed lights that can make your home look as beautiful as you want. These alternatives include modern semi-flush ceiling lights, and styles such as disc lights, pendant lights, tube lights, and track lights.

Why are my LED bulbs burning out in my recessed lighting? ›

LED bulbs don't generate as much heat as other bulbs, but that does mean they can be a little sensitive to overheating. This can cause them to burn out too quickly. Keep your bulbs cool and they'll last longer. Firstly, ensure the bulbs you're using aren't too big for the fitting.

Choose a white finish for a clean modern look. It is the most common and popular choice when it comes to recessed lighting. If you have wooded ceilings, we recommend choosing a metal finish as they complement the overall rustic look.

Typically, LED dimming problems occur because the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing or, more specifically, the LED lamps aren't in sync with the controls, or dimmer switches. In order to get LED lamps to dim, you need a proper pairing between the lamp and the controls.

In general, most warehouse lighting and outdoor lighting is 5000K, often called bright white as it's a close representation of sunlight. Lighting we often see in residential use is more relaxed settings are usually 3000K-4000K. Business office lighting is usually around 4000K.

Offices and kitchens, requiring focused illumination, may find 3500K more appropriate. The size of the room can impact the choice. Cooler temperatures like 3500K can help maintain brightness in larger spaces, while the warmth of 3000K may create a more intimate feel in smaller rooms.

For example, if you have warm earthy tones in your decor, a warm white light (2700K-3000K) can enhance those colors and create a cozy atmosphere. If you have cooler tones like blues and greens, a cooler white light (5000K-6500K) can enhance those colors and create a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Warmer color temperatures (2700K – 3000K) have a more inviting, relaxing feel and typically use more orange and yellow tones. Best for pendants, wall lanterns, ambient lighting, and residential indoor lighting.