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recess lighting vs overhead

Started by CyberSan28
over 15 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Jan 2010
Discussion about
My living room does not get too much light and has no overhead light so I'm thinking off getting some light overhead. Been told its pretty easy to run a wire from the socket along ceiling. Anyone know how that will cost? Will that also give me a better price when I sell later on? Or does recess lighting get a better price? I imagine that would be more expensive to put and you lose some ceiling height? Any advice would be helpful.
Response by NYCMatt
over 15 years ago
Posts: 7523
Member since: May 2009

Recessed lighting gives you much better light than a simple overhead. It's much more costly and I doubt it would make any meaningful difference in property value.

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Response by execuman1
over 15 years ago
Posts: 3
Member since: Jul 2009

get a track from lightolier -- universal heads -- the cheapest and easiest -- u can get them shaded simple

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Response by staciruiz
over 15 years ago
Posts: 38
Member since: Feb 2007

lowering a ceiling for recessed downlighting is criminal. put a center junction box and have much brighter, even lighting and, most importantl more flexibility for the buyer.

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Response by fhsack
over 15 years ago
Posts: 129
Member since: Jan 2009

I had enough space above the ceiling to add recessed halogens - it was absolutely the best decision and I can't be happier. The halogens give a really nice quality light on dimmers. I used to have track lights and hated them.

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Response by epitope
over 15 years ago
Posts: 8
Member since: Jan 2010

I was facing the same decision recently and was glad I didn't do it. Unless you have high ceilings, recessed lighting tends to cast harsh shadows. Plus, you wouldn't want a high intensity light shining in your face while trying to relax on the sofa. You'll probably be better off with a diffused lighting source or using multiple sources, e.g. combining floor/table/wall lamps to give even lighting throughout the room.

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Response by CyberSan28
over 15 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Jan 2010

thanks. I won't do recessed lighting as the ceiling aren't so high. guess I still have to decide if I want to install an overhead light (maybe a ceiling fan) or just use floor and table lamps. Does anyone know how much it would cost for an electrician to run a wire up to ceiling?

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Response by Primer05
over 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009

Is it in the way or out?

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Response by ethanelle
over 15 years ago
Posts: 2
Member since: Nov 2008

overhead lighting in general is unflattering go with the lamp idea

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