Every indoor space requires a lighting source. It is essential as each area is fit for certain tasks and it is necessary to provide a source to facilitate that process or adjunct processes. At this point it has become a statement more than a usual need. Interiors of any space, residential or commercial have certain tasks to pertain to. For example, homes depict personal style while cafes must have a warm inviting ambiance. It’s subjective and requires depth and detail which is luckily now achievable with innovative LED light fixtures.
LED pot lights are modern-day fixtures that add a subtle and unique value to any room. They are now popularly of use in all indoor spaces and most lighting architects suggest recessed lights for renovating any old spaces.
Contents
What are LED pot lights?
LED pot lights are tiny light fixtures that have three main components. The function of these lights is quite dependable on these parts. It contains a housing, an LED bulb, and a trim.
Housing:
The housing is the basic structure that holds all the components in place. It sits inside the ceiling and requires space above the ceiling for efficient function. The housings of recessed lights are IC rated and NON-IC rated. There are different designs for different ceiling types which make them easier to install in various spaces. The housings are both for new construction ceilings and remodeled ceilings.
Trim:
The trim of the fixture is available in various designs. It directs the light out of the fixture by controlling the amount of light coming from the bulb. the trim adjusts beam angle and is rotatable in most cases. Different types of popular trim designs are:
- Open trim, baffle trim
- Gimbal trim, eyeball trim
- Pin-hole trim,
- sloped ceiling trim
- Wall Wash trim
Bulb:
The bulb in LED pot lights is LED. There are various designs of LED lamps available in the market. The design differs on the basis of the bulb’s shape, base, and length. The popular bulb types are MR, PAR, BR, etc. The reason why traditional lamps are no longer of use is due to their inefficient function and shorter life span. LED lamps have longer service life with different CCT options which are helpful for creating the desired ambiance.
These light fixtures are highly customizable to get a better overview of their installation costs and benefits, check this link.
Planning a layout:
When it comes to interiors and using recessed lights the biggest challenge is getting even light across the room which is also optimally bright for visibility and ambiance. It is certainly achievable but by taking certain factors into account like:
- Dimension of the room i.e height of the ceiling, area of the room.
- A place for other light fixtures.
Recessed light requires a cut out in the ceiling for the housing to fit inside therefore it is important to plan a layout prior to purchase and installation. These lights are fit for low ceiling areas or those with ceiling height around 20 feet. By determining the ceiling’s height it is easier to select the size of recessed lights and they are available in sizes 2-6 inches.
The placement is also crucial so the light is evenly distributed, which is why the fixtures in a certain pattern, must be placed equidistant to each other. Mostly the distance is equivalent to the diameter of the housing.
Once the layout is planned it is easier to select the appropriate trim design for different light layers and the trims of pot lights can create all three lighting layers which are:
General lighting
The purpose of each interior differs depending on whether it is residential or commercial but the basic lighting layer in all spaces is the general lighting layer. It must be bright and evenly distributed throughout the room. The general lighting is easily achievable through open trim, reflector trim and baffles trim.
Task lighting
Task lighting is common within spaces that have task zones like kitchens, study rooms, or lounges. It is achievable by eyeball trim or pinhole trim.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting basically creates the ambient layer and focuses on any important zone or piece within the room. It is quite important and adds an improvising touch. This layer is achievable by the use of wall wash trim, gimbal trim, eyeball trim, etc.
Lastly, LED pot lights allow customization based on different moods one might want to achieve which is through selectable correlated color temperature and color rendering index. LEDs can produce warm yellow to cool white light which is measurable on a Kelvin scale ranging from 2500K to 6000K. While the CRI can be set around 80 or above as it enhances the appearance of the objects under direct light.
Advantages of LED pot-lights
Higher lumen output
The efficiency of LED lighting fixtures is measurable by lumen output. It is a measure of the brightness of LED lamps, they require less energy and produce more lumens. This is a direct measure of the efficiency of LED lamps which is higher than traditional lamps.
Directional lighting
LED pot lights are excellent for directional lighting despite their subtle presence in the room. They allow adjusting the beam angle and amount of light leaving the fixture which makes them adequate for decorative lighting with or without an extra pair of fixtures.
Low maintenance
LED light fixtures are quite low maintenance as they are safety-rated to last several years against different environmental or impairment factors. They are IP-rated to protect against dust, moisture, dirt, and fluctuating temperatures which are the key elements that destroy the functional life of any lamp or fixture.
They require replacement once every few years and last a while which has a direct effect on the costs of their maintenance.
Nowadays, subtle but beautiful lighting is the priority for any interior is it home, cafe, museum, gallery, shop, office, etc. Refurbishing is one process that is done with careful planning to achieve a certain layout for adequate function of the room or any interior. The initial investment is worth it because it is durable, efficient, and longer-lasting.