Recessed lighting is incredibly versatile as it can provide both task and ambient lighting to any area. Also referred to as can lighting and pot lighting, it is a type of lighting fixture that is mounted on a wall or ceiling which is mostly the case.
You already know how useful a recessed light can be from its versatility. But, did you know it can boost a room’s aesthetic appeal, too? It can if it is paired with a decorative recessed light cover. It often comes in the form of a trim ring and it is available in different colors as well as metallic finishes. A decorative cover can also be square in shape, which is perfect if the round ones are too plain, boring or conventional for your taste.
The trim ring or light cover for recessed lighting also serves a purpose apart from aesthetics and that is to cover the point wherein the downlight and ceiling join together to create an ultra-smooth transition in between the light and the surface.
The material and color of your decorative trim should complement or match the room. If your goal is to maintain the focus on whatever your recessed light is illuminating, then opt for a thin trim with a color that is the same as your ceiling. Maybe what you want is to emphasize your ceiling. If so, then you can opt for colors and materials that will draw the eye upwards.
As you are thinking of getting a decorative trim, you should consider getting one that has lenses as it helps in blocking you from seeing the bulb that can have a glare. But, it will still depend on what you're trying to achieve. A lensed decorative trim for recessed lighting can also let you protect your light fixture if it is installed in your shower room. Whenever you take a hot shower, your bathroom steams up. Remember that electricity and moisture don't mix well. Putting a lensed trim over your lighting will block moisture from reaching the fixture and causing damage to your electrical system.
Decorative recessed light trims come in several different sizes ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches in diameter. What's the best size for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you want to produce a broader amount of light, then you should get a larger-sized trim. For smaller trims, they are less conspicuous so they're architecturally desirable and modern. The common applications for 6-inch trims are wall wash illumination and general residential downlight because of their ability to support various lamps, efficient optics, and wattages. As for 5-inchers, they have become popular as they are excellent for general lighting in small-scale settings and task lighting. 4-inch line voltage trims, on the other hand, are useful for accent and task lighting. They also work for areas that have lower light level requirements like over a counter or bar. The market also carries 4-inch low voltage M16 lighting trims which are inconspicuous but ultra-powerful precision accent light.
Once you have determined your preferred trim size, it's important that you understand the trim style that you want. The right style for you will be based on the desired effect you're going for, as well as the trim's application. Baffle trims are popular choices. They're best used in living spaces like dining rooms, bedrooms, dens, and living rooms. These trims feature huge uniform grooves that have been designed to absorb any excess lighting. Reflector trims are best used in kitchens, commercial spaces and very high ceilings as they maximize the light that has been produced by the bulb. They are also available in multiple tints that can warm a room or obscure the light bulb from view. Adjustable trims, on the other hand, are used for task lighting, general lighting, wall washing, and accent lighting. They allow bulbs to float within the housing and give users the ability to reposition bulbs so they can reach the desired areas. Now, it's time for you to check out your available options. Here are some of the best decorative recessed light trims we've found online:
When it comes to decorative recessed light covers, it's really the materials used and the details of the trim that allow for a unique lighting atmosphere in a home space. For instance, Rose Tarlow, interior designer, notes that decorative recessed light covers really work to conceal the fixture and shape the way the light suspends into a room. Decorative recessed light covers come in a variety of materials including high-density urethane which is eco-friendly and easily shaped. You may also find some decorative light covers that are fashioned out of handmade glass or crystal to create a nice glimmer. There are also more lightweight options, like synthetic polymer, which is often found in various finishes such as copper or brushed nickel. For hardwearing options, there are also lots of decorative recessed light covers made out of stainless steel or even specialized heat-safe plastics.
The design of your decorative recessed light covers can really work to make or break the overall aesthetic of a room. Decorative recessed light covers work in all sorts of home spaces and are installed directly into the ceiling, wall, or finished surface. Design expert, Billy Cotton suggests opting for decorative recessed light covers that are 3 to 4 inches in size above a kitchen island as you can use multiple and place them every 6 to 8 inches. For hallways, living rooms, or bathrooms, you can find larger options that are 6 to 7 inches in size. The trim shape is always a vital component of decorative recessed light covers as you can find them in a variety of materials and shapes, including circular, square, oval, star, or abstract. There may also be adjustable trims, direct-style trims, and lensed or reflector trims which affect how the light shines down.
If your home space is lacking in illumination, choosing decorative recessed light covers can really work to brighten a space as well as finish off the room's entire look. If you live in a wetter climate that's prone to flooding, Nicole Hollis recommends choosing decorative recessed light covers crafted out of damp-resistant materials that won't warp, crack, or peel. If you like to have options in terms of brightness and style, finding decorative recessed light covers with wattage and temperature options is ideal. You'll also come across some decorative recessed light covers made out of eco-friendly materials and ones that are compatible with various bulb styles such as LED or fluorescent bulbs to create different lighting tones. There could also be ones with magnetic-style trims that allow you to switch things up with the times when the lighting styles change.
