Your lights are one of the most important features in your house.
Seriously.
Have you ever woken up at 3am for a late night snack and rushed to the kitchen, only to bang your pinky toe (again) on a piece of furniture you swore wasn’t there before? That wouldn’t happen if you turned a light on.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change, why not consider pot lights? They’re a stunning addition to any house that will never go out of style.
What are the benefits of pot lights?
The saying “bigger is better” is almost always true, especially when it comes to your space. Why not give the illusion of a larger room with lighting that takes up less space? Because pot lights are recessed into the ceiling, nothing is hanging and making the room look smaller.
Another way to trick people into thinking that you have a large room is a process called “wall washing.” It’s a lighting effect that throws more light around the room with the help of the right kind of trim (the part of the light that you can see from the hole in the ceiling). To make the most out of wall washing, your lights need to be spaced properly away from the wall and each other.
When you’re spacing your lights, consider putting something you want to highlight under one of them.
That framed hockey jersey signed by an NHL legend.
Your bookshelf full of the classics.
That picture of dogs playing poker that you just had to have.
The pot lights will act like a spotlight that will draw the attention of anyone in the room.
Which rooms should I install pot lights in?
You can install them anywhere.
- Want to shower before the sun rises and not turn on the overhead lights? Install pot lights above your shower.
- Need extra lighting in the kitchen so you can whip up some Gordon Ramsay inspired dishes? Add some lights above the counter, stove, or island.
- Want to give your home theatre that cinema feel? Pot lights.
The best place to install them is between ceiling joists during home renovation and construction, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late for you. In fact, many pot lights are specially designed to be put in your ceiling through holes made to accommodate wiring.
Can I install pot lights outside?
Absolutely!
The benefits of pot lights aren’t confined to four walls. You can place them outside to highlight your space or as an added layer of security. Just like the indoor variety, it’s easier to install them outside during the home renovation or construction phase, but a licensed electrician (like us!) can do it to your existing home.
If you’re looking to add a little bit of flair to your home’s exterior, consider adding pot lights to these locations:
Porch ceiling: Why should your outdoor lighting be limited to the light next to your front door? Get a little crazy and add them to your porch to give it that cozy feel.
On your deck: You know those summer nights when you have your closest friends over and the atmosphere is just right? You don’t have to ruin the mood with intense flood lights just to be able to see. Consider adding pot lights along the posts or railings, or even in the stairs.
In the soffit (the overhang where your roof meets your siding): This is one of the most popular places to install pot lights. Installing them under your roof’s overhang will offer a significant level of protection from the elements, but you should take extra precautions by choosing lights that are specifically made for outside.
Can I choose different levels of brightness or change the colours?
There are a ton of options when it comes to choosing your lights. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But before you make a rash decision, think about what you want from your lights.
If you want your room to feel cozy, go for a warmer tone by choosing a light in the 2700K to 3000K range. When choosing lights for a room that you want to feel bright and energetic (like your office), the cooler temperatures of a light in the 3500K to 4000K will liven up your space.
No matter which temperature you choose, make sure you opt for an LED light that has a high CRI (colour rendering index). This is important because it allows the colours to appear as they are intended. Your best option is to choose a light with a CRI of 90 or higher.
How can I install pot lights in my home?
Unless you want your ceiling to look like Swiss cheese, you’re going to want to rely on experienced electricians to bring your vision to life. Let the electricians at Hyperion Electrical get the job done right so you can experience the peace of mind that you deserve.